Outline
Introduction — Name
Discussion
I. Contents
II. Occasion and purpose
III. Characteristics
IV. Authorship
V. Moral and spiritual values
VI. Principal ideas
Conclusion — Importance to the Christian
Introduction
The usual Hebrew title of the fifth book of the Pentateuch means “the word”, or, more fully written, “these words”. It was taken from the first words of the book. The title given in the English version comes from the Greek “deuteronomion”, which means “the second law”, or the repeated law. This name, however, does not necessarily mean a new legislation, but a repetition or reinforcement of laws already given. As a matter of fact, the Greek title is due to a mistranslation by the Septuagint of the clause in Deuteronomy 17:18 which is rendered, “and he shall write out for himself a copy of this law”. In the Saxon dialect it is called “the after law”.
Discussion
Contents
The book of Deuteronomy includes narrative, commands, and exhortations. It is chiefly a recapitulation of the history and laws previously recorded. However, it is more of a commentary than a history. Here the redemptive history of Israel is translated into living principles. The book has been described as the text of all prophecy. It contains the last words of Moses, thought by many to have been delivered during the last week of his life. The three addresses by Israel’s greatest leader constitute a large portion of the book. These speeches were delivered on the plains of Moab at the close of the wilderness wanderings of Israel. In these memorable models of speech composition, the mighty warrior reviews God’s laws in view of the new conditions Israel would soon encounter in Canaan.
Although Deuteronomy contains a nostalgic retrospective note, the forward look is emphasized. Having reviewed the covenant between God and His people, Moses gives prophecies of things to come. The book also tells of the appointment of Joshua as Moses’ successor, records the farewell song and blessing of Moses, and gives the record of his death. An analysis by chapters reveals the following divisions: Historical (1 – 4), a review of Israel’s history; Oratory (5 – 26), a review of the law; Prophetic (27 – 30), Israel’s future foretold; Pathetic (31 – 34), the last days of Moses.
Occasion and Purpose
Several factors are involved in the occasion and necessity of this book. Another crisis had come in the life of Israel. Of the former generations that came out of Egypt, only Caleb and Joshua remained. The new generation had not witnessed the transactions of quaking Sinai, and many of the wilderness experiences. The nomadic life of wandering in the wilderness was to be changed to more permanent residence in the cities and villages of Canaan. Dependence upon heavenly manna would soon be succeeded by the cultivation of Palestinian fields and the production of their own bread. God’s people are warned to be on guard against a new religion in Canaan. Idolatry in its most seductive forms would soon be encountered, and there would be great danger in yielding to it. In a special way farmers would be tempted to worship Baal, since this pagan deity was considered to be the god of farmers and crops.
In view of these conditions, the purpose of Deuteronomy is rather obvious. In a strange land with pagan enemies on every hand, the peace and righteousness of God’s people would depend upon a strict observance of His laws. The challenge to obedience is given to Israel by strict warnings against disobedience. The Israelites are encouraged to go forward in pursuit of their duties. The contents, spirit, and aim of the law are explained in such a way as to present both encouragement and warning.
The author’s moral interest is impressive. The supreme purpose is to arouse Israel’s loyalty to the Lord and His revealed will. Viewed as a whole, the book is an exposition of the great commandment: “You shall love Jehovah your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). Rabbis often speak of Deuteronomy as “The Book of Reproofs”. The Israelites had to be impressed anew with a realization of God’s presence and with a deep sense of their obligation to Him.
The purpose of Deuteronomy is clearly and succinctly stated in the following passage: “See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil; in that I command you this day to love Jehovah your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His ordinances, that you may live and multiply and that Jehovah your God may bless you in the land when you go in to possess it. But if your heart turn away, and you will not hear, but but shall be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce to you this day, that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land, when you passed over the Jordan to go in to possess it. I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse: therefore, choose life, that you may live, you and your seed; to love Jehovah your God, to obey His voice, and to cleave unto Him; for He is your life, and the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land which Jehovah swore to your father’s, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them” (Deuteronomy 30:15-20).
