Deuteronomy
Summary Deuteronomy is a book in which God once again confirms His covenant with the people of Israel as they stand on the threshold of the Promised Land, causing them to remember who He is and what He has done.
- Date written
- c. 1406-1405 BC (traditional)
- Historical period
- End of the wilderness period
Background
Deuteronomy is set at the point when, having completed the exodus and the wilderness journey, the people of Israel are east of the Jordan River, about to enter Canaan. The Hebrew title ‘Devarim (Words)’ shows that this book was written mainly in the form of Moses’ sermons. Most of the wilderness generation had passed away, and a new generation was preparing to enter the Promised Land. At this point, rather than giving new commandments, God has the covenant He had already given proclaimed again and reminds them of who He is. Deuteronomy is a ‘word of remembrance’ given to a people about to make a new beginning.
Content
Deuteronomy is built around three long sermons delivered through Moses. Moses first looks back on the history from the exodus through the wilderness journey, emphasizing that the whole process was God’s guidance. This is not to highlight the people’s merits but to cause them to remember God’s faithfulness. Moses then delivers the Ten Commandments and the law once again, making clear that they are not conditions for obtaining salvation but words given within a relationship with the God who has already saved them. The command ‘Remember,’ repeated throughout Deuteronomy, is a cry that holds them fast so they do not forget God’s grace. Finally, through words of blessing and curse, Deuteronomy makes clear that life in the Promised Land does not depend on human strength and ability but rests in the hands of God, who holds on to the covenant to the end. In the end, Deuteronomy is like God’s final exhortation, retelling who He is and seeking to lead His covenant people safely into the Promised Land.