Deuteronomy 13 – Preparing for a Life of Abundance

The Canaanites would be destroyed gradually, as a test of sustained faith.  They were not to take the gold and treasure of the Canaanites because it was full of temptations to idolatry.  The meaning of the word “abomination” is briefly discussed.  The repetition of Moses’ exhortations throughout this text are defended–Moses seeks in this final speech to solidify the importance of the lessons of God’s care for His people and of His commandments.  The Israelites are on the eve of entering a rich and abundant land, from decades of time in the desert.  They are warned to remember that it was not their strength, but God’s that brought them to this land.