Deuteronomy: Preparing to Enter the Promised Land “Unique Attractions” Deuteronomy: Preparing to Enter the Promised Land

The Promised Land would be a land of . . . Beauty Bounty Boundaries Blessings

Deuteronomy 1-7 Part One

Introduction The book of Deuteronomy consists of a number of speeches given by Moses to the Israelites in the plains of Moab, prior to entering the Promised Land. The name of the book means a “Second Law- Giving” (from “Deutero” and “Nomos”).

Historical Context and Content The Hebrew people are on the plains of Moab, and Moses is offering his farewell speech. Deuteronomy is a book of transition, preparation, and exhortation.

Theme The great theme of Deuteronomy is that God has saved and blessed his people. They must always remember this, and love and obey him. The greatest commandment comes from the Book of Deuteronomy (6:4-5; Matt. 22:37).

Outline: four discourses of Moses 1:1—4:43 – Moses’ first discourse 4:44—26:19 – Moses’ second address 27:1—30:20 – Moses’ third discourse 31:1—34:12 – Moses’ final words and death.

Critical Scholarship and Research Some scholars say it is written much later than the time of Moses. But, it claims most adamantly out of the five Pentateuch books to say that it is an authentic book of Moses (Deut. 1:1 and 31:9). The NT pairs Moses and Deuteronomy (cf. Matt. 19:8; 1 Cor. 9:10; Heb. 10:28).

I. Moses’ First Speech (Deut. 1-4) In the first 3 chapters, Moses provides a historical review for the children of Israel by recalling 7 events. Moses speaks about their victories and failures. Victories came from God. Failures came from faithlessness.

Chapter 4 – Exhortation; from Recollection to Appeal The chief concern here is idolatry. An appeal is made by Moses based on the character of God. God is a jealous God, a devouring fire (4:23). But, God is merciful, faithful, and compassionate (4:31).

II. Moses’ Second Speech (Deut. 4:44—ch. 26). By far the longest of the discourses. “Deuteronomos”—2nd giving of the Law. Moses reviews the past and gives an exhortation in chapters 4-11. The Decalogue (Ten Commandments) is repeated in 5:6-22. Exhortation to “hear” becomes significant.

Chapter 6: the “Shema” (6:4-9) There are three exhortations given and the purpose of the Law. The Hebrew word of “hear” is an imperative (2nd person masculine singular – “You”). The Hebrew in verse 4 literally says “Hear Israel YHWH our God YHWH one.” = monotheism

The Admonitions of the Shema: Total Dedication to God (6:5). Communicate your Dedication and Faith to Family in a Natural, Spontaneous Way (vv. 6- 9). Be Careful not to Forget (6:10-12).

Deuteronomy 7-34 PART TWO

Land of Promise and Its Problems (ch. 7) Don’t make covenants with Canaanites. Show no mercy to them (vv. 1-2). Don’t marry them (v. 3). God is using the Israelites as agents of His judgment against the evil Canaanites (see chapter 9). God is judging the Canaanites for idolatry (7:10). The Israelites must be holy—set apart to God (7:6).

Lessons from the Past (ch. 8-11) The tendency to forget is really prominent in chapter 8 (esp. vv. 11, 14, 19). There is a constant interplay between remember and forget. God is electing Israel because of Him not them (9:6). They had refused to bow to God and were “stiff-necked.”

Question: What Does the LORD Require? Answer: He wants your heart!

Because of what God has done (Rom. 12:1)   What are the Motivations that lead to this Response (of Loving Obedience)? Because of what God has done (Rom. 12:1) Because of Who He is ( Deut. 6:4; 10:17). The Perfection of His Will (Deut. 10:13) – for their own good. Deut. 10:16 – Circumcise your hearts!

Chapter 11 Moses retells the story of the Exodus particularly for those who did not personally experience it. There would be blessings if the obeyed God’s will and curses if they disobeyed (vv. 26-28).

Chapters 12-26 Moses is looking ahead – preparation for entry into the Promised Land. There is long series of legal material. Instruction seems to be more prospective (i.e., what to do) than retrospective (i.e., looking back at what they’ve done).

Instructions (chs. 13-16) Don’t be enticed to go after other gods (13:1- 18). Don’t follow Canaanite customs for grieving (ch. 14), Don’t partake of ceremonially unclean food (14:3-21). Observe sacred days and feasts (chs. 15-16).

Cities of Refuge (ch. 19) Establish Six Cities of Refuge (Ch. 19; cf. Num. 35). These will serve as havens for those who cause death to someone without malicious intent. There will be three Cities of Refuge on either side of the Jordan River divide.

Miscellaneous Laws (ch. 20-22) Exemptions from war (ch. 20) Laws on a variety of subjects (ch. 21). Life in the Community and the importance of being a good neighbor (22:1-3).

a Hypothetical Case (Casuistic Law) (ch. 24) Legislation on divorce Shammai versus Hillel’s view Jesus’ perspective on divorce (Matt. 19:3-12)

Chapter 26 In your future, don’t forget the past. Make the story of your Israelite ancestors your own story (vv. 1-15). Follow God! (v. 16)

III. Moses’ Third Address (Deut. 27-30) Chapters 27-28 present blessings and curses related to their response to God. Deuteronomic Theology is simple (cf. 30:15-20): Obey  Blessings Disobey  Curses

Chapter 29 juxtaposes Prosperity or Punishment Chapter 30 poses the choice of Life or Death

IV. Moses’ Final Words and Death (Deut. 31-34) Appointment of Joshua (ch. 31) Song of Moses (32:1-47) Moses’ Death (32:48—34:12)

Theological Themes in Deuteronomy The Faithfulness of God The Covenant of God The Love and Grace of God The proper human response to Covenant, God’s love and grace