Deuteronomy 1 5

Deuteronomy 1:5 kjv

On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying,

Deuteronomy 1:5 nkjv

On this side of the Jordan in the land of Moab, Moses began to explain this law, saying,

Deuteronomy 1:5 niv

East of the Jordan in the territory of Moab, Moses began to expound this law, saying:

Deuteronomy 1:5 esv

Beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab, Moses undertook to explain this law, saying,

Deuteronomy 1:5 nlt

While the Israelites were in the land of Moab east of the Jordan River, Moses carefully explained the LORD's instructions as follows.

Deuteronomy 1 verses

Deuteronomy 1 5 Meaning

Deuteronomy 1:5 establishes the critical setting for the Book of Deuteronomy: east of the Jordan River in the plains of Moab. Here, Moses solemnly began the work of clarifying, reiterating, and expounding the Law given by God at Mount Sinai. This was not a mere repetition but an in-depth explanation tailored for a new generation on the brink of entering the Promised Land. It emphasized the intentional and deliberate nature of Moses's final address to Israel, preparing them for covenant faithfulness in their new inheritance.

Deuteronomy 1 5 Context

Deuteronomy 1:5 serves as the geographical and literary hinge for the entire book. It follows a brief chronological overview in verses 1-4, establishing the historical moment: forty years after the Israelites departed Egypt, precisely at the edge of the Promised Land. The immediate context is that the generation who heard the Law at Sinai had died in the wilderness due to their rebellion, specifically their unbelief at Kadesh-barnea. Thus, the current audience consists of their children, a new generation ready to enter Canaan. Moses, shortly before his death, is delivering his final addresses to prepare them for life under the covenant in the land. This verse highlights that Moses's subsequent words are not spontaneous remarks but a deliberate, foundational instruction to ensure the nation's spiritual and practical preparedness for their divine inheritance. It emphasizes the teaching aspect of the Law before entering the covenant land, distinguishing it from simply a historical narrative or collection of commands.

Deuteronomy 1 5 Word analysis

• Beyond the Jordan (עֵבֶר הַיַּרְדֵּן - ʿēver hayYarden):

  • ʿēver: means "across," "beyond," or "the other side."
  • hayYarden: "the Jordan" (River).
  • Significance: This phrase denotes the land east of the Jordan River. From the perspective of entering Canaan, this signifies the border region and the very threshold of the Promised Land. It geographically places the discourse precisely at a pivotal moment of transition. It's the launching point for the final conquest and settlement.

• in the land of Moab (בְּאֶרֶץ מוֹאָב - bəʾereṣ Mōʾāv):

  • bəʾereṣ: "in the land of."
  • Mōʾāv: "Moab," a region known from Genesis 19:37 as descending from Lot.
  • Significance: Pinpoints the location with greater precision than "beyond the Jordan." The Plains of Moab (east of the Jordan, facing Jericho) served as the staging ground for the Israelites before crossing into Canaan. This area was conquered and controlled by Sihon and Og (mentioned in Deut 1:4), emphasizing God's previous victories and foreshadowing future conquests.

• Moses (מֹשֶׁה - Mōsheh):

  • Significance: The primary prophet and mediator of the Old Covenant. His authority here is supreme, acting under divine instruction to deliver God's words to the people. He is depicted as a faithful steward of the divine revelation (Num 12:7; Heb 3:5).

• undertook (הוֹאִיל - hoʾil):

  • Hebrew root: יָאַל (yaʾal). In the Hifil stem, it means "to begin," "to decide," "to be pleased," "to be willing," "to resolve."
  • Significance: This word indicates a deliberate, solemn, and determined initiation of action. It's not a casual start but a resolute commitment. Moses consciously and formally sets about this task, underlining the profound importance of what follows. It reflects divine will operating through Moses.

• to explain (בֵּאֵר - beʾer):

  • Hebrew root: בָּאַר (baʾar). In the Piel stem, it means "to make clear," "to make plain," "to expound," "to declare."
  • Significance: Crucially, Moses is not simply repeating the Law but explaining or expounding it. This suggests clarification, interpretation, and application, making the Sinaitic covenant understandable and relevant to the new generation. This highlights the pedagogical nature of Deuteronomy and distinguishes it from mere recitation. This implies a deeper engagement with the divine commands.

• this law (אֶת־הַתּוֹרָה - ʾet-hatTora):

  • hatTora: "the law," referring to the divine instruction given at Mount Sinai (Ex 19-24), encompassing commandments, statutes, and judgments.
  • Significance: Refers specifically to the covenant law. "The Law" (Torah) in this context is much more than mere rules; it's God's revealed instruction for holy living, reflecting His character and outlining the terms of His relationship with Israel. Its comprehensive nature covers all aspects of Israelite life: moral, ceremonial, civil, and cultic. The definite article "the" ("the law") points to a specific, well-known body of divine teaching.

• words-group: Moses undertook to explain this law:

  • This phrase emphasizes Moses's divinely appointed role as interpreter and communicator of God's will. It shows Deuteronomy's primary function as an exposition of the Mosaic Covenant, preparing the people for obedient living in the land. This is the heart of the verse, conveying the deliberate and essential pedagogical nature of the entire book that follows. The "explanation" makes the old Law fresh and applicable for new circumstances, underscoring its timeless relevance when rightly understood. It reflects God's care to make His will known plainly to His people.

Deuteronomy 1 5 Bonus section

The precise geographical location given (Plains of Moab) implies the Israelites' immediate future is in sight, making Moses's message incredibly urgent. It is a moment of divine reckoning and preparation before crossing a final, momentous boundary. The term Torah, commonly translated "law," signifies far more: divine instruction, teaching, and guidance—it's a revelation of God's character and His pathway to abundant life. Moses’s role here foreshadows the prophetic office later in Israel, where prophets would explain and apply the Torah to contemporary situations. This re-telling of the covenant also serves as an act of mercy, ensuring that even a flawed generation has the opportunity to understand and embrace God’s perfect will. It’s an urgent summons to radical commitment to the one true God, a direct polemic against the polytheism prevalent in Canaan.

Deuteronomy 1 5 Commentary

Deuteronomy 1:5 succinctly sets the stage for Moses's grand oratorical testament to Israel. Located in a pivotal borderland—"beyond the Jordan in the land of Moab"—the physical proximity to the Promised Land underscores the urgency and significance of Moses's final teachings. His action of "undertaking to explain" (using the strong Hebrew terms hoʾil and beʾer) indicates a solemn, deliberate, and comprehensive exposition, not just a casual reminder. He recognizes that this new generation, who did not experience the giving of the Law at Sinai directly, needs a clarified and re-contextualized understanding of God's "law" (Torah)—the divine instruction encompassing ethical, civil, and ritual commands.

This is a theological and historical masterpiece, presenting the covenant from Sinai with fresh insight and application, preparing Israel for a life of sustained obedience and blessing within their new homeland. It highlights God's steadfast faithfulness to His covenant promises, despite Israel's previous generation's failure. Moses, acting as the divinely appointed teacher, seeks to renew the covenant, imprint the Law on the hearts of the new generation, and fortify them against the pagan practices of the surrounding nations by firmly establishing the singular, revealed Word of Yahweh as their supreme authority. This teaching serves as a blueprint for success in the land.

• Practical Example: Just as parents re-explain household rules as children mature, giving them deeper reasoning and practical application, Moses "explained" God's Law for a new generation facing new challenges and responsibilities of nationhood.
• Practical Example: This verse reminds us that divine truth is not just recited but must be "explained" or "expounded" for clarity and relevant application in every generation. It speaks to the importance of biblical teaching that clarifies and makes plain God's word.