Deuteronomy begins with a brief recap of major events including the delegation of responsibility to tribal leaders and the rebellion that happened after the 12 spied out the Promised Land.
In spite of this, you did not trust in the Lord your God
The Israelites fought and won many battles, physical struggles against those in the region. Their reputation must have garnered one of fear in an age where kings ruled with power. Moses was a great leader, but not perfect. His mistake in Numbers 20 eclipsed all the good he did for decades and his undying faith in the Lord. There is some bitterness in Moses’ mind:
But because of you the Lord was angry with me and would not listen to me, “That is enough,” the Lord said, “Do no speak to me anymore about this matter” Deuteronomy 3:26
The mantle of leadership carries much weight and errors in judgment make an enormous difference. This reminded me of James 3:1-2, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways…”
Lord help me to be true to you in all ways, for your glory, not for my fame!