Moses recounts israels journeys before their eyes, highlighting the goodness and sufficiency of god to israel. The global message of deuteronomy a new generation and the redemptive story. Summary of the book of deuteronomy deuteronomy is a book containing four sermons that moses gave to the people before entering the promised land. Deuteronomy 5 new international version niv the ten commandments. The book develops the idea that obedience brings blessing and life, and disobedience brings curses and death 11. Gods book of remembrance these are the words deuteronomy is one of the most majestic, fascinating and significant books in the old testament.
In this book, moses showed israel how to stay blessed and full. The book of deuteronomy is the fifth book of the bible, or. The purpose of deuteronomy is the preparation of the people for the blessings, which. In an effort help people better understand the meaning of the book of deuteronomy, i am presenting a synoptic study. The teachings of moses in deuteronomy are important enough to be quoted 90 times in 14 of the 27 books of the new testament. Jul 10, 2018 deuteronomy starts with the hebrew phrase these are the words and hence it was called the words. The book of deuteronomy takes place within the larger context of numbers 22 to joshua 2. Its hebrew title is elleh haddebharim, meaning, these are the words, taken from the first verse. Deuteronomy is a book containing four sermons that moses gave to the people before entering the promised land. Hear, israel, the decrees and laws i declare in your hearing today.
The book of deuteronomy is often quoted in the new testament, as noted in the following three examples. Deuteronomy overview expositors dictionary of text. Despite the meaning of the name deuteronomy, this book is not a second law nor a repetition of the entire law but, rather, an explanation of it, as deuteronomy 1. Deuteronomy, hebrew devarim, words, fifth book of the old testament, written in the form of a farewell address by moses to the israelites before they entered the promised land of canaan. The book of deuteronomy was given to remind them of gods law and gods power. Its name in both greek deuteronomion and hebrew mishneh torah may be translated as some form of. The deuteronomist, abbreviated as either dtr or simply d, may refer either to the source document underlying the core chapters 1226 of the book of deuteronomy, or to the broader school that produced all of deuteronomy as well as the deuteronomistic history of joshua, judges, samuel, and kings and also the book of jeremiah.
It contained the great kings pledge to be israels suzerain and protector if they would be faithful to him as their covenant lord and obedient to the covenant stipulations as the vassal. Book of deuteronomy summary heres an overview of the book of deuteronomy, featuring the main idea and its explanation, the purpose and main themes of the book, and a section on what it means to us, along with some study questions. The hebrew name of this fifth book of the pentateuch is devarim. Deuteronomy is the final book in the pentateuch, or the five books of the old testament written by moses. Deuteronomy a2 classic bible study guide 2 introduction the book consists of four parts. Watch our introduction video on the book of deuteronomy, which outlines the books main theme and how it is fulfilled in jesus. This summary of the book of deuteronomy provides information about the title, author s, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of deuteronomy. Moses delivers his final words of warning and wisdom to the israelites before they enter the promised land. Purpose and background deuteronomy is largely a sermon, or set of sermons, preached by moses to all of israel shortly before his death. Deuteronomy was written to the israelites as they were about to enter the promised land. Ada habershon, in the study of types, lists 67 types and contrasts between moses and christ. It is a motivational sermon, urging israels faithful obedience to the covenant laws given 40 years previously at sinai exodus 1940.
It was also written to be a witness of gods relationship with the people of israel. Law has a very prominent place in the book of deuteronomy. Its written in light of gods gracious promises to abraham, isaac, and jacob, and states that god is about to act on these promises and give them the promised land. What is the purpose of the book deuteronomy in bible. Feb 19, 2016 watch our overview video on the book of deuteronomy, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In that context, moses simply commands the king to make a copy of the law. But overall, the book presents a clear, deeply heartfelt appeal to the new generation of israelites to agree to acknowledge the lord as their god, along with instruction in how to do so. The purpose of deuteronomy is to remind gods people of his faithfulness and kindness so that they together embrace gods future for their lives. Also the critics stated that the purpose of the book was to glorify the priesthood at jerusalem, yet neither the priesthood nor jerusalem is even mentioned in the book of deuteronomy.
