Deuteronomy
Purpose
Deuteronomy records Moses' three great farewell addresses to the new generation of Israel poised to enter Canaan — a land he himself would never see — and its purpose is not merely to repeat the law but to press it into their hearts as a matter of love and life or death. Moses rehearses the wilderness journey and God's faithfulness, expounds the commandments in their social and ethical dimensions, and above all returns again and again to the Shema: "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 might" (6:4–5). The book sets before Israel with absolute clarity two paths — the way of covenant obedience leading to life and blessing in the land, or the way of rebellion leading to curse, exile, and death — and the prophets consistently held Israel to this standard for the rest of the Old Testament. Deuteronomy was the book Jesus quoted most frequently, and the one that shaped the entire Deuteronomistic History from Joshua through Kings.
Author
Traditionally Moses
Time Period
Written c. 1406 BC, on the plains of Moab before entry into Canaan
Key Themes
- Covenant renewal
- Law
- Obedience
- Love for God
- Land
Outline
Moses' first address — the journey reviewed (ch. 1–4): from Horeb through the wilderness to Moab; the appointment of judges; the rebellion at Kadesh; a call to hear and obey. Moses' second address — the law expounded (ch. 5–26): the Ten Commandments restated; the Shema and the great command to love God; warnings against idolatry; laws on worship, kings, prophets, cities of refuge, warfare, justice, and the tithe; the first-fruits confession. Blessings and curses (ch. 27–28): the covenant ceremony at Shechem and an extended list of blessings for obedience and curses — including exile — for rebellion. The covenant renewed (ch. 29–30): a third address at Moab; the famous promise that God will circumcise their hearts after exile. Moses' final acts (ch. 31–34): Joshua commissioned; the Song of Moses; the blessing of the twelve tribes; Moses ascends Nebo and views the land; his death and burial by God.