Deuteronomy

1.       First Impressions

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

Deuteronomy is written to the younger generation (2^nd generation) of Israelites who came out of Egypt and their children. They are about to cross the Jordan River into Canaan after wandering in desert for 40 years. They are finally about to enter into the Promised Land God promised their ancestors (Deuteronomy 8:1).

·         What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

The book of Deuteronomy is written by Moses, the man who has led the Israelites out of Egypt and to the Promised Land. Most of the book is Moses recounting the story, God’s instructions and preparing the Israelites for going into the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 31:9 it is said that Moses writes the book of instruction. In Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts we are told that the book itself has about forty claims of being written by Moses and the details of the geographical and historical knowledge we see in Deuteronomy also supports Moses as the author.

·         What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”

The book of Deuteronomy is about God reconfirming His covenant with the people of Israel before they enter the Promised Land. It is divided into 3 main parts; first Moses reminds the people of God’s provision as the left Egypt, then He explains what God wants them to do from now on and the final speech is prophetical and tells about the future. The point is that if they obey God’s commands, He will bless them and if they disobey, He will curse them (11:27-28; 27:10 28:2). God puts the Sabbath in place again as a sign of this covenant.  God wants the Israelites to be completely devoted to Him as they enter this land He wants to give them. In one sentence we can sum up Deuteronomy by saying: The reconfirmation of God’s covenant with His people to obey His command and be blessed or disobey and be cursed.

·         What is the primary reason this book was written?

The book is written to challenge the Israelites to obey God’s commands that they may be blessed (Deut 30:14). It serves as a warning to them and Moses urges them to move forward with God. It is important for the future generations to have the information in this book as a reminder of what God has done for the Israelites and to have the terms of the covenant in written form.

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

One thing which really stuck out to me was in Deuteronomy 9:6, “You must recognize that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land because you are good, for you are not – you are a stubborn people.” God doesn’t bless us because of who we are or what we do, He blesses because He is good. God also blesses those who obey (11:27-28; 27:10 28:2) and curses those who disobey.  It stands out that God allows us to decide, he does not decide for us (11:13). God is all powerful. He is our provider (8:4) but more than that He is a supernatural provider.

There are many other attributes of God which we can see in Deuteronomy, things such as God’s grace and His justice.

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

In Deuteronomy 32:4 there is a foreshadowing of Jesus as Moses speaks of God as being The Rock saying, His deeds are perfect. God chose to bring about His redemptive plan through Abraham and it is here in Deuteronomy that we see the promises made to Abraham about to be fulfilled. The whole plan of God stepping into this old covenant with His people is a step to Him being able to bring about a new better covenant. This is how I see God’s redemptive plan play out through Deuteronomy.

3.       Application questions

·         Personal application: Obey God keeps his promises.

For me personally just the reminder that God keeps His promises and is faithful to us even when we fail Him has been refreshing. It is one of those truths which continuously change your life as you walk with God.

Micah 6:8 is a verse that has been on my heart for a long time and I have never before noticed the similarity to Deuteronomy 10:12. Seeing this repetition was amazing.

MICAH: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

DEUTERONOMY: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love and serve Him with all your heart and soul.”

Because this verse in Micah has been so special to me for a long time and I have tried to live a life that displays that, seeing what Moses says God requires of the Israelites there has just made me want to combine those verses into a challenge for my daily life. To fear God, acting justly and loving mercy as I follow Him humbly, serving and loving Him with my whole heart and soul.

·         Point of Passion: Throughout Deuteronomy we see the importance Moses places on passing down God’s words to the next generation and spreading them that they may be known in the future. God wants to educate people in His ways and wants His words to be preserved. In Deuteronomy we 6:7 and 11:19 we see Moses telling the Israelites to teach God’s truth to their children. This is such an important part of biblical education.