Introduction

The five books of Moses were collectively called the Pentateuch, a word of Greek origin meaning ‘the five-fold book.’ The Jews called them the Torah, i.e., ‘the law.’ It’s probable that the division of the Torah into five books proceeded from the Greek translators of the Old Testament.

The names by which these several books are generally known are Greek. Genesis through to Deuteronomy is known as the Torah which means Law. In Greek, the word Pentateuch is ‘Pente’ which means five and ‘uch’ which means Law.

Summary Of The Book

In the Book of Deuteronomy, we read about God’s plan of redemption not only for His people but also for all of mankind. It points to the ultimate Redeemer of the world, Jesus, the Messiah.

We read about principles concerning how the nation of Israel should live and the ultimate fulfilment of those principles being set forth by Jesus Himself.

The name ‘Deuteronomy’ means ‘second law’, but it wasn’t a new law for Israel, but a repetition of the laws that were given at Mount Sinai. However, in the repetition of the law, Moses explains and amplifies various portions of the laws that were given about 40 years before.

We know this is an important book because it is quoted 85 times within the New Testament. Only six books within the New Testament don’t have any quotes from Deuteronomy. Many scholars believe that the key verse within the book is Deuteronomy 6:5 ‘Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.’

Date

Moses writes, “Thirty-eight years passed from the time we left Kadesh Barnea until we crossed the Zered Valley. By then, that entire generation of fighting men had perished from the camp, as the LORD had sworn to them. The LORD’s hand was against them until he had completely eliminated them from the camp.” Deuteronomy 2:14-15.

The crossing of the brook Zered brought Israel to the borders of Ammon. It too marked the separation of the unfaithful Israelites who faltered at the first visit to Kadesh.

Note that Moses marks a 38-year time frame in which Israel left Kadesh-Barnea to the coming over the brook Zered that the rebellious generation is done away with.

In Deuteronomy 1:3 Moses marks the eleventh month of the 40th year as the time from leaving Egypt to their current place in Moab. They had spent three months getting to Sinai from Egypt, Exodus 12:2 to Exodus 19:1. Israel spends approximately twelve months at Sinai receiving the law, Numbers 10:11-13. Thirty-eight years later Israel finds themselves in the plains of Moab, Numbers 33:38 / Deuteronomy 2:14, yet to have entered Canaan.

Deuteronomy opens in the 40th year and eleventh month. Smith and Fields date the book of Deuteronomy to the year 1407 B.C. “Old Testament History”. The message of Moses to the people lasted about 30 days, Deuteronomy 1:3 / Deuteronomy 34:8 / Joshua 2:22 / Joshua 4:19.

Author

We know that Moses wrote the book as his farewell speech to Israel, Deuteronomy 1:1 / Deuteronomy 1:5 / Deuteronomy 4:44-45 / Deuteronomy 31:24-26.

Jesus Himself, on many occasions, quotes from the book and accredits the writing to Moses, Matthew 4:4 / Matthew 4:7 / Matthew 4:10 / Matthew 5:21 / Matthew 5:27 / Matthew 5:31 / Matthew 5:38 / Matthew 15:4 / Matthew 18:16 / Matthew 19:7 / Matthew 22:24 / Matthew 22:37 / Mark 7:10 / Mark 10:4 / Mark 12:19 / Mark 12:29-30 / Luke 4:4 / Luke 4:8 / Luke 4:12 / Luke 10:27 / Luke 18:20 / Luke 20:28.

Basic Outline

A summary of Israel’s journey from Egypt. Deuteronomy 1-3
A Summary of Israel’s relationship with God. Deuteronomy 4-10
How to love God and keep His commandments. Deuteronomy 11-26
Blessings, curses, and restoration. Deuteronomy 27-30
The death of Moses. Deuteronomy 31-34

The Book Contains Three Sermons

First sermon, Deuteronomy 1:1-4:43
Second sermon, Deuteronomy 4:44-11:32
Third sermon, Deuteronomy 12:1-33:29

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