The book of Deuteronomy
The Book of Deuteronomy
What is the book of Deuteronomy about?
The book of Deuteronomy takes place in Moab (in the area where the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea) as the Israelites prepare to enter Canaan. He reminds them of the importance of God’s laws (which were especially needed + appropriate at that time) and the importance of their obedience and worship of Him in the promised land of Canaan. God’s laws cover a broad range of things such as rules of war, courts of law, offerings, freeing of servants, marriage violations, tithes and more. The Ten Commandments were also restated in Deuteronomy 5.
The overall purpose of the book of Deuteronomy was to prepare the new generation of Israelites to inhabit and inherit the land promised to them by the Lord. Keep in mind that these covenants and laws were ahead of their time by being radically different and more comprehensive than all other nations.
At the end of the book of Deuteronomy, Joshua was appointed by the Lord to succeed Moses. God tells Moses to climb Mount Nebo as he will die there. Why? Because the Lord wanted to show him, from a distance, the promised land. He is not allowed to enter because "you broke faith with me in the presence of the Israelites at the waters of Meribah Kadesh in the Desert of Zin and because you did not uphold my holiness among the Israelites." (Dt 32:51)
Who wrote the book of Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy is the fifth of five books Moses wrote. Chapter 34 which covers Moses’ death was likely written by Joshua, his successor.
Who is the audience?
God’s chosen people (the Israelites). Remember that the first generation of Israelites have died and Moses is speaking to the second generation who do not have first hand experience of the events that happened on Mount Sinai.
Timeframe Deuteronomy was written:
Around 1400-1410 BC.
"In short" (One sentence summary):
Translating roughly to “second law” or “repetition of the law”, Deuteronomy covers Moses’ farewell address to the Israelites before their entrance into Canaan.
Fun facts about Deuteronomy/Did you know?
Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. (Dt 34:7)
