Seder 143: Deuteronomy 11---The Gift, Test, Promise, and Opportunity of the Promised Land

 Moses begins Deuteronomy 11 by reminding the congregation of some events from their history.  In verses 2-7, he gives several examples of the power and mighty works of God.  In particular, he recalls the rebellion of Dathan and Abiram, who had accused Moses of taking them out of  "a land flowing with milk and honey" in order to kill them in the wilderness (Num 16:13).  God had stopped that rebellion by having the earth swallow up the rebels.

There was no need for the Israelites to look back wistfully at Egypt, as the rebels had done.  Instead, they should follow God and look ahead to the wonderful home that he was providing for them. Moses contrasts Canaan with Egypt and describes the unique characteristics of the Promised Land in Deuteronomy 11:8-12:

• In Egypt there is a little rain, and food is produced through human effort.  Canaan, on the other hand, produces a spontaneous bounty and will yield produce in abundance when God grants rain.
• While Egypt is flat, Israel is a land of hills and valleys.
• Canaan is the special object of God's care and attention.

Moses explains that inheriting the land is a major test for Israel (verses 13-21).  If the people are loyal to God, they will enjoy abundant life in the land.  If they turn to other gods, then the rains will stop and they will eventually lose the land.  God's commitment to Israel would be unwavering, but each generation would choose to what extent to participate in the blessings of the land.  The potential for blessing was great (vv 23-25), including the opportunity to expand all the way to the Euphrates.

Moses brings this part of his message to a climax in vv 26-28 with an "altar call."  Israel had two options, blessing and curse.  The choice was theirs.  The choice would be presented in a very tangible way when they reached the land in a special ceremony at Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim (v 29).