The Historic Context

The book of Deuteronomy is dedicated to the exhortations of Moses during the last two months of his life, being 40 years after Israel’s departure from Egypt. The title Deuteronomy is from the Greek and Latin, meaning ‘second law’, or ‘the repetition of the law’. Whereas the title in the Hebrew is Haddebarim meaning ‘here are the words’. 

The Author and the Book

With the exception of chapter 34, Deuteronomy was written by Moses, Deuteronomy 27, Joshua 8:31-32, 1 Kings 2:3. Clearly it is an important book of the Bible, being quoted more than 80 times in the New Testament, and alluded to more times than any other Old Testament book. Jesus often quoted it, for example three times during his temptation in the wilderness, Matthew 4:4,7,10.

The rediscovery of this book, in the reign of King Josiah, caused the greatest reformation to date, 2 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 34. Significantly, Deuteronomy announces Jesus as a prophet, Deuteronomy 18:15-18, Acts 3:22; 7:37.

The Reasons for Writing

Although maintaining his vigour to the age of 120 years, Deuteronomy 34:7, Moses knew that he would not enter the land of Canaan, Numbers 20:12. He led Israel to the plains of Moab, on the banks of the river Jordan, in view of the promised land. Moses was also warned by God that the upcoming generation would corrupt themselves with idolatry, hence the moving tone of his exhortations which are comparable to those of Paul at his last meeting with the elders of Ephesus, Acts 20:29-31.

The General Themes

The Israelites who had left Egypt 40 years beforehand died in the desert and the next generation had not heard the voice of God resounding from Mt Sinai, Exodus 19-20, hence the need to re-emphasise God’s covenant and the importance of obeying His laws. Moses reiterated the Ten Commandments and detailed blessings for obedience and inevitable curses for disobedience. The book serves as a reminder of God’s covenant and a preparation for life in Canaan.

Two major themes in the book include, how God brought His people out of Egypt and that joy should be the motivation for serving Him. In fact, the curses of the law would come on them because they did not serve God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things, Deuteronomy 28:47.

The Key Verse

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live,” Deuteronomy 30:19.

Chapter Overview

Section 1: Ch 1:1-4:43 History Recalled – What God has Done in the Pass

Section 2: Ch 4:44-26:19 Instructions and Laws – What God Expects from Israel

Section 3: Ch 27:1-34:12 A Spiritual Covenant with a Prophetic Character – What God is Going to Do in the Future.