As a vital part of the Old Testament, Deuteronomy presents Moses’ final words to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder and a call to obedience to God’s laws. Deuteronomy means “second law,” reflecting the repetition and explanation of the laws given earlier in Exodus and Leviticus.

In Deuteronomy, Moses reiterates the Ten Commandments and other laws to guide the Israelites in living a life pleasing to God. The book emphasizes the importance of loving and fearing the Lord, serving Him with all one’s heart and soul. It underscores the blessings that come from obedience and the curses that result from disobedience.

Central to Deuteronomy is the Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” This passage highlights the necessity of wholehearted devotion to God.

Deuteronomy also prepares the Israelites for life in the land promised to them by addressing social justice, worship practices, and community leadership. It includes instructions on how to deal with idolatry, maintain justice, and care for the poor and vulnerable.

Overall, Deuteronomy calls believers to remember God’s faithfulness and respond with trust and obedience. It encourages us to follow God’s commandments wholeheartedly, promising that doing so will lead to a prosperous and blessed life in the land God has given us. This book remains relevant, reminding Christians of the importance of obedience, love, and reverence for God.

PURPOSE:To reaffirm God’s covenant with Israel, provide a restatement of His laws, and prepare the Israelites for entering the Promised Land. It emphasizes obedience to God’s commandments and encourages faithfulness to Him.

AUTHOR: Moses

ADDRESSEE: The Children of Israel

DATE: Around 1406 B.C., during the time of Moses. This date aligns with the period just before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, marking the end of their 40-year wilderness journey.

SETTING: Deuteronomy is set on the plains of Moab, where Moses addresses the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land.

KEY VERSES: 

  • Deuteronomy 6:4-5 — “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

  • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 — “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

  • Deuteronomy 10:12-13 — “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?”

  • Deuteronomy 18:18-19 — “I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.”

  • Deuteronomy 30:19-20 — “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”

  • Deuteronomy 31:6 — “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

BASIC STORYLINE

  1. Preparation at Moab (Chapters 1-10): In this section, Moses prepares the Israelites for entering the Promised Land from the plains of Moab. He recounts their journey from Sinai, reminding them of God’s laws and their covenant with Him. Moses emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the blessings that come with it. He also appoints leaders and reinforces the roles of the priests and Levites.
  2. Exhortation and Warnings (Chapters 11-30): Moses continues his speeches to the people, urging them to remain faithful to God as they prepare to enter the land. He recounts God’s faithfulness and warns against idolatry and disobedience. Moses stresses the blessings of obedience and the consequences of turning away from God. This section includes the renewal of the covenant at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, and the reading of the law before the people.
  3. Passing of Leadership and Blessings (Chapters 31-34): In the final chapters, Moses prepares for his death and the transition of leadership to Joshua. He commissions Joshua as the new leader and writes down the law in a book to be kept beside the Ark of the Covenant. Moses blesses each tribe of Israel and ascends Mount Nebo, where God shows him the Promised Land before he peacefully passes away.

CHAPTER CONTENT:

  1. Moses recalls Israel’s journey
  2. Wanderings in the wilderness
  3. Conquests east of the Jordan
  4. Obedience to God’s laws
  5. The Ten Commandments repeated
  6. The greatest commandment
  7. Israel’s call to holiness
  8. Remembering God’s provision
  9. Israel’s rebellion and repentance
  10. The second set of tablets
  11. Blessings of obedience
  12. One place for worship
  13. Warning against idolatry
  14. Dietary laws and tithes
  15. Sabbatical year and slaves
  16. Annual feasts ordained
  17. Administration of justice
  18. Provisions for priests and prophets
  19. Cities of refuge established
  20. Laws of warfare
  21. Miscellaneous laws
  22. Laws on various topics
  23. Exclusion from the assembly
  24. Laws on marriage and justice
  25. Miscellaneous laws
  26. Offerings and tithes
  27. The altar on Mount Ebal
  28. Blessings and curses
  29. Covenant renewal at Moab
  30. The choice of life
  31. Joshua succeeds Moses
  32. Moses’ song of warning
  33. Moses blesses the tribes
  34. Moses’ death on Mount Nebo