Bristol Bay Church Bible Reading

Throughout Deuteronomy, Moses repeatedly invites the Israelites into a covenantal relationship with God; moreover, when read across the canon of Scripture, these invitations naturally connect to the gospel of Christ. Significantly, Moses delivers these words just before his death, in the fortieth year of Israel’s wilderness wandering, as they stand on the plains of Moab. Although the Israelites have not yet entered the Promised Land—and although Moses knows he will not accompany them—he nevertheless longs for them to understand the law not merely as obligation, but as good news: a life-giving message to guide them as they cross the Jordan and prepare for the next Passover in their new home.

In this way, for the Israelite nation, Deuteronomy functions as the Testament of Moses, intended to prepare the people for covenant life. Accordingly, Moses urges them to read the Torah so that they may hear, learn, fear, obey, and ultimately live (Deut. 31:11–13). Likewise, he calls them to revere the Lord, keep His commandments, and faithfully practice all that the law prescribes regarding worship (Deut. 17:19–20). Thus, obedience is not presented as a burden alone, but as the pathway to life itself.

Furthermore, Moses frames the law as a means of cultivating right understanding and right relationship. Far from being merely a legal code, Deuteronomy is, therefore, a sustained invitation into communion with God. Even so, Moses acknowledges Israel’s limitations, reminding them that their standing before God is not grounded in their own righteousness: “It is not because of your righteousness… for you are a stubborn people” (Deut. 9:6).

Nevertheless, God, in His grace, continues to pursue them. Indeed, He sustains them and teaches them that “man does not live by bread alone, but… by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (Deut. 8:3). In this context, even divine discipline becomes an expression of God’s desire to draw His people into right relationship.

Moreover, Moses deepens this invitation by calling the people to love God fully. As he declares, they are to “love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deut. 11:13). Consequently, this love is not merely external but internal, requiring transformation at the level of the heart. For this reason, Moses commands them to “circumcise… your heart, and be no longer stubborn” (Deut. 10:16). In other words, covenant faithfulness must arise from within. In light of the New Testament, this vision anticipates Christ’s teaching that the entire law is fulfilled in love.

In addition, Moses extends this covenantal invitation through a call to faithful worship. He exhorts the people to worship the Lord alone and to resist the temptation of idolatry (Deut. 13:4). At the same time, he invites them into God’s presence through practices such as offering the firstfruits of their labor, thereby fostering an ongoing relationship marked by gratitude and dependence.

Finally, Moses connects the covenant relationship with the promise of inheritance. As he proclaims, “When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance… you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground” (Deut. 26:1). Thus, the land itself becomes both gift and responsibility. Even today, this theme resonates, as seen, for example, in Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the Promised Land—a future hope grounded in God’s faithfulness.

Ultimately, however, these promises are not merely ancient realities; rather, they foreshadow the greater inheritance found in Christ. What Israel anticipated in land, rest, and blessing, believers now experience in salvation and communion with God. Therefore, the Promised Land becomes a living metaphor for the fullness of life in Christ—a life marked by right understanding, right living, and right relationship with God.-Valerie Burgess

We started this year's Bible Reading Journey about 10 weeks ago. I am praying for your time as you read and study his Word. I like to use two sites when I study the Bible: Bible Gateway and Blue-Letter Bible. I may refer to these sites occasionally. Enjoy your Bible Reading with a cup of tea or coffee. I am having a Diet Pepsi on this warm Alaskan Day (feels like 26 degrees). Well, warm in my house.

I have started a new format for study questions. You can choose from Create, Explore, Word Study, or Questions. You can complete one section or more. Many relate to each other. Unfortunately, I have not been the most creative in the Create section.

Blessings.

March 15

Deuteronomy 10-12

March 16

Deuteronomy 13:1-16:17

March 17

Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

March 18

Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19

March 19

Deuteronomy 26-29:1

March 20

Deuteronomy 29:2-31:29

March 21

Deuteronomy 31:30-32

Psalm 90

March 15

Deuteronomy 10-12

Explore:

In Exodus 32:2-5, 21-24, Aaron sins. In Deuteronomy 10:6, Aaron’s priestly duties are passed down to his son Eleazar. What do Aaron’s sin and God’s passing down of the duties in Aaron’s family line perhaps tell us?

