THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY - Deuteronomy is the last of the five books of Moses called the Pentateuch. They detail God's covenant relationship with the Jewish people that is woven throughout the Old Testament. Deuteronomy means "second law." It is a retelling of the covenant between God and His people Israel, presented in three addresses or sermons by Moses. Written as the Israelites are to enter the Promised Land, Deuteronomy is a stern reminder that God is worthy of worship and obedience. His laws are given to us for our protection, not as punishment. In it, God tells people that obeying Him brings blessings and goodness, and disobeying Him brings disaster. The consequences of using illegal drugs, breaking the law, and living an immoral life are proof that this warning still rings true today.

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The Book Of Deuteronomy

Introduction to the Book of Deuteronomy

By Jack Zavada

Deuteronomy means "second law."

It is a retelling of the covenant between God and His people Israel, presented in three addresses or sermons by Moses.

Written as the Israelites are to enter the Promised Land, Deuteronomy is a stern reminder that God is worthy of worship and obedience.

His laws are given to us for our protection, not as punishment.

As we read Deuteronomy and meditate on it, the relevance of this 3,500-year-old book is startling.

In it, God tells people that obeying Him brings blessings and goodness, and disobeying Him brings disaster.

The consequences of using illegal drugs, breaking the law, and living an immoral life are proof that this warning still rings true today.

Deuteronomy is the last of the five books of Moses called the Pentateuch.

These God-inspired accounts, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, begin at Creation and end with the death of Moses.

They detail God's covenant relationship with the Jewish people that is woven throughout the Old Testament.

Author of the Book of Deuteronomy:

Moses, Joshua (Deuteronomy 34:5-12).

Date Written:

About 1406-7 B.C.

Written To:

The generation of Israel about to enter the Promised Land, and all subsequent Bible readers.

Landscape of the Book of Deuteronomy:

Written on the east side of the Jordan River, within view of Canaan.

Themes in the Book of Deuteronomy:

History of God's Help - Moses reviewed God's miraculous help in freeing the Israelite people from slavery in Egypt and the people's repeated disobedience.

Looking back, the people were able to see how rejecting God always brought calamity upon them.

Review of the Law - The people entering Canaan were bound by the same laws of God as their parents. They had to renew this contract or covenant with God before entering the Promised Land.

Scholars note that Deuteronomy is structured as a treaty between a king and his vassals, or subjects, in that time period.

It represents a formal agreement between God and his people Israel.

God's Love Motivates Him - God loves his people as a father loves his children, but he also disciplines them when they disobey. God does not want a nation of spoiled brats!

God's love is an emotional, heart-love, not just a legalistic, conditional love.

God Gives Freedom of Choice - People are free to obey or disobey God, but they should also know they are responsible for the consequences. A contract, or covenant, requires obedience, and God expects nothing less.

Children Must be Taught - To keep the covenant, the people must instruct their children in God's ways and be sure they follow them. This responsibility continues through every generation. When this teaching becomes lax, trouble begins.

Key Characters in the Book of Deuteronomy: Moses, Joshua.

Key Verses:

 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NIV)

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV)

“And Moses the servant of the LORD died there in Moab, as the LORD had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is. Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over.” Deuteronomy 34:5-8 (NIV)

Outline of the Book of Deuteronomy:

·      Moses Gives his First Speech About Israel's History - Deuteronomy 1:6 - 4:43.

·      Moses Gives his Second Speech About Basic Requirements of the Law - Deuteronomy 4:44 - 11:32.

·      Moses Continues his Second Speech on Detailed Requirements of the Law - Deuteronomy 12:1-26:19.

·      Moses Gives his Third Speech Relating Blessings and Curses - Deuteronomy 27:1-28:68.

·      Moses Continues his Third Speech with Warnings and Encouragement - Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20.

·      Commissioning of Joshua and Moses' Final Words - Deuteronomy 31:1-34:12.

Jack Zavada is a lifelong Christian who has been writing about the faith for several years. He is fascinated by the diversity of Christianity and works to make that information available in a clear, inviting way.

Experience

Jack's articles have appeared in Liguorian magazine and The Upper Room, a publication translated into 44 languages. Dozens of his devotional pieces appear on christianity.about.com.

Over his 35-year writing career, Jack often has had to convey complicated material into succinct, understandable terms. He has served as a newspaper reporter, technical editor for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, publications editor for a utility company, and communications director for a national nonprofit organization.

Jack is the author of four published western novels: Rebel Town, The Wolfer, Penwhistle's Prize, and West of the Pecos. His website, inspiration-for-singles.com, launched in 2005, receives visitors from more than 165 countries.

Jack holds bachelor's and master's degrees in English from Illinois State University. His hobbies include bluegrass music and taking care of his dog, a mixed breed Terrier named Buddy.

Jack is single, lives in Streator, Illinois, and is a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Jack Zavada

"Christianity is the driving force in my life. I've been the victim of cancer twice, job layoffs, and broken relationships, and my faith has always been the constant force that pulled me through. Eventually we all reach the point where we ask serious questions about life. I firmly believe Christianity has the answers we're seeking. When people come looking for information on this site, I hope to help them find it quickly and in a way that applies to their lives. I feel privileged to help the Guide here explain the many facets of the Christian faith."

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