Bible Overview Deuteronomy
Mike Ervin
Deuteronomy is a foundational book in the Old Testament, often referred to as the “second law” because it restates and expands upon the laws given earlier in the Torah.
Study of the Book of Deuteronomy
Subtitle: Authorship, Themes, and Chapter Breakdown
Introduction to Deuteronomy
• The fifth book of the Torah (Pentateuch)
• Name means “Second Law” (from Greek Deuteronomion)
• Contains Moses’ final speeches before Israel enters the Promised Land
• A covenant renewal between God and Israel
Authorship of Deuteronomy
• Traditionally attributed to Moses
• Likely written around 1406 BC (if Mosaic authorship is assumed)
• Some scholars propose a later composition during the 7th century BC (during King Josiah’s reforms, ca. 622 BC)
• The final chapter (Moses’ death) may have been added by Joshua or later scribes
Date and Historical Context
• If written by Moses: Late Bronze Age (~1406 BC)
• Israel is at Moab’s plains, east of the Jordan River
• If written later: 7th century BC, reinforcing covenant renewal under Josiah
• Reflects covenant structure similar to ancient Near Eastern treaties
Intended Audience
• Original Audience: The new generation of Israelites about to enter Canaan
• Later Audiences: Israelites in later generations, reaffirming God’s law
• Serves as both a historical record and a theological foundation for Israel
Major Themes in Deuteronomy
1. Covenant Renewal – Reaffirming God’s promises and Israel’s responsibilities
2. Obedience and Blessing – Prosperity linked to faithfulness (Deut. 28)
3. Disobedience and Curses – Consequences of turning from God (Deut. 28)
4. Love and Loyalty to God – The Shema (Deut. 6:4-5)
5. God’s Sovereignty and Justice – God’s role in history and Israel’s destiny
6. A Call to Remember – Recounting past failures and victories
Structure of Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy follows a pattern similar to ancient treaties:
1. Preamble (1:1-5) – Introduction to the speeches
2. Historical Review (1:6–4:43) – Israel’s past failures and God’s faithfulness
3. Covenant Terms (4:44–26:19) – Laws and instructions
4. Blessings and Curses (27:1–30:20) – The consequences of obedience/disobedience
5. Final Acts of Moses (31:1–34:12) – Moses’ farewell, song, blessing, and death
Chapter Breakdown (Grouped by Sections)
Chapters 1–4 | Israel’s History and Call to Obedience
• Review of Israel’s journey from Sinai to Moab
• Reminder of past failures (e.g., refusal to enter Canaan)
• Call to obey God and reject idolatry
Chapters 5–11 | The Heart of the Law
• Reiteration of the Ten Commandments (Deut. 5)
• The Shema (Deut. 6:4-5) – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart”
• Warnings against idolatry and forgetting God
Chapters 12–26 | Covenant Laws and Social Justice
• Laws about worship, justice, and leadership
• Regulations for the king, prophets, and priests (Deut. 17-18)
• Protection of the vulnerable (widows, orphans, foreigners)
Chapters 27–28 | Blessings and Curses
• Ceremony on Mounts Gerizim and Ebal
• Blessings for obedience
• Curses for disobedience (detailed list in Deut. 28)
Chapters 29–30 | Renewal of the Covenant
• A new commitment to follow God
• Promise of restoration if Israel repents
Chapters 31–32 | Moses’ Final Words and Song
• Joshua commissioned as Moses’ successor
• The Song of Moses (Deut. 32) – a poetic reminder of God’s faithfulness
Chapters 33–34 | Moses’ Blessing and Death
• Moses blesses the 12 tribes
• Moses dies on Mount Nebo, seeing the Promised Land but not entering
Key Takeaways from Deuteronomy
• Deuteronomy calls for love, loyalty, and obedience to God
• The book connects past history with Israel’s future in Canaan
• Jesus frequently quoted Deuteronomy (e.g., in His response to Satan in Matthew 4)
• The blessings and curses foreshadow Israel’s later history
Conclusion and Reflection Questions
• How does Deuteronomy’s message of obedience and love apply today?
• What lessons can we learn from Israel’s failures and God’s faithfulness?
• How does Deuteronomy point forward to Jesus and the New Testament?