Characteristics
Several striking characteristics of Deuteronomy give it a universal appeal. It has an individuality that is most impressive. In Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, Jehovah is represented as speaking to Moses, whereas in Deuteronomy, Moses speaks at Jehovah’s command to Israel (Deuteronomy 1:1-4; 5:1; 29:1). It has a warmer style and is more oratorical than former books. Its spiritual tone has persuasive power. Throughout the book there is an appeal to “know God”, “love God”, and “obey God”. It serves as a manual of evangelical oratory, possessing “all the warmth of a Saint Bernard, the flaming zeal of a Savanarola, and the tender, gracious sympathy of a Saint Francis of Assisi.”
Authorship
Perhaps no book in the Bible has produced more controversy regarding date and authorship than the book of Deuteronomy. As a witness it has a right to be heard. One passage bearing upon the authorship states very explicitly that Moses wrote “this law”. “And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it to the priest of the sons of Levi, that bare the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, and to all the elders of the people. . . . And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished, that Moses commanded the Levites, that bare the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, saying, ‘Take this book of the law; and put it by the side of the ark of the covenant of Jehovah your God, that it may be there for a witness against you’” (Deuteronomy 31:9, 24-27).
This significant passage is of more than traditional value. Since it is emphatically stated that “Moses wrote this law,” it is not correct to say that he was only the traditional source of the statutes. The authorship of no other book in the Old Covenant is so definitely emphasized. Even the words of the song recorded in Deuteronomy 32, and the account of his death in chapter 34, are attributed to him. “And Moses spoke in the ears of all the assembly of Israel the words of the song, until they were finished” (Deuteronomy 31:30). Ascribing to Moses the authorship of chapter 34, which recorded his death and burial, should present no serious problem. If God could inspire Moses to give an accurate account of the principal occurrences of the 40 years in the wilderness, could He not also inspire him to describe his burial and death before these events took place? Since Deuteronomy as a whole is eminently appropriate for all the facts we know of Moses’ time, why is it considered incredible by liberal scholars that he wrote the book? All the events are represented as coming from Moses, and archaeology has confirmed that Hebrew writing antedated him by many years. The legal, hortatory, and military aspects of the book explicitly coincide with the character and training of Moses.
Moral and Spiritual Values
The moral and spiritual tone of Deuteronomy is clearly reflected in the key words. “You shall” suggests the positive side of obedience. “You shall not” indicates the need for negative restrictions. Both the positive and the negative aspects of obedience are briefly considered and summarized in Deuteronomy 11:26-28: “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you shall give attention to the commandments of Jehovah your God, which I command you this day: and the curse, if you shall not give attention to the commandments of Jehovah your God, but turn aside out of the way which I commanded you this day, to go after other gods, which you have not known.”
The spiritual value of Deuteronomy was experienced and fully attested by Jesus Himself in the hour of His greatest temptation. Three times He met the temptations of Satan with the words, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10), in each case a quotation from Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy. 8:3; 6:16; 6:13). It was from Deuteronomy that Jesus summarized the entire Old Covenant in a single statement: “And he said to him you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second like to it is this, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments the whole law hangs, and the prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40; Deuteronomy 6:5). On other occasions Christ referred to the book as the work of Moses, and attested to its great spiritual value (Matthew 19:8 with Deuteronomy 24:1; and John 5:46 with Deuteronomy 18:15-18). Peter, Stephen, and Paul likewise appeal to the spiritual authority of Deuteronomy (Acts 3:22; 7: 37; Romans 12:19; Galatians 3:10).
The Jews highly cherish the book of Deuteronomy, and some of its words are in constant use. One of the great messages, often referred to as the “Shema”, or “Hear, O Israel” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), may still be found inscribed on the doorpost and lentils of many Jewish homes. Devout Jews often carry with them, in a little case or box, the strip of parchment which contains these words, with the exhortation to love the Lord their God with all their heart.
