Story 57: Events During The Last Days Of Mo'ses lll

   The numerical strength of each tribe as revealed in this census was made the basis for allotting the land of Ca'naan. Mo'ses, knowing that he would not be permitted to cross the Jor'dan and take part in the conquest of Ca'naan, gave full instructions concerning these allotments, and they were later carried out by his successor, Josh'u-a.
   There were many other matters of importance to which Mo'ses gave his attention before he ascended Mount Ne'bo for his departure to Heaven. Rules were given for the several feasts which were to be observed by Is'ra-el in their national life. Further instructions concerning the duties of the priests and Le'vites were given, and new provisions were made for their support. The system of tithing was confirmed and carefully outlined. The laws of sacrificial offerings were repeated and made more complete. Mo'ses prepared for future generations a complete account of the journeys of Is'ra-el from E'gypt to Ca'naan, and of the various places where they had encamped. Directions were given for the assignment of certain cities to the Le'vites, and others were set aside as Cities of Refuge.
   Mo'ses made a series of speeches in which he recounted all the laws which God had given him, calling special attention to the moral and religious codes. These addresses make up the greater part of the Book of Deu-ter-on'o-my.
   In these long speeches Mo'ses reviewed the goodness and mercies of God toward His chosen people, and reminded Is'ra-el of her Divinely chosen place among the nations of the world as the recipient of God's special revelations. He not only urged the necessity of perfect obedience to the Laws of God, but also stressed the solemn duty of faithfully teaching them to their children.
   In many respects the book in which these addresses are recorded is superior to all the other writings of Mo'ses, for it is a summary of the entire Law of God as given to Is'ra-el by Divine Inspiration. The four addresses of Mo'ses are the words of a dying father to his children, inspired of God, earnest, and impressive.