Deuteronomy, the final book in the Pentateuch, records Moses’ last words to the people of Israel before they entered the Promised Land. Reflecting on the nation’s past mistakes, Moses urges the people not to repeat them when they enter the Promised Land. Possessing Canaan will fulfil the promises made to the forefathers. However, if the people fall into idolatry or fail to keep the law, they will be exiled.
Author: Moses
Date of Writing: The book is likely written around 1406 BC, at the end of the nation of Israel’s forty years of wandering. At the time, the people were camped on the east side of the Jordan River, on the plains of Moab, across from the city of Jericho (Deu 1:1, 29:1). They were on the verge of entering the land that had been promised centuries earlier to their forefathers (Gen 12:1, 6-9).
Purpose of writing: Deuteronomy comprises a series of sermons delivered by Moses to the entire nation of Israel shortly before his passing. This collection serves as a motivational call to faithful obedience to the covenant laws initially given at Sinai forty years earlier (Exo 19–40). The urgency of Moses’ message stems from Israel’s previous failure to seize the Promised Land when first commanded (Deu 1:19–46). Standing once again at the eastern border of their destination, Moses implores the people to heed God’s commands without hesitation. Throughout the sermons, Moses emphasises God’s unwavering faithfulness and power to fulfil His promises despite Israel’s recurring disobedience. Central to Moses’ exhortations is the reiteration of the Sinai law, encompassing all facets of life – from economics and family relationships to religious observance and justice. This legal framework elaborates on the foundational command to love God wholeheartedly, illustrating practical applications through chapters 12-16 and expounding on the principles outlined in the Ten Commandments.
Covenant: God, in His generosity, gave the Israelites both the law and the land because, as the Sovereign Lord of all the earth, He chose them as His special people and entered into a covenant with them, desiring a holy partnership. This reminds us that God always takes the first step, approaching us with undeserved grace and mercy. The Israelites were not chosen because of their numbers (Deu 7:7), strength (Deu 8:17), or morality (Deu 9:4) but simply because He loves them (Deu 4:37; 7:8; 10:15; 23:5). The loving and serving begins with him, not with us.
God’s unique, authoritative and compelling Word: God’s commands are not to be ignored, dismissed, manipulated or minimised by people who are meant to hear, follow and keep them (Deu 4:1-2). There is a responsibility to pass the message on by preaching (Deu 1:3), writing (Deu 4:13; 10:1-3; 31:9), and family education (Deu 4:9-10; 6:6-7, 20-25; 11:19).
Remembrance: One of the most important words in this book is “remember”. The Israelites are repeatedly urged to remember their past, and all God has done to save them. Remembering God’s acts will give them the confidence to face enemies (Deu 1:30; 7:18), trust in His promises (Deu 6:20-23), and empathise with the oppressed (Deu 15:15). It will also remind them to remain faithful to God during difficult times (Deu 8:1-3). Their ongoing relationship with God is based on this remembrance of His deliverance from Egypt. Forgetting God will lead to severe consequences (Deu 4:23-28), but God assures them that He will never forget them (Deu 4:31).
Holiness and Identity: Deuteronomy addresses various social and ethical themes that remain relevant today, particularly for urban life. While its specific laws were meant for a different culture, the principles behind them are still significant. The Israelites are called to reflect God’s holiness and generosity in all aspects of life (Deu 14:1-2), including care for the poor (Deu 14:28-29) and fair treatment of workers and foreigners (Deu 15:12-18). Deuteronomy offers a valuable personal and communal spirituality model, encouraging us to study its core principles and thoughtfully apply them to our modern world.
A. “These are the Words” (1-4:43)
B. “This is the Law” (4:44-28:68)
1. “This is the law”—The Ten Commandments (4:44–5:33)
2. “This is the command” (6:1)
3. “These are the rules and the regulations” (12:1)
4. “The blessings and curses” (27–28)
C. “These are the Words of the Covenant”—The New Covenant and the Song of Moses (29–32)
D. “This is the Blessing”—The Blessing and the Death of Moses (33–34)
LOCATION
FGA@Playfair 15 Playfair Road #03-01 Singapore 367987
CONTACT US
Office: 6339 1317
WhatsApp: 9146 8517
Email: info@fgasingapore.org