It has been said that the book of Deuteronomy and the epistle to the Hebrews are the best commentary on the nature, design, and use of the law. Deuteronomy is a kind of evangelical exposition of the four preceding books. With the eyes of inspiration Moses sees the spiritual aspects and significations of the various parts of the law. These are presented in a manner that would have been impossible to one who did not have a clear understanding of the glory which was to be revealed.
The analytical nature of Deuteronomy makes it a model of speech composition. To understand the purpose of the Bible, no book can be read with greater profit. In three outstanding orations Moses outlines the chief events in Israel’s experience from Horeb to Moab, makes an earnest appeal to the people to be faithful to God, and sets forth in great detail Israel’s moral, legal, and spiritual statutes. Since the idea of the Hebrew theocracy is based on the Decalogue, there is an extended exposition of the Ten Commandments. This section is outstanding for its ethical and religious values. Holiness as an idea is presented with a spirit of humanity in mind.
The third discourse dealing with the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience has a clear prophetic ring. It is filled with a number of predictions that were woefully fulfilled in Israel’s later history. These solemn warnings against disobedience echoed against the hills of Moab, with renewed exhortations for God’s people to accept the challenge of heaven and move on. The idea of possession is a recurring thought. God’s chosen people must choose Jehovah if they want life instead of death (Deuteronomy 29:2-30:20).
Principal Ideas
Among the principal ideas of Deuteronomy is the unique relationship between Jehovah as a unique God and Israel His unique people. The monotheistic note is very explicit. It resounds throughout the book in a number of familiar statements. “Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah” (Deuteronomy 6:4). “To you it was shown that you might know that Jehovah He is God; there is none else besides Him” (Deuteronomy 4:35). This unique God is both transcendent and immanent. “Know therefore this day, and lay it to your heart, that Jehovah He is God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath; there is none else” (Deuteronomy 4:39). Yes, “He is God of gods, and Lord of lords” (Deuteronomy 10:17).
The one living God presented in Deuteronomy is faithful, keeping covenant and loving-kindness with them that love and keep His commandments (Deuteronomy 5:26; 7:9). He abominates images and every species of idolatry and is jealous of all rivals (Deuteronomy 7:4, 25-26). Over and over the Israelites are warned against the evils of idolatry which must be utterly removed from the land of promise which they are going over to possess (Deuteronomy 7:1-5; 12:2-3; 20: 16-18). Just as clearly stated is the teaching of Deuteronomy on the unity of the sanctuary. The motto of the book might be well stated as, “One God, one sanctuary.”
A unique God demands a unique people. The old Israel had been organized into a new congregation by means of the covenant which God made with him at Horeb, creating out of them “a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). In the land of Moab Moses faced a new Israel which had been born in the wilderness. In a new application of the covenant he told how Israel would inherit the blessings vouchsafed to their fathers (Deuteronomy 5:2-3: 26:16-19; 27:9; 29:1). As a holy nation, peculiar and beloved, they would be disciplined for their own good to establish them as God’s inheritance (Deuteronomy 7:6; 14;2, 21; 8:2, 3, 5, 16; 32:6, 9).
The relationship between God and Israel as set forth in Deuteronomy is likewise unique. God’s relation to Israel is near and personal, like that of a father whose being is spiritual and whose name is Rock (4:12 , 15; 28:58; 32:4, 6, 15). Whereas other nations feared their gods, Israel was expected not only to fear the Lord but also to love Him and cleave to Him (Deuteronomy 4: 10; 5:29; 6:5; 10:12, 20; 11:1, 13, 22; 13:3-4; 17:19; 19:9). The great privileges which would be theirs are wonderful to behold, but the reception of them would depend upon Israel’s faithfulness to the covenant. All other people would be strangers and foreigners unless they were admitted into Israel by special permission (Deuteronomy 23:1-8).