Word Study: Investigate the word “signs” found in Deuteronomy in 12 places. Here is the link to help 'ôṯ -H226 - 'ôṯ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (NLT). How does this word help you to understand the truth of the Bible?

Questions:

1) Why is the title of Deuteronomy 10 in the ESV version “A new copy of the Covenant?”

2) Deut. 12:12 reminds us to do what for those who minister? Explain.

March 16

Deuteronomy 13:1-16:17

Explore: How does Deuteronomy 13:14 affect you?

Word Study: Write down a little about the word mišpāṭ in Deut. 16:19.

Questions:

1) Why, during communion and Passover, do we use bread without yeast, according to Deut. 16:4-3?

2) According to Deut. 16:14, who should celebrate the listed feasts?

March 17

Read Deuteronomy 16-21:9.

Explore:

Go to the following link: H6453 - pesaḥ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (KJV). Discover how the Jews pronounced Passover in Hebrew by finding the horn-shaped word pronunciation button. Then read through some information about the Hebrew word for Passover. Write down your thoughts.

Word Study:

"Inherit" is a word that can be studied throughout the Bible. Consider its meaning in Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 16:20 says in King James Version (KJV): "that thou mayest live, and inherit H3423 the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."

The easier-to-read New Living Translation says: "so you may live and occupy the land that the LORD your God is giving you."

1) Consider the word "inherit" used in the KJV. What word is used in the NLT?

2) How often in today's reading does the author of Deuteronomy, Moses, use the Hebrew word for inherit? (Hint: click on the "H3423" link above to discover information about the Hebrew word}

3) What English word best matches the meaning of the Hebrew Word, such as inherit or occupy or maybe another word?

Questions:

1) Consider Deuteronomy 17:14-20. How does reading the Bible help a King? Does reading the Bible help you, too?

2) What does Deuteronomy 18:9-14 call you to not do in order to live a holy life?

March 18

Read Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19.

Explore:

1) Deuteronomy 24: 9 says in the NLT, "Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam (“unto Miriam (KJV)” H4813} as you were coming from Egypt." Using the "H4813" link, listen to Miriam's name pronunciation and consider the meaning of her name regarding her life.

2) How many times is her name mentioned in the Bible? (Hint: find the answer at the link in question #1.) Strong's Number H4813 matches the Hebrew מִרְיָם (miryām),

Word Study:

"Redeem" is a word that can be studied throughout the Bible. Consider its meaning in Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 24:18 says," But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed H6299 thee thence: (KJV)"

The NLT says: "Always remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God redeemed you from your slavery."

1) Where else in the Bible is "redeemed" used? H6299 - pāḏâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv) T

2) What does the word "redeemed" say to you about your relationship with Christ? I

Questions:

1) Deuteronomy 21:22 uses the word "sin." What does "sin" mean to you? What does it mean in Deuteronomy 21:22? Hint: You can use Blue Letter Bible online or look in a Bible Dictionary. Bible Gateway offers online Bible Dictionaries. BibleGateway.com - Dictionaries

2) Compare Deuteronomy 21:23 to Gal 3:13. What did Christ do for us when he died on the cross?

March 19

Read Deuteronomy 26-28.

Explore:

Consider the word commandment. Explore the sound at the following link: “thy commandments, H4687. “ Does the sound of the Hebrew word give the same ideas as the sound of the English word? Jewish children look forward to their Bar Mitzvah or their Bat Mitzvah. If Mitzvah means commandments, do you think “commandment” perhaps has a more harsh or less harsh sound or gives a different aura for Jews in Bible times or English speaking because of their culture and their outlook on life?

