Introduction to the fifth book of Moses, Deuteronomy
The fifth Book of the Bible, the Book of Obedience
The fifth book of Moses, his final book, is called “Deuteronomy,” meaning roughly “second law”; however, this translation is inaccurate, as nothing new is added—rather, large portions of the Law given at Sinai are simply repeated and explained.
In this spirit, Hebrew tradition also calls it “Misneh Tora,” meaning “the repetition of the law.”
The Hebrew name is also taken from the opening words of the fifth scroll of Moses, “Elleh hadevarim,” or in English: “These are the words.”
Deuteronomy contains Moses’ farewell speeches to the people of Israel.
On the one hand, the people are prepared for the situation awaiting them in the Promised Land; on the other hand, Moses reminds Israel of the grace and faithfulness God has shown them in the past.
He reinforces the existing commandments and their covenant with God in the nation’s consciousness and reminds them of the consequences that both obedience—in the form of blessings—and disobedience—in the form of curses—entail.
It is Moses’ legacy to once again exhort the people of Israel in powerful words to keep God’s Word and to live in love and obedience.
The end of the book contains prophetic statements about the people’s failure, their dispersion among the nations, but also their complete restoration through God’s grace.
Even though Moses’ own speeches were written by him, the concluding section describing Moses’ death must have been recorded by his successor, Joshua, or by someone else.
Outline of the Book of Deuteronomy:
Chapters 1–4 – A review of the history of the people of Israel
Chapters 5–27 – Explanations of God’s will
Chapters 28–34 – A look into the future, blessings, and the death of Moses
Content of Deuteronomy:
The fifth book of Moses / Deuteronomy
- Deuteronomy chapter 1
- I. Introductory Speeches (with Appendix) (1:1-4:43)
- God’s Command to Depart from Horeb (Sinai)
- Appointment of Leaders and Officers to Assist Moses and Instructions to the Existing Judges
- Journey from Horeb to Kadesh-Barnea; The people’s despondency and unbelief after the spies were sent out
- Moses‘ futile attempt to encourage them
- God’s judgment; the people’s repentance; the failure of their unauthorized attempt to conquer the land
- Deuteronomy chapter 2
- Deuteronomy chapter 3
- Deuteronomy chapter 4
- Deuteronomy chapter 5
- Deuteronomy chapter 6
- Deuteronomy chapter 7
- Deuteronomy chapter 8
- Deuteronomy chapter 9
- Deuteronomy chapter 10
- Deuteronomy chapter 11
- Deuteronomy chapter 12
- Deuteronomy chapter 13
- Deuteronomy chapter 14
- Deuteronomy chapter 15
- Deuteronomy chapter 16
- Deuteronomy chapter 17
- Deuteronomy chapter 18
- Deuteronomy chapter 19
- Deuteronomy chapter 20
- Deuteronomy chapter 21
- Deuteronomy chapter 22
- Certain Duties of Love in Times of Neighbor’s Distress; Returning Found Property
- Various Regulations, Especially Regarding Avoiding Natural Hazards
- How to Treat a Woman Accused by Her Husband of Losing Her Virginity Before Marriage
- Laws Against Adultery, the Defilement of an Engaged Girl, and the Rape of an Unengaged Virgin
- Deuteronomy chapter 23
- Deuteronomy chapter 24
- Deuteronomy chapter 25
- Deuteronomy chapter 26
- Deuteronomy chapter 27
- Deuteronomy chapter 28
- Deuteronomy chapter 29
- Deuteronomy chapter 30
- Deuteronomy chapter 31
- Deuteronomy chapter 32
- Deuteronomy chapter 33
- Deuteronomy chapter 34