5- The Book of Deuteronomy
Author
Not written but known to be Moses the prophet, except the last chapter, most likely written by Joshua after Moses’ death.
Date
Written around 1400 B.C.
Purpose
Book of remembrance
Written at the end of 40 years of wandering in the desert. The commandments are directed towards the people and not towards the Levites or priests. The first generation died in the desert, and now this is a new generation that has lived the commandments. They are now hearing them from Moses.
The Lord Jesus used verses from this book to answer the devil in the temptation (Deu 6:13, 16 and 8:3)
Summary of content (Main Ideas)
The Divisions of the Book (if possible)
First sermon:
Chapters 1-4:14: Historical review of God’s work in their lives.
Second sermon
Chapters 4:15-11: Reminding them with the commandments.
Chapters 12-28: The various laws
Third sermon:
Chapter 29-30: Adhering to the covenant with the Lord and the ease of the
commandments
Fourth Sermon:
Chapters 31-34: Final commandments, final blessings, Moses’ departure.
Chapter 1: Moses reminds them of their lack of trust in God and tells them the reason for their wandering in the desert for 40 years before entering the Promised Land
Chapter 2-3: Moses reminds them of their journey and the various wars and how God gave them the land of other nations. Moses reminds them of God’s commandments, which are the reason for their victories.
Chapter 4: the great privilege they had by being in God’s presence. The danger of idolatry and God’s fidelity is shown here. Cities of refuge also discussed
Chapter 5: Moses reiterates the 10 commandments
Chapter 6: Moses reminds them to recite the story of salvation to their children and grandchildren and to keep the commandments.
Chapter 7: Instructions to destroy pagan worship and not to associate with evil doers
Chapter 8: God took care of them when they are poor; they should not forget God when they are rich and comfortable
Chapter 9-10: Reminding them that the reason they are taking over the land is the inequity of the people. They should not fall into the same sins as the people they are conquering. Also Moses reminds them of the Golden Calf
Chapter 11: The land they are going into depends on rain and not rivers. They need God’s grace and mercy for rain and fruits, not like it was in Egypt.
Chapter 12-13: Laws spoken about God’s worship and instructions to destroy the idols and to worship God only in the proper place. Not to forget tithing the fruits of the land.
Chapter 14: Laws on what to eat and what not eat
Chapter 15: Laws on dealing with the poor and those who are in debt and releasing the debtors in the 7th year.
Chapter 16: Laws for Passover, feast of unleavened bread, and Feasts that should be celebrated in Jerusalem
Chapter 17: The role of the priests, Levites, and the judges. The king must make a copy of these laws (as a reminder for him).
Chapter 18: The law in regard to the Levites. Rules against witch craft. Prophecy about Christ (The Prophet)
Chapter 19: Law for the city of refuge. Not to change landmarks. Law against false testimony
Chapter 20: Law of war. Who should go and what to do against the enemy
Chapter 21-25: Various laws and rules that governs their new life as a community.
Chapter 26: Laws of tithing and offering the first fruits to God
Chapter 27: Instructions for when they cross the Jordan. Various curses on those who commit certain sins
Chapter 28: Various blessing for those who obey God’s commandments and live righteously.
Chapter 29: Moses encourages them to adhere to the covenant with God and not to worship idols.
Chapter 30: The commandment is neither hidden nor is far.
Chapter 31: Moses chooses Joshua as the leader following him. God warns that the people of Israel will follow other gods.
Chapter 32: Moses’ final praise and song
Chapter 33: Moses blesses the tribes of Israel before his death
Chapter 34: God shows Moses all the land that his people will occupy. Moses passes away.
How to benefit
God is the Law giver. His obedience is the key to a fruitful and successful life. Remembering God’s work in our lives helps us to be thankful and obedient to His commandments.
God’s role
God is the savior and protector of His people. He is the one that gave them the Law to protect them. If we obey God’s commandments we receive the blessings, if we deviate and worship other gods we receive the various curses. Following the commandment is a choice.
Symbols in the Book
| Moses the law giver | The Lord the law giver |
Verses to memorize
- For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. (Deu 4:24)
- And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. (Deu 6:7)
- For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. (Deu 7:6)
- Therefore, know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations. (Deu 7:9)
- And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knew not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. (Deu 8:3)
- Thou shall be perfect with the LORD thy God. (Deu 18:13)
- The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; (Deu 18:15)
- And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you. (Deu 26:11)
- For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. (Deu 30:11)
- But the Word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, so that you may do it.
(Deu 30:14)
- And never since has a prophet like Moses arisen in Israel, whom the Lord knew face to face, (Deu 34:10)