The book of Deuteronomy means second law because it is a recasting of God's laws for a new generation about to enter the land of promise. Israel was camped just to the east of Canaan, preparing to enter it. Moses delivered a series of messages designed to impress upon the people that they must obey God. He reminded the people of God's character and how he blesses those who obey and punishes those who do not.
Structurally, Deuteronomy reflects the treaties of that day. These treaties established the relationship between a king and his subjects. Deuteronomy serves as a renewal of a treaty or covenant between Israel and their sovereign king.
What does it say?
Deuteronomy means "second law." This is the second giving, or repetition, of the law. A new generation stands poised across the Jordan river from Jericho, ready to take possession of the land of promise. This book records a series of messages given by Moses to establish them in God's design and desire for their lives. In these farewell talks, Moses urges the people to remember God's dealings with Israel (both blessing and judgment), to underscore in their minds the importance of obedience, and to look ahead with the fear of the Lord.
Deuteronomy is the renewing of the covenant between God and Israel. The covenant had previously been established at Mount Sinai but had been violated through distrust and disobedience. The result was God's judgment on the nation. Moses wants the people to enter the land recommitted to walking with God and receiving God's richest blessings.
Faces & Places
Moses plays the dominant human role in this book. Deuteronomy records his farewell messages, and at the end, records his death. The focus of the book, however, is the audience, the people of Israel. They are reminded and challenged as they prepare to enter into the land God is giving to them.
The stage for Deuteronomy is "the desert east of the Jordan." As such, the Jordan river serves as the conspicuous marker between the old era and the new. It is on the doorstep of the land that Moses' messages are delivered. Within those messages Moses looks back to significant places, such as the Red Sea, Kadesh Barnea, the desert, and the land of the Amorites. Notably, Moses also looks ahead to two mountains, Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, where all the blessings and the curses of the covenant would be recited. Deuteronomy closes on Mount Nebo, where Moses was allowed to see the Promised Land before dying.
Key Verses & Themes
Obedience:
Deuteronomy 8:6 "Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and revering him."
Love:
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."
Remember:
Deuteronomy 32:7 "Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you."
Covenant:
Deuteronomy 7:9 "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands."
So what?
A pair of grand old hymns, "Trust and Obey" and "More Love to Thee", embody the essence of Deuteronomy. Above all, this book stresses the importance of obedience to what God has commanded. In what area of my life is it most difficult for me to obey God? What is God asking me to do today?
However, Deuteronomy also makes it clear that God is not interested in mere rote obedience. He desires obedience that springs from a heart of love. Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:4-5 when asked to name the greatest commandment of all (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). Do I love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength?
Deuteronomy also emphasizes the parents' role in teaching their children to love God and walk with him (for example, see 6:4-9). If God has blessed you with children (or grandchildren!), what might be a creative way you can capture their imaginations with God's Word?
