Classes - Pentateuch - Deuteronomy 4-28

Pentateuch: Deuteronomy 4-28

A study on the book of Deuteronomy

Learn how you can use the guide here.

This section forms the bulk of the book. Moses introduces the laws to the Israelites, reminding them of their covenant with God. He reiterates the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 5, emphasising their central role in the covenant. He expands on these with teachings on loving God wholeheartedly (Deu 6:4-9) and obeying His commands. The focus is on loyalty to God, avoiding idolatry, and passing these teachings to future generations.

In chapters 12 to 26, Moses outlines detailed laws covering worship practices, dietary rules, tithing, festivals, social justice, and community living. These laws are meant to set Israel apart as a holy nation. Moses instructs the Israelites to renew the covenant with a ceremony on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, where they declare blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Chapter 28 provides a detailed list of blessings for following God’s laws, such as prosperity and protection, and an equally detailed list of curses for abandoning them, including defeat, exile, and suffering.

Pre-Video Reading

Read Deuteronomy 4:44-28.

Watch the video

Table A: A comparison of the Ten Commandments in Exodus and Deuteronomy

Source: Schnittjer, G. E. (2006). The Torah Story: An Apprenticeship on the Pentateuch (p. 480). Zondervan.

Table B: An outline

Source: Schnittjer, G. E. (2006). The Torah Story: An Apprenticeship on the Pentateuch (p. 496). Zondervan.

Table C: The relationship between the Ten Commandments and the rules and regulations

Application Questions

Moses repeats the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 5. Why do you think God repeats the infamous Ten Commandments the second time in Deuteronomy?
What challenges do you face in upholding these commandments in today’s society?
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 is known as the Shema, after the first Hebrew word of verse 4 (listen or hear). When Jesus was asked what the most important command was in Matthew 22:36, He did not answer with any of the Ten Commandments. His answer was this verse in Deuteronomy. The greatest command is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matt 22:37). Why do you think Jesus identified this as the greatest command? What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul and strength?
In today’s context, what forms might “idols” take in our lives?
Why is teaching the next generation about faith crucial? How can believers today effectively pass on their faith to their children or the younger generations?

Closing Reflection

Deuteronomy 4:44 to chapter 28 forms the heart of the book, where Moses passionately implores the people of Israel to follow the Ten Commandments and the law code to guide their daily lives. This is a renewal of the Covenant for a new generation about to enter the Promised Land, emphasising the importance of obedience to God’s commands.

Deuteronomy 5 repeats the Ten Commandments for the new generation, comparing them to the version in Exodus. These commandments serve as the moral foundation for Israel. Chapters 6 to 26 further elaborate on these laws, covering topics such as worship, social justice, leadership, and daily life in Canaan. Chapters 27 and 28 emphasise the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, stressing the importance of covenant faithfulness. This covenant is not just a legal agreement but a call to love God wholeheartedly, and Moses urges Israel to pass this love and obedience to future generations.

As we reflect on these chapters, we are reminded that the call to obedience and wholehearted devotion to God is timeless. Today, we may not follow the same legal code as ancient Israel, but the core principles remain: to love God and our neighbour and to live in fellowship with Him. True life, both for Israel and for us, is found in following God’s ways and trusting in His sovereignty. Ask yourself, is God the source of your life? Are you living in fellowship with Him, guided by His commands? Let the message of Deuteronomy challenge us to examine our own lives and deepen our relationship with God.