This is the fifth book of the Torah (meaning Law) or the Christian Old Testament. Attributed to Moses who renews his call to the obedience of The Law of God.
When: The time of Moses, 1445-1406 B.C. Near the time of his death.
Who: Moses. (cf. Ch.1:5; 31:9, 22, 24)
People & Places:
Moses; Aaron; Joshua
Jordan; the Red Sea; Moab; Horeb; Canaan; Cities of Refuge
Sound-Bites:
These are the words which Moses spoke… (Ch.1:1)
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.” (Ch.31:6)
But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His Covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. (Ch.8:18)
The Messianic Link:
Messiah will be a Prophet like Moses (Ch18:18)
He is typified in the cities of refuge (Ch.4:41-43)
Summary of The Book:
Deuteronomy is all about repetition and re-enforcement, for indeed the word ‘Deuteronomy’ can be translated as ‘Repetition of the law’.
Moses takes the occasion here, near the end of his life, to write down and reinforce the laws and statutes, lest the people forget what has happened when they disobeyed in the past! Remember that, by this time, almost all of the original exiles had perished, and so memories of the past events were no longer fresh.
The love of God for his people is emphasised, and the Ten Commandments are repeated (Ch.5).
Before Moses passes on to ‘sleep with his fathers’ he assures his people that the love of God and his guidance will continue through Joshua (Ch.31:1-34:12), and the obedience to God’s commandments.
Notes & Quotes:
Although many readers will throw up their arms in despair at the thought of ploughing through Deuteronomy, it is nevertheless an important book, even for New Testament Christians. It is quoted some 80 times throughout the New Testament’s 27 books, which alone is cause enough to persevere when reading it.
We are now under Grace rather than the Law, thankfully. However, by reading this last book of Moses, we may come to a better overall understanding of the events that have shaped where we are today—by God’s Grace.
Excerpt (with permission) from The Bible Brief – A Bible summary book on Amazon
You might also be interested in a summary of Genesis
