Summarizing the Torah
Themes By Chapter
Book Summary:
Deuteronomy is the sermon Moses gave to the Children of Israel before they entered into the promised land. Moses reviews the events of there history and the law. Deuteronomy actually means ‘the second law’ – it was the second reading of the law. The conditions God gives for entering and holding the promised land for the Israelites was obedience – they entered into the promised land on the condition of obedience. Moses is pleading in this book for obedience – “and now , O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 10:12) He wanted the law to take a living hold on the people. God is now giving Israel the opportunity to choose Him unlike in the first four books of the Pentateuch when He chose them.
After telling the Israelites what blessings would be theirs if they obeyed, Moses also told them of the results of disobedience. Chapter 28 tells us what Israel might have been through obedience. Moses then spoke to 80 year old Joshua committing the leadership of the Israelites onto him.
After Moses had sung a song he went up Mount Nebo and died after God had showed him the promised land. It is immaterial whether Moses wrote Deuteronomy 34 by revelation or whether Joshua added it later. They wept for him 30 days before entering the promised land.
Structure:
1. Moses first address (1-4)
2. Moses second address (5-26)
3. Moses third address (27-33)
Key Verse:
Deuteronomy 18:18 - "I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him."
Christ Portrayed as: The Great Prophet
Author: Moses