Introduction

Deuteronomy is mainly made up of Moses’s words to the people of Israel before his death and before they enter the promised land. The whole nation is gathered in the desert, east of the Jordan River, poised and ready to enter Canaan. They have grown as numerous as the stars and have taken 40 years to complete an eleven-day journey. Because of their disobedience, a whole generation of people have perished and now the next generation is ready to pursue the purpose of God. They stand at the threshold of promise.

The book covers a period of about one month. Where the book of Numbers leaves off, the book of Joshua takes up the story. In between these two books, comes the book of Deuteronomy. It contains three addresses by Moses and concludes with his death. Moses is concerned with reminding the new generation of their history and the nature of their relationship with God so that they are very clear about who they are and what they must do as they enter into God’s promised land. He speaks of both their past and their future as he hands leadership of the nation over to Joshua.

How to Succeed

Deuteronomy is much quoted in the New Testament, most notably by Jesus during his confrontation with Satan in the wilderness. There is much in this book that equips for life’s everyday challenges.

Israel’s escaping Egypt and entering the Promised Land is a foreshadowing of the redemption that Christ has won for us.  People are saved out of the dominion of darkness and into the kingdom of light.  Therefore, as we read Deuteronomy, consider some of the very practical attitudes and instructions that Moses gives the people, so that they will succeed in entering into all God has for them. Of course, we know that Israel did not succeed, but in Christ, we can. For example, consider God’s attitude towards sin and rebellion in this book, his concern for obedience and worship, his concern for godly parenting, tithing, his incredible patience and faithfulness, his attention to detail to enable a godly community to thrive. 

Covenant

God reveals himself throughout the whole Bible as a covenant-making (and covenant-keeping) God.  A covenant is the way God chooses to relate to mankind.  He says, ‘I will be your God and you will be my people.’  It is a relationship with defined terms and if man kept the requirements he could reap the benefits. However, failure to keep the covenant also had consequences – the blessings and curses described in Chapter 28. The breaking of the covenant required the shedding of blood for forgiveness and ultimately Christ took on himself all the curses of the covenant when he died a substitutionary death for all covenant breakers.  The book of Deuteronomy is a covenant book, bringing much light to this major biblical theme.

Moses’ First Speech:  Deuteronomy 1:1 to 4:43

Moses reviews Israel’s recent history, speaking of their failure to enter the land at the time of the bad report from the spies. He then leaves the failed generation and reminds the new generation of their recent successes in battle. Then he reminds them of the amazing privilege they have in being chosen by God and challenges them ‘to live lives worthy of their calling’.

Moses’ Second Speech:  Deuteronomy 4:44 to 28

Moses begins by repeating the Ten Commandments, emphasising that this was a covenant not of legalism but of love, to be expressed through loyalty.  He reminds them they were chosen not because of their righteousness but because of God’s love and his covenant. They had to obey the commandments and be able to explain them to their children. As they entered the new land they must show their love to the Lord by obeying all he commanded.

The land was to be cleansed of all objects related to the worship of other gods and God himself would appoint a specific geographic location where he was to be worshipped through the sacrifice of burnt offerings. He also listed foods that were unclean, thus enabling the people to practically express their separateness from other peoples and towards God.

Moses provides a wide range of laws to regulate the everyday life of the community.  We find demonstrated in these God’s heart for those socially disadvantaged among the people. He finally lists the blessings and curses attached to the covenant that the people have wholeheartedly agreed to abide by.

Moses’ Third Speech and Death:  Deuteronomy 29-34

Moses begins with a renewal of the covenant of Mount Sinai and emphasises its foundational basis to all that they do. Joshua is confirmed as Moses’s successor who will bring the people into the land. Moses sings a song received from God and then blesses all the tribes in a manner that echoes Jacob in Genesis 49. The book ends with Moses climbing Mount Pisgah to look out across the River Jordan to the Promised Land.  Not permitted to enter himself, he dies. 

There is an excellent overview of the book of Deuteronomy at Bible Project.