The name signifies 'The Second Law,' but this does not properly describe it, as the ten commandments and Jehovah's name and His covenant made in Horeb are the basis of its instructions. Neither does 'Repetition of the Law' give the right thought, because some parts of this book were not given before. It rehearses God's covenant relationship with Israel under new circumstances: they had come to the border of the promised land, and were just about to enter into its possession, not on the ground of faithfulness to the law, but according to the covenant made with the fathers: De 9:4-5. Some things are added which could have had no application in the wilderness, even referring to their having a king.

The style of the book is different from those preceding it: a vast typical system is portrayed in the three preceding books, while in this the Spirit of God is occupied with the actual circumstances connected with their possession of the land of promise. Nearly all of Deuteronomy is what Moses rehearsed in the hearing of the people. Thus, "Moses began to declare this law." De 1:5. He called all Israel, and said unto them, "Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgements." De 5:1.

The book may be otherwise divided into three parts, thus:

Deut. 1 - 11: Moses rehearses the way the Lord had led them, the covenant with them, at Horeb, their disobedience, the resumption of God's relationship with them on the ground of Moses' mediation, and putting the law in the ark.

Deut. 12 - 29: various commandments are given with the results of obedience and disobedience fully stated.

Deut. 30