Deuteronomy 1 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter forms a continuation with the last chapter of the book of Numbers. In this chapter is Moses’ first speech to the Israelites.

1. The author’s introduction of Moses’ speech (1–5)
2. Moses reminds the Israelites of Yahweh’s instructions at Mount Horeb to leave Mount Horeb and begin possessing the land that Yahweh had promised them (6–8)
3. Moses chooses judges and military leaders (9–18)
4. Moses recounts the Israelites leaving Mount Horeb and traveling through the wilderness and coming to the hill country of the Amorites and sending out spies to survey the land (19–25)
5. The Israelites unbelief and fear (26–28)
6. Moses’ encourages the Israelites and they persist in their unbelief (29–33)
7. Yahweh’s response (34–40)
8. The response of the Israelites (41–45)
9. Moses’ summary statement (46)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Possessing the land

Moses reminds the Israelites of Yahweh’s command at Mount Horeb to enter and possess the land that Yahweh had promised them. He reminds the Israelites that Yahweh promised he would give them the land of Canaan if they obeyed him. Other people lived in the land, but Yahweh promised to give the Israelites victory over them. (See: faithful and promisedland)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

One direct quotation inside another

In this chapter, Moses gives a speech in which he quotes what others have said. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate or format this passage so that there are no quotations within quotations. (See figs-quotesinquotes)

Time background

In his speech, Moses reminds the Israelites about what happened to their ancestors when they were camping at Mount Horeb. Throughout his speech, Moses repeats the phrase “at that time” to refer to new topics that occurred during that time period. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could state this information explicitly. (See: writing-newevent)