A Quick SnapShot of Deuteronomy
Author: Traditionally Moses
Focus: Restatement of Law
- Looking Back: Deuteronomy 1.1-4.43
- A Restatement of the Law: Deuteronomy 4.44-26.19
- Warnings Against Disobedience: Deuteronomy 27.1-34.12
Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Pentateuch. The name in our Bible means “second law.” The Law was first given to Moses at Mt. Sinai and recorded in Exodus. Deuteronomy is the second record of the Law given to a new generation so that they could hear and commit to it. It is a collection of sermons by Moses which were given to Israel before his death.
Forty years before, Moses had led a generation of Israelite slaves out of Egypt. That generation disobeyed God on route to the land of promise and died in the wilderness. Now on the banks of the Jordan, Moses presented this new generation an opportunity to make covenant with God and receive his blessings.
What Happened: An Expanded Outline of Deuteronomy
Looking Back: Deuteronomy 1.1-4.43
Moses recited the rebellion at Kadesh-barnea when God offered the children of Israel the promised land. However, during the wandering period when the generation who had rebelled was dying, God still enabled them to win against their enemies. The time had arrived for the people to enter the promised land, having defeated their enemies. However, Moses was not allowed to enter with them. In order to receive God’s promise, Israel must keep the stipulations of the Covenant which God had given their forefathers at Mt. Sinai.
A Restatement of the Law: Deuteronomy 4.44-26.19
The Covenant was restated for a new generation. As each generation recalled the generosity of God, it would produce obedience. It was God’s choice and love that called Israel. His continued love and blessing would occur as they follow the stipulations of his covenant. When prosperity came, Israel must recall the demonstration of God’s blessings in the wilderness. His blessings come because of his grace to them. They did not deserve it. The stone inscription of the covenant stipulations must be taken to heart by his children. Israel had a clear choice: love and obedience to God which would bring his blessings, or rebellion which would bring disaster. Moses called on Israel to establish one worship center and to worship God. Worshiping other gods was death. Moses described foods which were clean and unclean. He taught about collecting tithes which were used to support the servants of God and the needy. In the seventh year, every debt was to be cancelled and the slaves of the Hebrews were to be set free. All of the festivals established by God, like the Passover, were to be observed with care. The administration of justice was to occur locally. The priests were to be supported by offerings. God would give them prophets for guidance; they had no need of turning to the occult. Rules of evidence were given and refuge cities were to be established for those who killed without premeditation. Rules for serving in war and the humane consideration of Israel’s enemy were discussed. Miscellaneous rules were given for: murders which are unsolved, marriage to a captive, the rights of children and parents, marriage violation, and divorce. Tithes were given as a taxation system
Warnings Against Disobedience: Deuteronomy 27.1-34.12
The new generation gave themselves to following the covenant stipulations and having relationship with God. The details of the blessings for the obedient and the curses for the disobedient are detailed in these chapters. When Israel rebelled, God would bring them back to their land and bless them. Each generation must decide to follow God. Joshua was named as the successor to Moses. Moses sadly predicted that Israel would continue in the future to rebel against God. He taught them a song which summed up the message of Deuteronomy. The children should memorize it and take it to heart. Before Moses died, he blessed each of the twelve tribes of Israel. God’s grace provided him with a glimpse of the Promised Land which lay across the Jordan. Moses died and God buried him.
Questions Deuteronomy Answers
- Read Deuteronomy 4-6 and look for help in raising children. How can you apply Deuteronomy 6.7 to a family?
- How does giving the law a second time to a new generation apply to spreading the good news about Jesus today?
- God is in control.
- He is in control of our lives.
- He wants us to be totally devoted to him. For those who obey, God blesses. For those who disobey and rebel, God judges.
Theology of Deuteronomy
A Theological Glance at Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy demonstrates what covenant life with God is like. The Law was grounded in the love of God. It was never meant to be taken as a way in which the nation or an individual could become God’s child. God had moved in a historical act and delivered his children from their bondage into freedom. If they would keep his commands, things would go well with them. Deuteronomy is quoted more than eighty times in the New Testament. In the story of the attack of Satan on Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus quoted from this book three times. The book introduced a new concept to Israel: Father and son. God is the Father of Israel the son (Deut. 1.31; 8.2-5). He is pictured as an intimate personal father, not a God who lives in some distant part of the universe. All of the judgment that Israel encountered from God must be set against a context of a loving father, who would discipline his child so that the child would grow to maturity with a positive value system by which to live.
Theological Considerations
- Every generation has to face and make its own decisions about God.
- God has called his children to covenant; while sin has its effects, God will accomplish his goals.
Toward the New Testament
The book of Deuteronomy promises that a prophet would come in the future that would be like Moses. This gave the Jews of the first century a background for understanding Jesus. The New Testament leaves no doubt that Jesus is the prophet that the book of Deuteronomy ultimately pointed toward (Acts 3.22; 7.37).
When Jesus insisted that he and the Father are one, this was to be understood in light of the statement in Deuteronomy 6.4, “Hear O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one.”
Jesus used parts of Deuteronomy when he was being attacked by Satan in the wilderness (Deut. 6.13, 16; 8.3; Matt. 4.1-10).
The Lord-Servant Treaty in Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy follows the outline of a Lord-Servant treaty as seen in Exodus. The following is an outline of Deuteronomy based on the Lord-Servant treaty.
The Preamble Deut. 1.1-5
This section sets the context of the treaty.The Historical Prologue Deut. 1.6-3.29
The history of God and his people are discussed in this section.Stipulations
- Basic Deut. Deut. 4.1-40; 5.1-11.32
The basic stipulations which govern the relationship between God and Israel are stated.- Detailed Stipulations Deut. 12.1-26.19
Specific stipulations are explained.Instructions about Reading Deut. 27.1-26
This sections states how often the treaty should be read to the people as a reminder of their relationship with God.Blessings Deut. 28.1-14
The blessings, which occur when the stipulations are kept, are stated.Curses Deut. 28.15-68
The curses, which occur when the stipulations are broken, are stated.Provision for Continuing Treaty Deut. 31.1-34.12
A review and summary of the treaty is supplied.
Questions for Reflection
- Read Deuteronomy 4-6 and look for help in raising children. How can you apply Deuteronomy 6.7 to a family?
- How does giving the law a second time to a new generation apply?
- God is in control.
- He is in control of our lives.
- He wants us to be totally devoted to him.
Helpful Resources
- The Book of Deuteronomy (New International Commentary on the Old Testament)
- Deuteronomy (Understanding the Bible Commentary Series)
- Deuteronomy (NIV Application Commentary, The)
- Numbers and Deuteronomy for Everyone (The Old Testament for Everyone)
