Deuteronomy 1

Introduction to Moses’ First Address

1These are the words that Moses spoke to all the people of Israel while they were in the wilderness east of the Jordan River. They were camped in the Jordan Valley*1:1 Hebrew the Arabah; also in 1:7. near Suph, between Paran on one side and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Di-zahab on the other.

2Normally it takes only eleven days to travel from Mount Sinai*1:2 Hebrew Horeb, another name for Sinai; also in 1:6, 19. to Kadesh-barnea, going by way of Mount Seir. 3But forty years after the Israelites left Egypt, on the first day of the eleventh month,*1:3 Hebrew In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month. This day in the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar occurred in January or February. Moses addressed the people of Israel, telling them everything the Lord had commanded him to say. 4This took place after he had defeated King Sihon of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon, and at Edrei had defeated King Og of Bashan, who ruled in Ashtaroth.

5While the Israelites were in the land of Moab east of the Jordan River, Moses carefully explained the Lord’s instructions as follows.