The hebrew name of the book is elleh haddebarim these are the words or, more. It is apparent that some portions of the book were later additions e. All scripture is given by inspiration of god we can see in the old as well as in the new testament that moses is considered to be the author of deuteronomy and therefore the. Our english title has come via latin and greek and means the second law. In deuteronomy, moses gives final words of wisdom and warning before. Deuteronomy also restates the ten commandments and many other laws given in exodus and leviticus. The purpose of deuteronomy is the preparation of the people for the blessings, which jehovah wanted to give them in the promised land. Deuteronomy, like the rest of the pentateuch, is substantially the work of moses. There is a sense in which the whole book could be considered law. In deuteronomy chapters 12 through 26, moses revealed to the israelites a set of laws known to scholars today as the deuteronomic code. The other groups of laws being the book of the covenant, exodus 20. Criticism has especially focused on the book of deuteronomy as it is said to have been written only at the time of josiah, or even later. Though moses wrote this book as gods people were on the verge of entering canaan, moses himself would not be allowed to enter. Book of deuteronomy overview insight for living ministries.
The book delivered to israel gods instructions on how to. Apr 28, 2011 deuteronomy is a book containing four sermons that moses gave to the people before entering the promised land. Deuteronomy opening feast of tabernacles sermon by john w. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love god, to those who are the called according to his purpose. Book of deuteronomy introduction, outline, index looking back, moving forward the bible teaching commentary paul j. Some theological concepts in the book of deuteronomy. Deuteronomys purpose was to prepare the new generation of the lords. The hebrew name of the book is elleh haddebarim these are the words or, more simply, debarim words. Particular internal evidence argues that moses was the author of most of deuteronomy. The lord jesus is seen in a twofold way in the book of deuteronomy. Introduction to the book of deuteronomy learn religions. A synoptic study of the book of deuteronomy christopher.
The book of deuteronomy is the fifth book of the jewish torah, where it is called devarim heb. Words, drawn from the opening phrase in the hebrew text. The book of deuteronomy was cast in the form of ancient near eastern suzeraintyvassal treaties of the second millennium b. This song describes the history that the israelites had experienced. The purpose of the book of deuteronomy is to show the change in leadership from moses to joshua. Senior professor of bible exposition at dallas theological seminary, elliott johnson, believes that accurate study of bible verses and passages can only be done after the overall message of a biblical book has been determined. Deuteronomy intro to deuteronomy biblica the international. You shall love the lord your god with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength mk 12. Summary of the book of deuteronomy the story of the. Deuteronomys purpose was to prepare the new generation of the lords chosen people to be his kingdom representatives in the land he had unconditionally promised them in the abrahamic covenant see structure and outline below. It is narrative history and law, although there is a song from moses just after he commissions joshua. The speeches that constitute this address recall israels past, reiterate laws that moses had communicated to the people at horeb sinai, and emphasize that observance of these laws is. While that view would later be distorted, deuteronomy itself stresses obedience on the level of proper love 10. A new generation of israelites was about to enter the promised land.
The historical setting is that of israel encamped on the plains of moab, just outside of the promised land. The term second law may be misleading, as it could imply that there. The word deuteronomy is derived from the greek septuagint version of the bible, and it basically means second law. Intro to deuteronomy biblica the international bible society. The authors own translation of the original hebrew and versebyverse. The wonderful love of god toward his church is lively set forth in this book. The book offers a restatement of the law for a new generation, rather than a mere copy of what had gone before. Theological teaching and purpose the book of deuteronomy was cast in the form of ancient near eastern suzeraintyvassal treaties of the second millennium b. As students study deuteronomy, they will learn the importance of looking to past spiritual experiences and remembering to keep the laws, covenants, and. It may therefore be most simply divided by the six discourses which it chronicles.
It is amazing to see that this grafwellhausen hypothesis, as it is known, which came out of the german universities years ago, is still being taught in many of. Deuteronomy begins towards the end of israels time of wandering through the desert. Chapters of the book consist of three sermons or speeches delivered to the israelites by moses on the plains of moab, shortly before they enter the. It is exceeded only by references to psalms, isaiah, genesis and exodus in that order. This book is essentially a book of moses, for it consists of his final words to the people whom he had led. It emphasizes gods love, justice, and transcendence. It must be a place that has been set aside and sanctified for this specific purpose by god. Intro to deuteronomy biblica the international bible. Christians today live in a new covenant relationship with god, based on the blood. The name of the book in the septuagint, latin and english versions, means, second law. The book offers a restatement of the law for a new generation, rather than a. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical books authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. It exhorts israel to faithfulness to jehovah, using the generation of the 40 years wandering as an example to avoid. Deuteronomy, words, fifth book of the old testament, written in the form of a farewell address by moses to the israelites before they entered the promised.
