Introduction to Deuteronomy

34 chapters

1. Author and Time of Writing

Deuteronomy is the last book of the Pentateuch (Greek for "Fivebook") or of the Thora (Hebrew word for "law"). The unity of the Pentateuch and the fact that Moses is the author have often been denied since the 19th century. Criticism has especially focused on the book of Deuteronomy as it is said to have been written only at the time of Josiah or even later.

Starting from 2 Timothy 3:16: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God," we can see in the Old as well as in the New Testament that Moses is considered the author of Deuteronomy, and therefore, the time of writing is confirmed. In Deuteronomy 31:9 and 24-26, it is testified that Moses wrote the book and that he gave it to the Levites to keep it. In Joshua 8:32-35 explicit reference is made to Deuteronomy 27:8-12 as "all that Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded before." At the same time, the law of Moses (Thora) is mentioned in 2 Chron. 34:14 and Neh. 8:1, the book of Deuteronomy is also included.

The Pharisees in the New Testament in Mat. 19:7 refers to Deuteronomy 24:1 with the words, "Why did Moses then command...?" In the following verse, the Lord Jesus Himself confirms that Moses had given the command. The following references of the NT mention Moses as the author of Deuteronomy:

• Mat. 22:24 (Deut. 25:5);
• Acts 3:22; 7:37 (Deut. 18:15-16);
• Heb. 12:21 (Deut. 9:19).

Sometimes, the question is being raised as to who the author of Deuteronomy 34 was and where we find the death and burial of Moses. It probably was Joshua, the friend and successor of Moses (Deuteronomy 34:9), who, under the guidance and inspirationBy inspiration (literally: to breathe into), we understand that the Bible comes from God. It is inspired by Him word for word (1 Cor 2:13). This applies to the OT... More of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More, added this short appendix to the whole work of his predecessor.

The events of Deuteronomy happen during the time of the first day of the eleventh month in the 40^th year after the exodus out of Egypt (Deut. 1:3). The place of these events is the "plains of Moab" on the east side of Jordan.

2. Purpose of Writing

The name "Deuteronomy" for the fifth book of Moses means "second law." But the book is more than a simple repetition of the laws contained in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, which God had given the people of Israel at Mount Sinaï. Out of the generation who were older than 20 years of age at the Exodus out of Egypt, only Moses, Joshua, and Caleb were still alive (Num. 14:29-30). Therefore, a renewed repetition of the law for the whole people after such a long time was entirely appropriate and necessary. But the book's primary purpose is preparing the people of Israel for the passage through Jordan and the entrance into the land of Canaan that Jehovah had promised.

The subject of Exodus and Leviticus was meeting God in His sanctuaryName for the house or room that represented the dwelling place of God in the midst of his people in the OT. Used in the OT to describe and characterize... More. The purpose of Deuteronomy is to prepare the people for the blessings that Jehovah wanted to give them in the (promised) land. Obedience, therefore, plays an integral part in this book. Obedience to God's laws brings blessings, but disobedience will draw after curse and judgment.

In the New Testament, the Epistle to the Philippians corresponds to the book of Deuteronomy. The people of Israel had been pointed to the blessings in Canaan while yet in the wilderness, and similarly, Paul was occupied with ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More the Lord in glory while still on earth.

3. Peculiarities

a) In the New Testament, we will find more than 30 verbal references to Deuteronomy and many hints at facts that only occurred in this book. After the Psalms and the ProphetA prophet is someone who receives a message from God and passes it on to a specific group in the Old Testament, very often Israel. Prophets are, therefore, in close... More Isaiah, Deuteronomy belongs to the most referred-to books of the Old Testament.

b) The words "the place which the Lord your God shall choose" (for the place of worshipIn both Hebrew and Greek, the word "worship" can also be translated as "prostrate / bow down" (Ps 95:6). It is more than praise and thanksgiving because, in worship, honor... More) appear 21 times in the chapter. 12:5 onwards. This place was Jerusalem, although the city's name does not appear in the Pentateuch. Four hundred more years would have to pass until David and Solomon would find this place of worshiping God and would prepare it (1 Chron. 21:30 to 22:1; chap. 28).

c) When the devil tempted the Lord Jesus in the wilderness, He replied three times: "It is written" (Mat. 4:4, 7, 10). Each time, He refers to a verse of Deuteronomy (Deut. 8:3; 6:16; 6:13). These are divine proofs for the authenticity of Deuteronomy.

