Having already suffered the judgment of Yahweh to wander in the wilderness for 40 years until they all perish, the 1st generation out of Egypt continue to engage in a series of rebellions against Yahweh and their appointed leaders, Moses and Aaron.

Prior to Moses' death, he takes advantage of one last opportunity to impress upon the Israelites that their future depends on the faithfulness to the Old Covenant of Yahweh's Law (The Mosaic Covenant). Yahweh gives them a choice, Life or Death, Blessings or Curses.