Deuteronomy People Called to Faithfulness Introduction to Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy People Called to Faithfulness

Introduction to Deuteronomy Book of Deuteronomy Name come from Greek Dueteroniomion Means “second law” Some rabbis called it “The Book of Exhortation” Usually called by the first word in Hebrew text – “these are the words” Frequently quoted O. T. book Jesus’ temptation (Mt. 4: 4, 7, 10) Greatest commandment (Mt. 22: 37; from Deut. 6: 50

Introduction to Deuteronomy Authorship of Deuteronomy Moses spoke it and wrote it Record of Moses’ speeches (1: 5; 5: 1; 29: 2) Wrote it down and delivered to the priests and elders (31: 9) Possible Joshua recorded Moses death Dating of Deuteronomy First speech is dated in the 40 th year, 11 th month, and 1 st day Probable date is 1407 B. C. Enter Promised Land 41 st year, 1 st month, 10 th day – 1406 B. C.

Introduction to Deuteronomy Outline of Deuteronomy Moses’ first speech (Deut. 1: 1 -4: 43) Moses’ second speech (Deut. 5: 1 -26: 19) A call to a covenant renewal (Deut. 27: 1 -30: 20) Moses’ final words and death (Deut. 31: 1 -34: 12) Beginning and ending points Moses addresses the people of Israel in the land of Moab Death of Moses and Joshua assumes leadership

Introduction to Deuteronomy Occasion for Deuteronomy First, emphasizes that the people understand where they originated, who they are and what their God intends for them in the years to come. Second, Moses was about to die, so this acts as a summary of God’s important teachings revealed by God. The composition would serve as the corpus of law and practice for the covenant community for their future as a community. Third, Moses is to handover leadership to Joshua as God’s prophetic mediator to Israel of the covenant.

Introduction to Deuteronomy Reasons for Moses teaching of the law A new generation of Israelites has come of age New way of living before them in the Promised Land Facing new dangers in the new land with its gods and goddesses Military, economic and spiritual challenges face Israel Transition from semi-nomadic to agricultural life New leader in Joshua

Introduction to Deuteronomy Important teachings in Deuteronomy There is only one true God Deut. 4: 35 – no other God Deut. 6: 4 – God is one Lord Deut. 7: 25 – Detests images Deut. 10: 17 – God of gods, Lord of lords, mighty and awesome Israel is a chosen people Deut. 4: 31 – God will not abandon them because of oath to the fathers Deut. 6: 23 – give land promised to the fathers Deut. 7: 6 – Chosen by God

Introduction to Deuteronomy Important teachings in Deuteronomy Keeping God’s covenant is necessary Deut. 6: 5 – The must love God Deut. 10: 12 -13 – Love God and keep His commandments Deut. 28: 15 – Consequences for failure to obey God and keep faithful to the covenant Deut. 29: 9 -13 – Israel must enter in the covenant Deut. 32: 6 – God is their father A prophet like unto Moses will arise (Deut. 18: 1420) See Acts 3: 22, 23; 7: 37

Introduction to Deuteronomy Purpose of Deuteronomy Deut. 10: 12 -13 “Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the Lord’s commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good? Purpose: Call to faithfulness and obedience which bring blessings to life.