Deuteronomy

The Book of Deuteronomy: A Call to Remember

Finishing the Pentateuch (the first five books), we come to Deuteronomy. This book is essentially a series of “farewell sermons” from Moses to the new generation of Israelites as they prepare to cross the Jordan.

Deuteronomy: Book Overview

Total Chapters: 34
Total Verses: 959
Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses (with the final chapter regarding his death likely added by Joshua)
Date Written: Approximately 1406 BC

NIV Chapter Pericopes (Sections)

Moses’ First Speech: Reviewing History (Chapters 1–4)

Chapter 1: The Command to Leave Horeb; The Appointment of Leaders; Spies Sent Out; Rebellion Against the Lord
Chapter 2: Wanderings in the Wilderness; Defeat of Sihon King of Heshbon
Chapter 3: Defeat of Og King of Bashan; Division of the Land; Moses Forbidden to Cross the Jordan
Chapter 4: Obedience Commanded; Idolatry Forbidden; The Lord Is God; Cities of Refuge

Moses’ Second Speech: The Law of God (Chapters 5–26)

Chapter 5: The Ten Commandments
Chapter 6: Love the Lord Your God
Chapter 7: Driving Out the Nations; Do Not Intermarry
Chapter 8: Do Not Forget the Lord
Chapter 9: Not Because of Israel’s Righteousness; The Golden Calf
Chapter 10: New Stone Tablets; Fear the Lord
Chapter 11: Love and Obey the Lord
Chapter 12: The One Place of Worship; Idolatry Warning
Chapter 13: Worshiping Other Gods
Chapter 14: Clean and Unclean Food; Tithes
Chapter 15: The Year for Canceling Debts; Freeing Servants; Firstborn Animals
Chapter 16: The Passover; Festival of Weeks; Festival of Tabernacles; Judges; Worshiping Other Gods
Chapter 17: Law Courts; King
Chapter 18: Offerings for Priests and Levites; Occult Practices Detestable; The Prophet
Chapter 19: Cities of Refuge; Witnesses
Chapter 20: Going to War
Chapter 21: Atonement for Unsolved Murders; Marrying a Captive Woman; The Right of the Firstborn; A Rebellious Son; Various Laws
Chapter 22: Marriage Violations; Sexual Immorality
Chapter 23: Exclusion From the Assembly; Uncleanness in the Camp; Miscellaneous Laws
Chapter 24: Miscellaneous Laws
Chapter 25: Miscellaneous Laws
Chapter 26: Firstfruits and Tithes; Follow the Lord’s Commands

Moses’ Third Speech: Blessings and Curses (Chapters 27–30)

Chapter 27: The Altar on Mount Ebal; Curses From Mount Ebal
Chapter 28: Blessings for Obedience; Curses for Disobedience
Chapter 29: Renewal of the Covenant
Chapter 30: Prosperity After Turning to the Lord; The Offer of Life or Death

The Final Days of Moses (Chapters 31–34)

Chapter 31: Joshua to Succeed Moses; Public Reading of the Law; Israel’s Rebellion Predicted
Chapter 32: The Song of Moses; Moses to Die on Mount Nebo
Chapter 33: Moses Blesses the Tribes
Chapter 34: The Death of Moses

To conclude the Pentateuch (the first five books), we have Deuteronomy. The name comes from the Greek word Deuteronomion, which means “Second Law.” It isn’t a “new” law, but rather a powerful series of sermons given by Moses to the new generation before they cross the Jordan River.

The Book of Deuteronomy is a “bridge” book. It looks back at the journey through the wilderness and looks forward to the life Israel will lead in the Promised Land. It is a deeply personal and emotional book, where Moses pleads with the people to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength.

The book follows the structure of an ancient Near Eastern covenant treaty:

Historical Prologue: What God has done (Chapters 1–4).
Stipulations: What God expects (Chapters 5–26).
Blessings and Curses: The consequences of the choice (Chapters 27–30).
Succession: The future after Moses (Chapters 31–34).

I. Looking Backward: The Lessons of the Desert (Chapters 1–4)

Moses recounts the history of Israel since leaving Mount Sinai. He reminds the new generation of their parents’ failures and God’s persistent faithfulness.

The Importance of Obedience: Moses urges the people to listen and obey so that they may live and take possession of the land.
The Prohibition of Idolatry: A stern warning that God is a “consuming fire” and a jealous God who will not share His glory with carved images.

II. The Heart of the Law (Chapters 5–11)

Moses repeats the Ten Commandments and explains that the Law is not just a list of rules, but a response to God’s love.

The Ten Commandments Repeated: Re-establishing the moral foundation for the new generation (Deut 5).
The Shema: The core confession of the Jewish faith: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deut 6:4).
Teach the Children: Moses commands parents to write the law on their hearts and diligently teach it to their children (Deut 6:6-9).

III. Specific Statutes and Judgments (Chapters 12–26)

This section provides practical applications of the Law for life in a settled land, covering everything from worship and government to social justice.

Centralized Worship: Once in the land, Israel is to worship at the place God chooses, rather than at local pagan shrines (Deut 12).
Justice for the Vulnerable: Laws protecting the widow, the orphan, and the poor, reminding Israel that they were once slaves in Egypt (Deut 15, 24).
The Future King: God provides guidelines for future kings, ensuring they remain humble and rooted in the Word of God (Deut 17).

IV. The Choice: Life or Death (Chapters 27–30)

Moses sets before the people a dramatic choice. The covenant requires a response.

Blessings for Obedience: Abundance in the fields, the home, and in battle (Deut 28:1-14).
Curses for Disobedience: Disease, drought, and eventual exile if they turn away from God (Deut 28:15-68).
“Choose Life”: Moses’ final appeal: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life” (Deut 30:19).

V. The Transition of Leadership (Chapters 31–34)

The book, and the Pentateuch, concludes with the end of Moses’ era.

The Commissioning of Joshua: Moses encourages Joshua to be “strong and courageous” as he takes the mantle of leadership (Deut 31).
The Song of Moses: A prophetic song about Israel’s future (Deut 32).
The Death of Moses: God allows Moses to see the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, but he is not permitted to enter. He dies and is buried by God, and the nation mourns the greatest prophet they had ever known (Deut 34).