Family religion is strongly commanded and tenderly commended in the book of Deuteronomy (6:7, 20: 11:18-19; 31:12-13). Special attention is also given to the poor and the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:18-19; 15:7-11; 24:14-22). The book is filled with practical commands which have a timely application for individuals and nations of our time. Emphasis is placed upon the importance of faithful obedience to heaven’s commands if God’s redeemed people want to inherit the promises. God’s law governing people is unalterable, steadfast, and binding. It cannot be revoked or evaded by men, and it is of universal application. God’s law, however, is the expression of His love. The Lord governs man because He loves him and wants to save him. Obedience to God’s law expresses man’s love for God. He is obedient to God because he loves the Lord and delights to promote the interest of heaven.
Conclusion
Importance to the Christian
The importance of studying Deuteronomy is obvious to any student of the gospel. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and comfort of the scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). “Now these things happened to them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the end of the ages are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11 parentheses). “For if the words spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression in disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:2-3). The final Prophet and Lawgiver, predicted by Moses, demands that His commands given through the gospel must be obeyed. “And it shall be, that every soul that shall not give attention to that Prophet, shall be strictly destroyed from among the people” (Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Acts 3:22- 26).
From Deuteronomy we learn another great lesson which has a corresponding application to the gospel of Christ. Laws once delivered must be repeated and enforced. In the same way in which Moses taught the new Israel the commandments of the law, each generation now must be indoctrinated with the teaching of the New Covenant. Precept must be taught upon precept and line upon line (Isaiah 28:10). The great truth of the Gospel must be often impressed upon people by the ministers of Christ. Fathers are instructed to nurture their children in the chastening and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Paul says: “To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe” (Philippians 3:1). We are exhorted “to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
The idea of monotheism was not abolished when Christ died on the cross and fulfilled the law (Colossians 2:14). There is still only one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all (Ephesians 4:6). Every form of idolatry is condemned by the gospel (1 Corinthians 10:14; Colossians 3:5), and God’s people are commanded to put His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). The one sanctuary under the Old Covenant gives away to the one body or church under the New Covenant (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4; Colossians 1:18). The emphasis is given to the public reading of Deuteronomy by the priests in the audience of all Israel should impress Christians with the importance of reading the gospel. This law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed men from the law of sin and of death (Romans 8:1). The system of grace and truth by which men now come under the law to Christ is able to save to the utmost (John 1:17; Romans 1:16-17). It makes all the comers perfect, and points men toward the land that is fairer than day.
Questions for Class Discussion
- 1. Memorize Deuteronomy 30:15.
- 2. Study the following New Testament references of the Mosaic authorship of Deuteronomy: Matthew 19:7-8; Mark 10:3; Luke 24:44; John 1:17; Acts 3:22; 7:37.
- 3. With what nation was Israel forbidden to meddle and why? Deuteronomy 2.
- 4. What prayer did Moses pray? Deuteronomy 3:23-27.
- 5. With whom was Israel forbidden to make a covenant? Deuteronomy 7:1-5.
- 6. What miracle was there concerning the raiment of the Israelites? Deuteronomy 8:4.
- 7. What command was given concerning family religion? Deuteronomy 11:18 – 25.
- 8. How often were the males to appear before the Lord? Deuteronomy 16:16 – 17.
- 9. What rules were given for Israel’s future kings? Deuteronomy 17:14-17.
- 10. To whom did Moses refer in Deuteronomy 18:15?
- 11. What cities were Israel to destroy and why? Deuteronomy 20:16-18.
- 12. How was a rebellious son to be treated? Deuteronomy 21:18-21.
- 13. How many stripes were allowed to be laid on a Jew? Deuteronomy 25:1-3.
- 14. What conditions of salvation were given to the Jews? Deuteronomy 30:15-20.
- 15. Describe the death and burial of Moses. Deuteronomy 34.
- 16. Name and locate the six cities of refuge, state the purpose of the cities, and point out some practical lessons to be drawn from their use. Deuteronomy 4:41-43; Joshua 20:7-9.