and Intro of Joshua Deuteronomy Deuteronomy Hebrew Name: Debarim “These are the Words”
Structure and Outline:
Preamble Chapter 1:1–5 Lessons from Israel’s History Chapters 1:6– 4:43 Lessons from the Law of God Chapters 4:44–26:19 Renewal of the Covenant Chapters 27–30 Succession of Leadership Chapter 31-34 Deuteronomy Hebrew Name: Debarim “These are the Words” • What is Deuteronomy? The Hebrew name, “These Are the Words,” comes from the first phrase in the book. The English name, Deuteronomy, comes from the Septuagint. The word deuteronium, which means “second law,” is actually a mistranslation of the phrase “copy of this law” appearing in Deuteronomy 17:18. The book is not another law, but rather a second proclamation of the original law.
• Who Wrote Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy 31:9, 24 state that Moses wrote these words. Moreover, numerous other OT passages indicate Moses as the author (Joshua 23:6; 1 Kings 2:3; Malachi 4:4). The book of Deuteronomy was composed near the end of the wilderness wanderings, which will put the date either around 1406 B.C. or 1220 B.C. depending on the preferred date ascribed to the exodus from Egypt. Deuteronomy Hebrew Name: Debarim “These are the Words”
• Why Was Deuteronomy Written?
Deuteronomy is either one long sermon with three parts or three separate sermons. As the Israelites are camped on the east side of the Jordan River, they are preparing to enter the Promised Land. Moses proclaims and reaffirms the covenant established by God, urging the people to keep the laws given to them 40 years earlier at Mount Sinai. He recounts God’s faithful deeds as well as the people’s numerous times of rebellion to serve as motivation to walk in obedience. Moses emphasizes the need for covenant faithfulness as Israel embarks on their new journey. The book ends with an account of the death of Moses and the succession of Joshua as Israel’s new leader. Deuteronomy: Key Themes • Obedience Deuteronomy 4:1—2 Obey God fully on His terms. Deuteronomy 11:1—32 Obey all God’s statutes. Deuteronomy 30:11—20 Choose life or death. • Relationship Deuteronomy 7:9 God is faithful to His covenant Deuteronomy 29:12—15 The Lord is God of Israel. • Grace Deuteronomy 7:7—8 God’s love motivates Him. Deuteronomy 9:1—6 God’s favor is not earned. Deuteronomy 30:1—3 God allows for repentance. • Discipleship Deuteronomy 3:28 Moses trained Joshua to lead. Deuteronomy 6:4—9 Parents train their children. Salvation History • Salvation History refers the detailed review of specific events in the past recounting the ways in which Yahweh had rescued/ provided for Israel so as to honor His covenant with Abraham.
• It Has Three Purposes
– To remind Israel of their past relationship with Yahweh – To encourage Israel to presently obey the Law of God – To influence the world for God The Shemah: Deut 6:4-9 Orthodox Jews Recite this Prayer 5X Daily
• Vs. 4 Statement of Monotheism and Priority
• Vs. 5 All-consuming love for Yahweh – Heart represents the center for willful choice – Soul represents the essence of life – Strength represents everything else left over
• Vs. 6-9 Submissive Love/ Teach Children How to Live
Holy War: Deuteronomy 7 God tells Israel to completely and utterly destroy the other nations. Why did God command this?
• If any of the nations remained, they would lead Israel
astray. (7:3-4)
• These people were exceedingly wicked. (Gen. 15:16)
The Prophet Greater Than Moses Deuteronomy 18:15-19
• Moses speaks of a future prophet to come
– This prophet will be sent by God. – This prophet will be like unto Moses. – This prophet will speak the TRUE words of God – Those who do not listen to this prophet will be punished by God. • This passage, among others in the OT, lead the Jewish people to await the coming Messiah (annointed one). Deuteronomic Formula: Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Obey God and Be Blessed
Or Disobey God and Be Cursed
**The hyper form of this causes problems.
Moses’ Death and Joshua’s Commissioning Moses was told by the LORD at Meribah that he would not enter the promised land.
• Moses commissions Joshua publicly as the next
leader. • Moses blesses each of the 12 tribes. • Moses climbs the mountain and God shows him the entirety of the land. Then Moses dies. • Joshua is filled with the Spirit of God, and assumes the role as leader of Israel.
(The Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library) Joel S. Baden. - The Composition of The Pentateuch - Renewing The Documentary Hypothesis (2012, Yale University Press)