Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 20:1-20.
The LORD prepares His people for their upcoming military conquests of the Promised Land. Israel need not be afraid of larger or more technologically advanced armies, for the LORD is with them. The priest speaks to the army first, reminding them of the LORD’s promise. The officers next allow certain soldiers to leave, lest they fail to enjoy God’s good gifts in the Promised Land or hurt the morale of the troops. Finally, the commanders take their place in front of the army. The LORD mercifully instructs His people to offer terms of peace to cities far from the Promised Land, but those peoples who dwell in Canaan are to be devoted to complete destruction. Such warfare is not against the land, but the people. The LORD does not desire that His people be led astray to other gods and their abominable practices.
“The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this influential book is essential reading for Christians. As Moses strengthened Israel on the plains of Moab before the people entered the Promised Land, so the book of Deuteronomy still strengthens the Church as we prepare to enter the Resurrection with Christ, the Prophet greater than Moses.
