Deuteronomy begins with Moses addressing the new generation of Israelites on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. He recounts their history since leaving Egypt, emphasising how their journey from Mount Sinai to Kadesh-Barnea should have taken eleven days but stretched into forty years due to the faithlessness of their ancestors. Despite these setbacks, Moses reassures them of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham. He instructs the people to obey God’s commands diligently for their benefit and to demonstrate God’s wisdom, presence in their lives and righteousness to the surrounding nations. Moses underscores the importance of this generation embracing their role in God’s covenant, ensuring that they continue to uphold His laws and reflect His character to the world. This call to faithful obedience is a historical reflection and a forward-looking challenge for the Israelites preparing to enter and possess the land God has promised them.