The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible, or the last book of th Pentateuch. Deuteronomy literally means “Second Law.” This titl conveys its nature and purpose. In other words, this book is a repetition of th law that was given to Moses and his people on Mount Sinai. It is also completion and explanation of that law. Besides that, this book also continue on from previous events that happened in the first four books of the Bible. I helps to bring to focus and interpret the messages that are in the first fou books. In Greek, Deuteronomy means “a copy of this law in a book.” I Hebrew, its name comes from the phrase, “these are the words.” Th Book of Deuteronomy was written centuries after the Israelites had lived on th Land of Promise.
Moses is believed to be the author. If he is the author, it wa written around thirteenth century B.C. Joshua was most likely (although it i not certain) the author who concluded the book with the event of Moses’s death. Moses relates all events that happen in this book with a spiritual lesson. H takes the laws that the Lord gave His people nearly forty years before the tim that the writings of this book took place and adapts it to the people and event of that time. A main characteristic that sets the book of Deuteronomy apart fro the other books of the Bible is its “vigorous oratorical style.” (Th Holy Bible 147) In other words, it is a style which involves much thought comin from the author.
The events in this book took place within no more than fort days. The events occurred mainly in only three places. They were “in th plains of Moab, between the end of the wandering of the desert (which laste forty years), and the crossing of the Jordan River.” (Deuteronomy) Th purpose of the book of Deuteronomy is to show the change in leadership fro Moses to Joshua. It was also written to be a witness of God’s relationship wit the people of Israel. Deuteronomy begins towards the end of Israel’s time o wandering through the desert.
Moses gives them instructions concerning man different aspects of the life in the land they are about to enter. The firs four chapters recall the time when the people came out of Egypt and died in th wilderness because of their numerous sins. It then shows how God faithfull brought the next generation to the border of Canaan, which was the promise land. The next twenty-four chapters recall the Law of God. In it, Moses repeat the Ten Commandments that had been given to him by God at Mount Sinai. Mose emphasized that God chose the people of Israel to be His people because he love them, and they in return should love God with all of their heart and soul.
Mose also shows the importance of worshiping God. From this section is where the nam of Deuteronomy originated. The last six chapters prepare the people for th entry into Canaan. Joshua becomes the new leader of the people of Israel becaus it was near Moses’s time of death. Moses teaches the Israelites a song to remin them of God’s faithfulness in the people and how they should never be unfaithfu to God. Moses then looks into the promised land from Mount Nebo, since he wa never able to enter because of his unfaithfulness to God when he tapped the roc twice.
He then dies. Today, the book of Deuteronomy carries many differen meanings to Christianity. It shows us the differences between ourselves and God laws and rules, and how “Moses is a type’ of Christ.” (Deuteronomy Deuteronomy conveys to us the nature of ourselves and God through quite a fe different ways. One is by the sinful nature of man, which is quite apparen throughout the book. The book also shows the character of God, and how He wa always very faithful to His people. Another thing that it shows us is th possibility of restoration through God’s grace. The book also contains the laws which are the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments are in effect today for al Christians.
They are a guide for Christians and the way they should live thei lives, and they help to guide all people to live better and more faithful lives. Moses is somewhat a “type” of Christ by some of the actions that h performed. He talked to God face to face which not many people did. Also, h performed miracles, which are impossible for most people. He also was able t deliver people out of slavery. They are just a few examples of the many action that Moses took in his lifetime. Throughout the book of Deuteronomy, the mai emphasis is on faith and obedience.
This is apparent through the repeating o the Ten Commandments, and the faith of the people and God towards his people. This book has a major religious influence when compared to most other books o the Old Testament. Deuteronomy is a book of the Bible that should be read wit much thought, because it conveys many different meanings that can be used today and that were apparent during the time it was written.
