There is recorded here the journey of the Israelites step by step (v1-49). The journey began with great hope (v3-4) but many of the place names are associated with rebellion against God. The journey lasted 40 years 9v38) resulting in the death of all over the age of 20 due to their sin except for Joshua and Caleb.

It is a good exercise to look over our spiritual journey to see if we are progressing or if like Israel we have reoccurring sins we need to bring to the Lord for forgiveness and cleansing from.

The chapter ends with Moses being commanded to tell the people to drive out the nations of Canaan and destroy their false gods (v50-53). The danger if they don’t do so, is that they will cease to be God’s distinctive people and therefore come under the judgment these nations are receiving (v55-56).

We need to constantly examine ourselves in the light of God’s word to see if we are being conformed to the world (see Romans 12 v1-2).

Instructions are also given here for the fair dividing of the land (v54). One thing the Christian can be sure of is that their inheritance in the Promised Land will not only be fair but full of grace (see Matthew 25 v23).