In a series of three lengthy and final discourses that comprise the book of Deuteronomy, Moses reviews Israelite history from the time of the Exodus, repeats and expands upon many of the commandments, and admonishes the people to remain faithful to God and His Torah.
The Israelites left the area around Mount Sinai with the objective of conquering Canaan shortly thereafter. To assist Moses in his manifold duties, judges and other administrators were appointed. Following the disheartening report of ten of twelve spies sent into Canaan the people refuse to embark on the conquest. In view of this, God decrees that the generation of the Exodus (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb) will wander in the wilderness for thirty-eight years until they die out; their children will inhabit the Promised Land.
The Israelites were enjoined from attacking the Edomites (descendents of Esau), and the Moabites and Canaanites (descendents of Lot). They did, however, defeat Sihon, the Amorite king, and Og, the King of Bashan. Their lands were divided between Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Menasseh, who settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River.
Mi SheBayrach