It contained the great kings pledge to be israels suzerain and protector if they would be faithful to him as their covenant lord and obedient to the covenant stipulations as the. Nevertheless, the book should be read as coming from the time of moses. For albeit through their ingratitude sundry rebellions against god, for the space of forty years, deuteronomy 9. Surely, a book so valuable to the savior in such a time must also be valuable to us. But where do you find christ pictured in the book of deuteronomy. This book stresses the covenant between god and israel, summed up in. The book of deuteronomy restates gods love for israel, the history of his provision for them, the benefits or blessings of walking in covenant with god, and the consequences for disobeying the stipulations of the covenant see the summary in 28. When asked which is the first commandment of all, jesus christ in the gospel of mark 12. Deuteronomy with book summary versebyverse bible commentary. Deuteronomy covers the final 70 days of moses tumultuous life. Deuteronomy is a restating of the instructions and laws to a second generation of israelites who grew up in the wilderness journey.
This multitude had not experienced the miracle at the red sea or heard the law given at sinai, and they were about to enter a new land with many dangers and temptations. The genre of the book of deuteronomy is not much different from that of exodus. He charged them to hold on to god and thereby ensure continued flow of his blessings. An introductory address delivered by moses on the plains of moab, containing a recapitulation of the principal events of the history and closing with a solemn charge of obedience and faithfulness to god. There was also an editor who concluded the book after moses death a. Book of deuteronomy read, study bible verses online. Written as the israelites are to enter the promised land, deuteronomy is a stern reminder that god is worthy of worship and obedience. Deuteronomy tells the story of israels inability to obey gods law. The events of the book took place over very few days prior to his death and the entering in to the land of canaan. Thus, it is directly quoted over 40 times in the new testament exceeded only by psalms and isaiah, with many more allusions to its content. Deuteronomy is the last book of the pentateuch greek for fivebook or of the thora hebrew word for law. Summary of the book of deuteronomy the story of the bible. The rulers of israel were to write a copy of the law and read it on a daily basis. All of the nicot volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of scripture as the word of god, and concern for the life of faith today.
The book of deuteronomy is, above all, a reiteration of the laws given by god to the israelites in previous books of the torah i. When asked what the greatest commandment is, jesus cites deuteronomy 6. All of the first generation is now dead, except for joshua, caleb and moses. The deuteronomic code is one of a set of three groups of laws laid down in the first 5 books of the bible pentateuch. The name deuteronomy comes from the septuagint greek title deuterono. Deuteronomy is the only book commanded to be read at regular intervals. Deuteronomy is primarily the retelling of mosaic law, but its text is still important today. Moses gives them instructions concerning many different aspects of the life. Deuteronomy, the final book in the pentateuch, contains moses last three sermons and two prophetic poems about israels future. These are the words moses spoke at the transjordan 1. Obedience to gods laws brings blessing but disobedience will. Best deuteronomy commentaries updated for 2020 best. The book is a retelling of the covenant between god and his people israel, presented in three addresses or sermons by moses.
Aug 19, 2019 deuteronomy means second law, a name which originated from the septuagints translation of the hebrew phrase meaning a copy of this law. In this sense deuteronomy is a covenant renewal document, as the following outline shows. Deuteronomy means second law, a term mistakenly derived from the hebrew word mishneh in deuteronomy 17. Among the torahs books, it is the most vigorous and clear advocate of monotheism and of the ardent, exclusive loyalty that israel owes god deuteronomy 4. Deuteronomy 5 niv the ten commandments moses summoned. Deuteronomy reveals that the lord is the only god 4. The book of deuteronomy, along with psalms and isaiah, reveals much about the attributes of god. Obedience therefore plays an important part in this book. Deuteronomy is a series of sermons by moses, not always chronological, and sometimes repetitious and overlapping. The book of deuteronomy is the fifth and final book of the jewish torah. Deuteronomy means second law, a name which originated from the septuagints translation of the hebrew phrase meaning a copy of this law. It is cited or quoted 195 times in the new testament.
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