Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy is a call to obedience and covenant renewal to a new generation of Israelites. Moses, at the age of 120, had passed the mantle of leadership over to Joshua and with little time left before his death, he gathered the people and gave a final discourse of the Law. Hence, the book is also known as 'the second giving (repetition) of the Law'.

There are three parts to Moses' message: he first reminded the people what God had done for them in the past (1-4); next, he emphasized what God expected of them as His chosen people (5-26); and lastly, he assured the people what God would do for them in the future (27-34). So while Leviticus is mainly written to the priests, Deuteronomy is addressed directly to the people as a whole.

Structured in the form of a treatise, Moses challenged the new generation to make the right choice to obtain God's blessing and life, and not repeat the mistakes of the old generation that resulted in God's cursing and death. God has and will remain faithful to His part of the covenant, but it is up to the people to fulfill their part of the deal; and Moses spared no effort in his discourse to repeatedly plead with them to 'hear', 'do', 'keep' and 'observe' God's Law out of love for Him.

30:19-20
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live: that you may love the LORD your God, and that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him: for He is your life.

Jesus Christ often quoted from this book, including the verses He used against Satan during His temptation. And no wonder —while Genesis to Numbers portray God's ways, Deuteronomy reveals His love.

OUTLINE OF DEUTERONOMY

1. Past: What God Has Done (1:1-4:43)

a. Journeys (1:1-2:23)

Horeb | Kadesh-Barnea | Moab

b. Conquests (2:24-3:20)

Sihon | Og | Leadership Transition

c. Warnings (4:1-43)

2. Present: What God Expects (4:44-26:19)

a. Prologue to God's Law (4:44-49)

b. Exposition on the Decalogue (5:1-11:32)

Reiteration of the Law | Response of the People

Reminders:   Teach the Law | Trust God

Turn away from Idolatry | Love God

c. Exposition on Sundry Laws (12:1-26:19)

Ceremonial Laws

Sanctuary | Idolatry | Food | Tithes | Debts

Slaves | Firstborn | Feasts

Civil Laws

Judges | Kings | Priests and Prophets

City of Refuge Witnesses | Warfare

Social Laws

Justice | Family | Community

Harmony | Obligations

3. Future: What God Will Do (27:1-34:12)

a. Ratification of the Covenant (27:1-28:68)

Altar | Admonition | Proclamation

Blessings and Curses

b. Entering into the Covenant (29:1-30:20)

Parties involved

Warnings of Dispersion and Restoration

Reiteration to Obey

c. Transition of Leadership (31:1-34:12)

Moses Blessed the Tribes | Viewed the Land

Death of Moses | Joshua succeeded Moses

Eulogy