On this episode, Rev. Adie Harstad joins us to discuss themes found in the Book of Deuteronomy.
Rev. Harstad is the author of Deuteronomy: Concordia Commentary.
Questions covered:
- Harstad recaps the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land and tells us where the Book of Deuteronomy falls in that journey.
- Deuteronomy seems to repeat a lot of themes found in Exodus and Leviticus. What is the significance of this?
- Deuteronomy begins with Moses repeating the journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. Moses sent 12 spies to investigate the Promised Land. When they returned, 10 of these spies gave a bad report about the land, that the people living there were too powerful for the Israelites to conquer. The Israelites did not trust God's promise to fight for them and refused to go up and enter the land. How does Moses strengthen the next generation of Israelites against those same fears?
- Deuteronomy 6 is referenced a lot in regards to God's plan for teaching the faith in households. Harstad explains the significance of the first part of Deuteronomy 6 for households today.
- What are some key passages in Deuteronomy that predict Christ's coming? ("a Prophet like me" (18:15) and "a man who is hanged on a tree is cursed" (21:22-23))
- What does the "A choice between life and death" in Deuteronomy 30 mean? How should we properly interpret this as Lutherans today?
- Why are the defeats of two kings, Sihon and Og in chapters 2 and 3 so significant? They are often mentioned in the psalms.
- Why didn't God let Moses lead Israel into the Promised Land? Didn't He forgive him?
- Does Joshua being appointed leader in Moses' place point to Jesus?
- What does Deuteronomy say to Christians today?
About the guest:
Adolph L. Harstad is Professor of Exegetical Theology, Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, Mankato, Minnesota. He studied at Northwestern College, Watertown, Wisconsin (B.A.), Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (M.Div.), and the University of Wisconsin—Madison (M.A., Hebrew and Semitic Studies). He has also served as a parish pastor and missionary in Zambia, Africa.
