Deuteronomy 1 3

Deuteronomy 1:3 kjv

And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them;

Deuteronomy 1:3 nkjv

Now it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spoke to the children of Israel according to all that the LORD had given him as commandments to them,

Deuteronomy 1:3 niv

In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses proclaimed to the Israelites all that the LORD had commanded him concerning them.

Deuteronomy 1:3 esv

In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses spoke to the people of Israel according to all that the LORD had given him in commandment to them,

Deuteronomy 1:3 nlt

But forty years after the Israelites left Egypt, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses addressed the people of Israel, telling them everything the LORD had commanded him to say.

Deuteronomy 1 verses

Deuteronomy 1 3 Meaning

Deuteronomy 1:3 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, situating Moses' final address to the Israelites at a specific point in time: the fortieth year of their exodus from Egypt, on the first day of the eleventh month. This verse signifies the culmination of four decades of wilderness wandering, immediately preceding their entry into the Promised Land. It establishes Moses' authority and the divine origin of his words, indicating that his forthcoming discourse—the book of Deuteronomy—is not merely his own wisdom but a divinely commissioned reiteration and expansion of God's commandments given at Sinai, specially adapted for the generation about to inherit the land. The speech acts as a covenant renewal, preparing them for a settled life.

Deuteronomy 1 3 Context

Deuteronomy is Moses' farewell discourse, delivered on the plains of Moab, just east of the Jordan River. It recounts and re-interprets the Mosaic Law, emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness and the importance of Israel's obedience as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This particular verse, Deuteronomy 1:3, serves as the historical prologue, precisely dating the commencement of Moses' address. It places the Israelites' present location geographically and chronologically after the long wilderness wandering and prior to their conquest of Canaan. Historically, the audience receiving this message is the new generation, born and raised in the wilderness, many of whom did not experience the initial exodus or Sinai covenant directly. The initial generation, who had rebelled, had perished during the past forty years. Culturally, the setting involves an impending shift from a nomadic wilderness existence to settled agricultural life in a land promised to their ancestors. The reiteration of laws is crucial for their establishment as a nation under God's rule.

Deuteronomy 1 3 Word analysis

• In the fortieth year:
  • Significance: This marks the full completion of the divine judgment and punishment for the generation that rebelled at Kadesh-barnea (Num 14:33-35). It indicates the long period of wilderness discipline has concluded. It highlights God's patience and enduring purpose despite human failings.
  • Context: Forty years often symbolizes a period of trial, testing, and completion in the Bible (e.g., Noah's flood, Jesus' temptation).
• in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month:
  • Significance: Precise chronological detail underscores the historicity and accuracy of the narrative. This makes the date exactly 38 years and 9 months after the incident at Kadesh-barnea, and roughly a month and a half before their crossing of the Jordan. It sets a definite timestamp for Moses' valedictory speech, signaling an imminent transition.
• that Moses spake (Hebrew: dibbēr - דִּבֶּר):
  • Meaning: To speak, declare, converse. This active verb emphasizes Moses' direct and personal communication.
  • Significance: Moses is God's appointed prophet and spokesman (Exod 7:1; Num 12:7-8). His words carry divine authority. He functions as a mediator between God and Israel.
• unto the children of Israel:
  • Significance: This refers to the entire nation, particularly the new generation. The address is communal and for all. It highlights their identity as the chosen people of God.
  • Context: "Sons of Israel" or "Children of Israel" (bene Yisrael) is the standard term for the covenant community.
• according unto all that the LORD (Hebrew: Yahweh - יְהוָה):
  • Meaning: Yahweh is the personal, covenantal name of God.
  • Significance: Emphasizes the speaker as the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel. His words are trustworthy and powerful. This links Moses' address directly to divine revelation.
• had given him in commandment unto them; (Hebrew: ṣiwwāh - צִוָּה):
  • Meaning: To command, instruct, order. This highlights the nature of the communication as authoritative divine decree.
  • Significance: Moses' speech is not his own creation but a direct transmission of God's revealed will. It reiterates the divine origin and authoritative nature of the Law. It underscores God's sovereignty over His people and His directives.

Words-group analysis:

• "In the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month": This detailed time marker serves as a clear historical anchor. It grounds the discourse in real-time, highlighting the divine patience and the end of a long disciplinary period. It creates an expectation of significant new beginnings for Israel.
• "Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them": This phrase clarifies Moses' role. He is not originating the laws, but faithfully conveying God's divine will to His people. It stresses the continuity of God's covenant instructions. This ensures the audience understands the supreme authority and origin of the upcoming message.

Deuteronomy 1 3 Bonus section

• The timing mentioned (1st day of the 11th month in the 40th year) means that the events described in Deuteronomy occurred within the final few months of Moses' life and leadership. This gives the book a poignant sense of urgency and finality, as Moses knows he will not enter the Promised Land with them.
• The concept of covenant renewal is a strong theme starting here. The "commandment" refers not just to specific laws but to the entire covenant framework established at Sinai, now being re-presented and explained to the generation that must live by it in the land. This suggests that the relationship between God and His people is dynamic and requires periodic re-engagement.
• The transition from a disobedient generation (who perished) to a prepared generation for whom this speech is given underscores the principles of divine consequence and sovereign grace in selecting new leadership and continuation of His redemptive plan.

Deuteronomy 1 3 Commentary

Deuteronomy 1:3 sets the stage for one of the most significant books in the Old Testament, not just chronologically but theologically. The precise dating highlights the faithfulness of God in bringing Israel through the forty years of wandering as prophesied, despite their rebellious past. It marks the culmination of an era of divine discipline and the threshold of a new phase of national existence. Moses' speaking is not a personal monologue but a divine imperative. His address is explicitly stated to be "according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment," thus cementing the divine authority and inspiration of Deuteronomy itself. This introductory verse emphasizes that the words contained within are God's covenant demands and promises, re-stated and re-applied to a new generation, equipping them not just with laws but with the spiritual understanding necessary for their life in the Promised Land. The meticulous date signifies that God's plans unfold precisely and intentionally.