“And I besought the LORD at that time, saying,”
Context:The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible traditionally attributed to Moses. It records Moses’ final addresses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses is recounting an event that occurred during the Israelites’ wilderness wanderings.
Study:
- Prayerful Intercession:The verse begins with Moses saying, “And I besought the LORD at that time.” This indicates that Moses is engaging in prayerful intercession, seeking the Lord’s guidance, help, or favour. It shows his dependence on God and his desire to commune with Him.
- The Timing:The phrase “at that time” refers to a specific moment or situation. In the preceding verses, Moses had been recounting the conquests of the Israelites against the kings of the Amorites-Sihon and Og. These victories gave the Israelites possession of the land on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Moses’ intercession comes in the context of this historical event.
- Moses’ Request:Although Deuteronomy 3:23 does not explicitly state Moses’ request, we can infer it from the following verses. Moses expresses his desire to enter the Promised Land and see the goodness of the Lord in the land of Canaan (Deuteronomy 3:25-27). Moses had led the Israelites for forty years, but due to his disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:8-12), God had forbidden him from entering the land (Numbers 20:12).
- Moses’ Reverence for God:The fact that Moses approached the Lord in prayer indicates his reverence for God and his understanding of God’s sovereignty. Despite his great leadership and close relationship with God, Moses understood that he needed to seek God’s permission and guidance.
- Lessons for Us:The verse teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it emphasises the significance of prayerful intercession. We, too, should approach God in prayer, seeking His will and guidance in our lives. Secondly, it reminds us of the consequences of disobedience. Moses, although a faithful servant of God, faced the consequence of not being able to enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience. It serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, even if we have a close relationship with God.
Application:
- Cultivate a prayerful attitude:Make prayer an integral part of your daily life. Approach God with reverence, seeking His guidance and favour.
- Learn from Moses’ experience:Recognise the importance of obedience in our relationship with God. Understand that our actions have consequences, and strive to live in obedience to God’s Word.
- Trust in God’s sovereignty:Even when faced with disappointment or unfulfilled desires, trust in God’s perfect plan and timing. Remember that God is in control and His ways are higher than ours.
- Seek the Lord’s will:In all areas of life, seek God’s will and direction. Surrender your plans and desires to Him, and trust Him to lead you in the right path.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and consult other biblical resources for a more comprehensive understanding of the context and teachings of Deuteronomy 3:23.