4. Overview of Contents

I. Deuteronomy 1-4: First (historical) Discourse of Moses

• Chapter 1 Retrospect to the Wandering in the Wilderness (from Sinaï to Kadesh)
• Chapter 2 Retrospect to the Wandering in the Wilderness (from Kadesh to the Victory over Sihon)
• Chapter 3 Retrospect on the Events on the Other Side of Jordan
• Chapter 4 Moses' Serious Exhortations for the People

II. Deuteronomy 5-26: Second (legal) Discourse of Moses

• Chapter 5 Repetition of the Ten CommandmentsThe "Ten Commandments" were given by God to the people of Israel. This happened after the exodus from Egypt through Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5). These... More
• Chapter 6 "Hear, O Israel"
• Chapter 7 Separation from the Canaanites
• Chapter 8: The Lessons of the Wilderness
• Chapter 9 Remembering the Golden Calf
• Chapter 10 Remembering the Second Law and Urging to Obedience
• Chapter 11 Obedience as Supposition for God's BlessingA blessing is something good, in the Old Testament, usually associated with possessions, prosperity, and health, and is usually pronounced over someone. In principle, the lesser is blessed by the... More
• Chapter 12: The Place of Worshiping God in Canaan
• Chapter 13 Treating Idolatry amidst the People of Israel
• Chapter 14 Clean Meats: Giving the TitheThe tithe is a one-off or regular offering to God, to kings, or for the sanctuary of God (Gen 28:22; Lev 27:30). It is given 1/10 of one's possessions (e.g.,... More
• Chapter 15: The SabbathThe last day of the week that God had set aside as a day of rest in the OT because He rested from His work after the 6-day work of... More Year
• Chapter 16: The Three Main Feasts of Israel
• Chapter 17 The Law for the King
• Chapter 18 The Priests and the ProphetA prophet is someone who receives a message from God and passes it on to a specific group in the Old Testament, very often Israel. Prophets are, therefore, in close... More
• Chapter 19 GraceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More for the Man-slayer
• Chapter 20 Laws to be observed in War
• Chapter 21 Blood-Guilt and Right for Families
• Chapter 22 Warning against Mixing and Uncleanness
• Chapter 23 Cleanness as Requirement for the Peoples' Fellowship with God
• Chapter 24-25 Different Commandments to Suppress Human Malice
• Chapter 26 Offering of Firstfruits and the TitheThe tithe is a one-off or regular offering to God, to kings, or for the sanctuary of God (Gen 28:22; Lev 27:30). It is given 1/10 of one's possessions (e.g.,... More

III. Deuteronomy 27-30: Third (prophetical) Discourse of Moses

• Chapter 27 Gerizim and Ebal: BlessingA blessing is something good, in the Old Testament, usually associated with possessions, prosperity, and health, and is usually pronounced over someone. In principle, the lesser is blessed by the... More and Curse
• Chapter 28 God's Government: Obedience will bring BlessingA blessing is something good, in the Old Testament, usually associated with possessions, prosperity, and health, and is usually pronounced over someone. In principle, the lesser is blessed by the... More, Disobedience will bring Curse
• Chapter 29 Moses Speaks to the Conscience of the People
• Chapter 30 ProphecyProphecy includes any message that God saw fit to pass on to his people or anyone from the nations. Romans 16:26 speaks of the New Testament Scriptures as "prophetic writings."... More of RepentanceWhile remorse (Greek metamellomai) means to regret a previous act or behavior and to have a different way of thinking about it, Repentance (Greek metanoia) goes further than that: It... More and Return of the People

IV. Deuteronomy 31-34: Final Discourses and Death of Moses

• Chapter 31 Joshua's Appointment and Handing Over of the Law
• Chapter 32 The Song of Moses
• Chapter 33 Moses blesses the Twelve Tribes of Israel
• Chapter 34, Death of Moses