INTRODUCTION

The Book of Deuteronomy is the last book of the Torah or Pentateuch. Deuteronomy is the last book of the Pentetuch. It is derived from the Greek deuteronomion, meaning 'second' or 'repeated Law.

Moses wrote it about 14076 B.C. Though it is suggested that Joshua wrote the final summary as Moses had passed on. Moses gave these instruction to the people, just before his death and at the point of entering the Promised Land. Those who rebelled had perished. They had spent 40 years in the wilderness. This was given to the new generation. The message on how they have to live as they enter the Promised Land and encouraging them to enter.

The format was very much like a Suzerain Treaty between a king and his subjects. Three main sections are obvious.

Chapters 1-4 Past Recollection. It begins with a preamble (1:1-5) followed by a historical prologue. Moses reminded them about the things that happened in the desert (1:6-4:45). Their faithlessness was condemned. How rebellious they were yet how merciful and faithful God is. Moses called for faithfulness. God did not abandon His covenant with them.

Chapters 5-26 Present Regulations or the Second Law. It provides detailed legislation as the new generation had emerged. It is clarifying and repeating of His commandments to love God and his neighbours. It encompasses worship and justice. It characterizes the Israel's leaders and accountable to the law and the prophets unlike the heathen kings. Civil laws and social justice relating to marriage, family and business (19-26)

Chapters 27-34 Future Retribution. Blessings and cursing. are sanctions which would work for their good. But if they did not obey God, they would suffer the consequences (Deuteronomy 28). Moses predicted the exile.

God did not allow Moses to lead the people into Israel. Moses appointed Joshua to lead the people after his death. After Moses had commanded them, he went up the mountain and there he passed on without anything heard of him.

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