This week, we studied the word “inherit” (KJV). The word “inheritance” is mentioned in Deuteronomy 26:1. Compare this inheritance ( thee for an inheritance, H5159 ) to inherit ( H3423). Are these words producing different ideas, or are they very similar?

Questions:

1. Compare Matthew 5:17 to Deuteronomy 26:13. What is our understanding of the word “commandment?” Commandment in the Old Testament and for the Jewish people was equivalent to the Law. For us, Christ fulfilled the Law. We follow God's commandments but we also know that God looks at the heart.

2. What are the blessings for obedience in Deuteronomy 28?

March 20

Read Deuteronomy 29:1-31:29.

Explore:

Use Strongs to look up the word “covenant” in Deuteronomy 29:1 by clicking on the following link: covenant, H1285 . Find out how to pronounce it in Hebrew. Discover other places it is used in the Bible.

Word Study:

Read Deuteronomy 30:6. Consider the word “circumcise.” Use Strongs and the Blue Letter Bible to discover the meaning with the following link: circumcise H4135 thine heart. What does it have to do with the heart? Find another verse that connects circumcision to the heart. Write down your interpretations or thoughts on Deuteronomy 30:6 and the other verse.

Questions:

1) The text, Deuteronomy 29:1, refers to a covenant made at Horeb. What is this covenant? Exodus 24 describes the Israelites agreeing to follow all the commandments and all the words of the Lord. Moses emphasizes the covenant in Deuteronomy 29:9-15? How are we involved in this covenant or are we?

2) Deuteronomy 30:19 speaks of blessings and curses. Why are these juxtaposed or opposites? What does Moses mean when he speaks of them together?

March 21

Read Deuteronomy 31:30-32:52 and Psalm 90.

Explore:

The idea of Moses being the author of the book of Deuteronomy is sometimes disputed. Read Deuteronomy 1:1 & 1:5. Also read Deuteronomy 31:9, 22, & 24. Explore why people consider Moses the author referring back to the listed Scripture.ion

Word Study:

Consider the word “light” or bringing our ”sins into the light (sins in the light H3974).”

1) What is the light the verse refers to? a literal light or fire. Jesus. Describe it using a Bible Dictionary. Hint: You can use Blue Letter Bible online or look in a Bible Dictionary. Bible Gateway offers online Bible Dictionaries. BibleGateway.com - Dictionaries

2) What other Old Testament verses use the word “light” similarly? Gen. 1:14 when God created light.

Questions

1) What is Psalm 90 titled in verse 1? [A Prayer of Moses the man of God

Who probably wrote Psalm 90 according to the beginning of Psalm? Moses

2) Why is Psalm 90 in this spot chronologically in today’s reading? Does it seem an accurate placement? If Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible, and he wrote Psalm 90 they would go together and give readers mor

March 15

Deuteronomy 10-12

Explore:

In Exodus 32:2-5, 21-24, Aaron sins. In Deuteronomy 10:6, Aaron’s priestly duties are passed down to his son Eleazar. What do Aaron’s sin and God’s passing down of the duties in Aaron’s family line perhaps tell us? It is considered that Aaron's sin may have made him ineligible to be a priest, thus cutting off his family from the role. Moses requests that God forgive him. Deuteronomy 10:6 shows God's forgiveness by passing down the priestly role to his son Eleazar.

Word Study: Investigate the word “signs” found in Deuteronomy in 12 places. Here is the link to help 'ôṯ -H226 - 'ôṯ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (NLT). How does this word help you to understand the truth of the Bible? Many people dismiss the signs in the Bible as stories or fairy tales. We should hear of the signs and know the truth of God's goodness and grace.

Questions:

1) Why is the title of Deuteronomy 10 in the ESV version “A new copy of the Covenant?” Moses had to create new tablets of stone for a second version of the 10 commandments

2) Deut. 12:12 reminds us to do what for those who minister? Explain. It says to take care of the Levites, who serve as ministers in the tabernacle. It says that this is because they are not given land to work and spend their time serving, not earning.

March 16

Deuteronomy 13:1-16:17

Explore: How does Deuteronomy 13:14 affect you?

