Deuteronomy chapter 9

vs 1

But where does the sky start, exactly? I mean, if all they have to do is block your view of the ground and the other highest feature, then the walls probably only need to be taller than a tree or someone's house. Still, sounds imposing. Just also sounds like hyperbole.

vs 2

This was early in human history, see - the pithy saying was still in its infancy.

vs 3

God will make sure that the path is ready for them. Just like God makes the wheat grow but doesn't then harvest and bake it for them, so he prepares the land for conquering, but doesn't just cast power word kill and wipe everything out.

I must be feeling a bit extra nerdy today.

vs 4

I've been positing this the whole time, but here it is in black and white. God is using Israel as a tool of judgment against these nations. Sure, he is also rewarding Israel with land promised to Abraham all that time ago. But as God said, not because of their righteousness. Because he has plans and chose them specially for them.

vs 5

Pretty much what I said. Can't ask for much more clarity there.

vs 6

So stiff necked, in fact, that you needed to hear the same message three times in three verses.

vs 7

Sad but true. And yet despite this, they are still standing at the foot of the land. No wonder when you get to the New Testament they're all, "We're God's chosen people, and that's more important than how we act."

vs 8

That would be the Golden Calf incident. Which hasn't been mentioned yet, so no doubt it will be expanded on now.

vs 9

Is that hyperbole? Is he leaving out an important fact like "I did drink fruit juice and I ate cake"? I don't think so. Why couldn't God sustain him? In fact, the idea that in God's presence his needs were entirely sustained is a very nice one.

vs 10

I can't imagine the feeling of this situation. Moses would have been in such a good place at that point. I bet his mind went back to it when he was saying this. A revelation that is pretty much unparalleled.