Deuteronomy

Moses’ farewell messages to the next, Generation of Israel, to prepare them to enter into the Promised Land 

Summary:
The nation of Israel has been wandering around in the desert for forty years trying to reach the land God has promised to them.  Their time in the desert has been a time of purification and judgment on a disobedient people.  In fact, none of the original generation (aside from Joshua and Caleb) who had experienced God’s mighty hand of deliverance from Pharaoh will be allowed to enter into the land. Sadly, Moses will not be allowed to enter either, but he does see the Promised Land from Mt. Nebo before his death.  The Hebrew title for this book is, “The Words” taken from the opening phrase, These are the words (1:1).  These are Moses parting words to the younger generation following the forty years of wandering to remind them of their national history as well as God’s commands.  It is a book of Remembrance. 

Some important points to understand about the book of Deuteronomy:

• The book is attributed to Moses (Deut. 31:9) although the end of the book records Moses’ death (Chap. 34), which was most likely penned by Joshua.
• Deuteronomy is thought of as a “second law.”  In reality, it adapts and expands on the Law given at Mt. Sinai.  This book is also considered a “Book of Remembrance.”[1]  God’s blessings are conditioned on obedience.
• There are close to 100 quotes or allusions to Deuteronomy found in the New Testament.[2] Deuteronomy is the most quoted OT book.  Hopefully some of the material will sound familiar to you.
• The book of Deuteronomy covers approximately one month in time and takes place exclusively on the plains of Moab (where the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea).[3]
• Deuteronomy 6:4-9, the Shema (Hebrew for hear, obey, listen) has become very important to Jewish believers as a confessional of their faith.  It is recited daily (even now) by those who are devout.
• Key verse: And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?  Deut. 10:12-13 

[2] The NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1985), 243.

[3] Ibid.