Word Study: Write down a little about the word mišpāṭ in Deut. 16:19. It means judgment, justice, ordinance

Questions:

1) Why, during communion and Passover, do we use bread without yeast, according to Deut. 16:4-3? When they left Egypt quickly, they didn’t have time to wait for the yeast-raised dough to rise. This simulates the leaving quickly and obeying God quickly.

2) According to Deut. 16:14, who should celebrate the listed feasts? The entire covenant community: Moses instructs that all members of the community are to rejoice together:

3) You (the individual worshiper)

4) Your sons and daughters

5) Your male and female servants

6) The Levite (religious servant without land inheritance)

7) The sojourner (foreigner living among you)

8) The fatherless (orphans)

9) The widow

10)

March 17

March 17

Read Deuteronomy 16-21:9.

Explore:

Go to the following link: H6453 - pesaḥ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (KJV). Discover how the Jews pronounced Passover in Hebrew by finding the horn-shaped word pronunciation button. Then read through some information about the Hebrew word for Passover. Write down your thoughts. (Give personal answers after exploring)

Word Study:

"Inherit" is a word that can be studied throughout the Bible. Consider its meaning in Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 16:20 says in King James Version (KJV): "that thou mayest live, and inherit H3423 the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."

The easier-to-read New Living Translation says: "so you may live and occupy the land that the LORD your God is giving you."

1) Consider the word "inherit" used in the KJV. What word is used in the NLT? Occupy.

2) How often in today's reading does the author of Deuteronomy, Moses, use the Hebrew word for inherit? (Hint: click on the "H3423" link above to discover information about the Hebrew word} 71 times in Deuteronomy.

3) What English word best matches the meaning of the Hebrew Word, such as inherit or occupy or maybe another word? Possess. Occupy.

Questions:

1) Consider Deuteronomy 17:14-20. How does reading the Bible help a King? Does reading the Bible help you, too? And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them (Deut. 17:19)

2) What does Deuteronomy 18:9-14 call you to not do in order to live a holy life? Disobey the verdicts of God.

March 18

Read Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19.

Explore:

1) Deuteronomy 24: 9 says in the NLT, "Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam (“unto Miriam (KJV)” H4813} as you were coming from Egypt." Using the "H4813" link, listen to Miriam's name pronunciation and consider the meaning of her name regarding her life. (Give personal answers after exploring)

2) How many times is her name mentioned in the Bible? (Hint: find the answer at the link in question #1.) Strong's Number H4813 matches the Hebrew מִרְיָם (miryām),

which occurs 15 times in 13 verses in the WLC Hebrew.

Word Study:

"Redeem" is a word that can be studied throughout the Bible. Consider its meaning in Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 24:18 says," But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed H6299 thee thence: (KJV)"

The NLT says: "Always remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God redeemed you from your slavery."

1) Where else in the Bible is "redeemed" used? H6299 - pāḏâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv) This site gives many other places where redeemed is used.

2) What does the word "redeemed" say to you about your relationship with Christ? I know that God ransomed me. He gave his life for me.

Questions:

1) Deuteronomy 21:22 uses the word "sin." What does "sin" mean to you? What does it mean in Deuteronomy 21:22? Hint: You can use Blue Letter Bible online or look in a Bible Dictionary. Bible Gateway offers online Bible Dictionaries. BibleGateway.com - Dictionaries

For a full understanding of sin, consider this article What is the definition of sin? | GotQuestions.org

2) Compare Deuteronomy 21:23 to Gal 3:13. What did Christ do for us when he died on the cross? Christ took the curse of death for us, so we can live forever with Him in heaven.

March 19

Read Deuteronomy 26-28.

