Deuteronomy
| Deuteronomy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Abbreviation | Dt |
| Class. | Old Testament |
| Category | Book of the Law (Pentateuch) |
| Chapters | 34 Chapters |
| Record Related | |
| Writer | Moses |
| Date (Approx.) | BC 15th Century |
| Location | Estimated to be the plains of Moab just before entering Canaan |
Deuteronomy is the fifth and final book of the Pentateuch—the collection that includes Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Positioned near the beginning of the Old Testament, it serves as a collection of farewell sermons delivered by Moses and contains detailed explanations and reaffirmations of God’s laws.
Etymology and Writer
The book’s content primarily consists of three sermons delivered by Moses, much of which reiterates and expands upon laws and teachings found in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. In the Hebrew Bible, Deuteronomy is titled Devarim (דְּבָרִים), meaning “Words.” The Greek Septuagint refers to it as Deuteronomion (Δευτερονόμιον), meaning “second law” or “repetition of the law.” The English name Deuteronomy derives from this Greek term.
Traditionally, Moses is regarded as the writer of Deuteronomy,[1] as well as of the other four books of the Pentateuch. However, the final chapter (Deuteronomy 34), which recounts Moses’ death and events following it, is generally understood to have been added later by another writer or editor. Moses is remembered as the prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from slavery under Pharaoh in Egypt and to guide them through the wilderness. The five books attributed to him are collectively called the Pentateuch.
Background and Composition
Deuteronomy was composed shortly before the Israelites were to cross the Jordan River and enter Canaan after forty years of wandering in the wilderness. The previous generation that had made the covenant with God at Mount Sinai had died, and a new generation, born in the desert, was now entrusted with the mission of conquering Canaan.
Before his death, Moses addressed this new generation, urging them to remain faithful to God in the land they were about to possess. He wrote and reminded them of God’s guidance and care throughout their forty-year journey and reemphasized the Ten Commandments, the appointed feasts, and the terms of the covenant.
Moses then placed this book of the Law beside the ark of the covenant and exhorted future generations to observe it faithfully, so that Israel would continue to live under God’s blessing.[2]
Structure of Deuteronomy
| Chapters | Content |
| 1–4 | Moses’ First Sermon: Review of the Wilderness Journey |
| 5–26 | Moses’ Second Sermon: The Ten Commandments and Statutes |
| 27–30 | Moses’ Third Sermon: Blessings for Obedience and Curses for Disobedience |
| 31–34 | Moses’ Death and the Succession by Joshua |
Moses’ First Sermon (Chapters 1–4)
In his first address, Moses reviewed Israel’s journey through the wilderness, emphasizing how God had continually guided and protected them despite their repeated disobedience and rebellion. He reminded the people to recognize God’s constant help and urged them to live in obedience to His commands.
Moses’ Second Sermon (Chapters 5–26)
Moses reiterated the Ten Commandments, which were given as part of God’s covenant at Mount Sinai for the people’s own good.[3] He emphasized the importance of remembering God’s laws and loving Him with all one’s heart, soul, and strength. This section expands on the laws governing worship, daily conduct, and social justice, including prohibitions against idolatry, regulations concerning food and tithes, and the observance of seven annual feasts held in three appointed times. It also includes instructions for kings and priests, warnings about false prophets, the prophecy of a prophet like Moses, and laws concerning family, justice, and neighborly conduct.
Moses’ Third Sermon (Chapters 27–30)
God promised that if the Israelites obeyed His commandments, they would be blessed and exalted above all nations. Moses reminded the people of this covenant promise and urged the new generation to resist foreign influences and remain faithful to God’s law, so that they might receive life and blessings.
Moses’ Death and Joshua’s Commission (Chapters 31–34)
Before his death, God appointed Joshua as Moses’ successor and entrusted him with the mission to lead Israel into Canaan. Moses completed his ministry by reaffirming the Law, encouraging Joshua, and blessing the tribes of Israel. Moses then ascended Mount Nebo in Moab, from which he viewed the land of Canaan. He died there at the age of 120.
With his death, the wilderness era came to an end, and a new chapter began as Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land.