Deuteronomy

(i) Title

– Deuteronomy comes from the LXX and derives from a mistranslation of Deuteronomy 17:18 to read “second Law”; Hebrew name is simply elleh haddebarim “these are the words” from Ch 1:1; actually the book does not introduce another Law; it is a repetition of the Law in Exodus now recited in the hearing of a new generation on the threshold of a new land (the old truths suffice for every generation);

(ii) Purpose

– to review the Law – the old generation met death in the wilderness for disobedience / unbelief (Numbers 14:29); the new generation needed divine instruction.

– to review the history – death toll of the initial generation was so high, the trail of corpses was a valid reminder of the folly of unbelief; the new generation needed to remember.

– to review the opportunity – new challenges and opportunities awaited the new generation in the promised land; they needed to be challenged.

(iii) Outline

Ch’s 1-4 remembrance of the past – Moses and the people look back.

Ch’s 5-26 commandment for the present – Moses and the people look in.

Ch’s 27-30 preparing for the future – Moses and the people look forward.

Ch’s 31-34 saying ‘goodbye’ – Moses and the people part.

N.B. written by Moses with one to live; a great legacy (encouraged revival in Josiah’s time, 2 Kings 23, and Ezra, Nehemiah 8, and quoted by our Lord in His temptations, Matthew 4); Paul also wrote a terrific piece at the close of his life (2 Timothy); it’s never too late to be a blessing to others!