Moses addresses the people in preparation for the transfer of leadership. He knows that his life is near the end. He is keenly aware that his sins have kept him from entering the land of Caanan, the Promised Land. Any yet in many of his statements, he seems to be transferring the blame away from himself and on the people. He seems to have forgotten the "striking of the rock" incident. In fact many of Moses' words seem to be in contrast to what is recorded earlier. Check out Deuteronomy 1:19-25 and compare with Numbers 13.

In his first address, Moses mentions that when they camped at Horeb they were only 11 days out from the Promised Land, and yet it took them 40 years, because of their disobedience and lack of trust. The words of   the old hymn Trust and Obey come to mind once again.  After reading about all the battles, carnage, destruction, and death, it is painful to remember that none of this had to happen if they had only trusted God and obeyed Him concerning the taking of the land.  God was going to drive out the inhabitants of the land, not kill them.

Moses gives the people a history of their nation, their relationship with God and their purpose in the conquest of the land. God's plan was for the people to take the land regardless of what they found there.  These people are the descendants of the original group.  They were either young children when they left or were born during the 40 years. All those who were 20 years of age or older are now dead.

There is an extremely important verse hidden away in today's reading.  It explains a reason for prayer.
Deu 4:7
What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?
Reason to pray?  It brings the Lord near us!  The Hebrew word for "near" is "qârôb".  The definitions for that word are "near - of place, of time, of kinship, of personal relationship".  So when we pray, God comes to us where we are, at the time we pray, in a closer personal relationship with Him.  Wow!

Moses reminded the people to obey God's laws, to teach them to their children, to stay away from idols. He tells them not to add to his commands or subtract from them. Good advice for us today too!

God reminds the people that idolatry is the same thing as adultery. Remember our relationship is like that of a marriage. When we worship anything over and above God we are committing adultery.

“Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.”
When God says He has given us victory, CLAIM IT. TRUST HIM!