Explore:

Consider the word commandment. Explore the sound at the following link: “thy commandments, H4687. “ Does the sound of the Hebrew word give the same ideas as the sound of the English word? Jewish children look forward to their Bar Mitzvah or their Bat Mitzvah. If Mitzvah means commandments, do you think “commandment” perhaps has a more harsh or less harsh sound or gives a different aura for Jews in Bible times or English speaking because of their culture and their outlook on life? (Give personal answers after exploring)

Word Study:

This week, we studied the word “inherit” (KJV). The word “inheritance” is mentioned in Deuteronomy 26:1. Compare this inheritance ( thee for an inheritance, H5159 ) to inherit ( H3423). Are these words producing different ideas, or are they very similar? Inheritance or naḥălâ is a noun that means receiving a portion, a heritage. Inherit or yāraš is a verb and it means to seize or possess.

Questions:

1. Compare Matthew 5:17 to Deuteronomy 26:13. What is our understanding of the word “commandment?” Commandment in the Old Testament and for the Jewish people was equivalent to the Law. For us, Christ fulfilled the Law. We follow God's commandments but we also know that God looks at the heart.

2. What are the blessings for obedience in Deuteronomy 28?

• Set you high above all the nations on earth” (Deuteronomy 28:1).
• Blessed in the city and blessed in the country” (Deuteronomy 28:3).
• Children, food, and animals blessed (Deuteronomy 28:4).
• Defeat your enemies (Deuteronomy 28:7).
• Blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. (Deuteronomy 28:8).
• Establish you as his holy people, (Deuteronomy 28:9).
• The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity (Deuteronomy 28:11).
• “The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. (Deuteronomy 28:13).

March 20

Read Deuteronomy 29:1-31:29.

Explore:

Use Strongs to look up the word “covenant” in Deuteronomy 29:1 by clicking on the following link: covenant, H1285 . Find out how to pronounce it in Hebrew. Discover other places it is used in the Bible. (Give your own personal thoughts.)

Word Study:

Read Deuteronomy 30:6. Consider the word “circumcise.” Use Strongs and the Blue Letter Bible to discover the meaning with the following link: circumcise H4135 thine heart. What does it have to do with the heart? Find another verse that connects circumcision to the heart. Write down your interpretations or thoughts on Deuteronomy 30:6 and the other verse. Circumcision was a way of separating or setting the group of Jews apart for God. When God circumcises our hearts, we are separated or set apart for him.

Questions:

1) The text, Deuteronomy 29:1, refers to a covenant made at Horeb. What is this covenant? Exodus 24 describes the Israelites agreeing to follow all the commandments and all the words of the Lord. Moses emphasizes the covenant in Deuteronomy 29:9-15? How are we involved in this covenant or are we? Our covenant is with Jesus Christ. Luke 22:19-22.

2) Deuteronomy 30:19 speaks of blessings and curses. Why are these juxtaposed or opposites? What does Moses mean when he speaks of them together? God prepares blessings, but curses if the laws are not followed, according to Moses' Law.

March 21

Read Deuteronomy 31:30-32:52 and Psalm 90.

Explore:

The idea of Moses being the author of the book of Deuteronomy is sometimes disputed. Read Deuteronomy 1:1 & 1:5. Also read Deuteronomy 31:9, 22, & 24. Explore why people consider Moses the author referring back to the listed Scripture. (Consider your personal explorations.)

Word Study:

Consider the word “light” or bringing our ”sins into the light (sins in the light H3974).”

1) What is the light the verse refers to? a literal light or fire. Jesus. Describe it using a Bible Dictionary. Hint: You can use Blue Letter Bible online or look in a Bible Dictionary. Bible Gateway offers online Bible Dictionaries. BibleGateway.com - Dictionaries

2) What other Old Testament verses use the word “light” similarly? Gen. 1:14 when God created light.

Questions

1) What is Psalm 90 titled in verse 1? [A Prayer of Moses the man of God

Who probably wrote Psalm 90 according to the beginning of Psalm? Moses

2) Why is Psalm 90 in this spot chronologically in today’s reading? Does it seem an accurate placement? If Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible, and he wrote Psalm 90 they would go together and give readers more information about the author and his views.

Questions? Call Pastor Val at 907-952-3317 or email pastorval@bristolbay.church

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