DEUTERONOMY  Lesson 15

DISCUSSION CHPTS. 33-34

OPEN WITH PRAYER

Pass out Prayer Request Cards.  Fill them out and pass them

INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTERS 33-34

CH. 33 is Moses’ blessing on the people, tribe by tribe.  In contrast it to the blessings and prophecies of Jacob on his sons, Gen. 49, Moses is terse.

CH. 34  Moses dies and Joshua takes over.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS CH. 33-34, FOR WEEK 16, AUG. 23

1. Moses begins his blessing with recounting God’s having come with

    them through the desert.  It is important to remember God promises,

    God’s instructions, and God’s being with us through the deserts in our

    lives.  How does remembering God’s presence through your deserts

    affect you daily life?

2. Moses spend little time on Reuben and Judah, and skips Simeon

    completely, but he has 4 verses dedicated to Levi.  33:10 describes the

    Levites’ duties.  How does this compare or contrast to what our pastors

    are to do? Why is it especially important for us to hold up our own

    pastors in prayer?

3. The blessings on Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph’s 2 sons, are part of the blessing on Joseph.  They were given the choicest, most fertile land (33:13-17) in the heart of what was to become Israel after the kingdom was broken in two after Solomon’s death. Despite those blessings, those tribes turned away from God most completely and quickly.  What is there about being greatly blessed with material wealth that leads people to forget God? (Pr. 30:8-9)

4. Read aloud 33:27-29.  33:29 cries out to us, ”a people saved by the

    Lord.” Are God’s everlasting arms beneath you? (33:27)  Is He your

    shield and sword?

CH 34

5. Why was it important that no one ever knew where Moses was buried? (34:5) (See 34:10-12 and Judg.  8:22-27)

6. Knowing all you now know about Moses, read Heb. 3:1-6.  Describe  Moses as a symbol, a shadow of Christ.

7. Has this study changed you or your view of anything we have studied?

     In what way?