Deuteronomy in a Nutshell

05_Deuteronomy-BiaNS.mp3

The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and the last book of the Torah. It tells the story of Israel's escape from slavery in Egypt, their year at Mount Sinai, and their journey to the Jordan River. The book begins with a speech by Moses, which is divided into three sections. The first part highlights Israel's rebellion and resistance, while the second part challenges them to be different from their parents and respond to God's grace with love and obedience.

Moses begins with a somber tone, highlighting Israel's rebellion and resistance for forty years. He challenges the new generation to be different from their parents and respond to God's grace with love and obedience. Moses reminds them of the ten commandments and the famous line: "Listen, oh Israel, the LORD is our God, the LORD alone. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." This line, from Deuteronomy 6:4-9, is called the Shema in Jewish tradition, emphasizes the Israelite's exclusive commitment to their God, the one true God who saved them from slavery.

The word "listen" in Hebrew means more than just hearing sound waves; it includes responding to what you hear. For Israel, this means obeying God's grace by obeying the laws of the covenant. Love is the true motivation for obeying the laws, and Israel will not truly love if they don't obey. The connection between love and obedience runs throughout the book, as Moses tells them that if they obey and love Jehovah, their God, they will fulfill their original calling as the family of Abraham and become a blessing to the nations.

The second big section of Deuteronomy is a large block of laws and commands, which are called "second laws," and this is where book of Deuteronomy gets its name. These laws cover various aspects of Israel's worship, leadership structure, social justice, and more. And finally, Moses warns Israel of the consequences of their actions and encourages them to obey God's laws, become a blessing as an example to the nations, and live a life of love and justice.

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The Bible in a Nutshell Series

Hebrew Scriptures

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Outline of the Book of Deuteronomy

I. Introduction, 1:1-5

II. Recapitulation of Israel’s Wanderings: Historical, 1:6-4:43

A. at Sinai, 1:6-18
B. at Kadesh-barnea, 1:19-46
C. Israel’s Journey from Kadesh to Moab, 2:1-3:29
- 1. The journey to Transjordan, 2:1-23
- 2. The conquest of Transjordan, 2:24-3:11
- 3. The allotment of Transjordan, 3:12-29
D. Israel on the Plains of Moab, 4:1-43
- 1. A call to obedience, 4:1-40
- 2. The cities of refuge, 4:41-43

III. Rehearsal of Israel’s Law: Legal, 4:44-26:19

A. Commands Concerning God, 4:44-12:32
- 1. The Ten Commandments, 4:44-5:33
- 2. The command to love the Lord, 6:1-25
- 3. The command to destroy the Canaanites, 7:1-26
- 4. The command to remember God’s past dealings, 8:1-10:11
- 5. The call to commitment, 10:12-11:32
- 6. The command concerning the central sanctuary, 12:1-32
B. Commands Concerning False Prophets, 13:1-18
C. Commands Concerning Food, 14:1-21
D. Commands Concerning Tithes, 14:22-29
E. Commands Concerning the Sabbath Year, 15:1-23
F. Commands Concerning Festivals, 16:1-17
G. Commands Concerning Leaders, 16:18-18:22
- 1. Judges, Deut 16:18-17:13
- 2. Kings, Deut 17:14-20
- 3. Levites, Deut 18:1-8
- 4. False Diviners, 18:9-14
- 5. Messiah, 18:15-19
- 6. Prophets, 18:20-22
H. Commands Concerning Human Relationships, 19:1-26:19
- 1. The cities of refuge, 19:1-13
- 2. The boundary mark, Deut 19:14
- 3. Witnesses, 19:15-21
- 4. Warfare, 20:1-20
- 5. Manslaughter, 21:1-9
- 6. Marriage and family life, 21:10-22:30
- 7. The assembly, 23:1-18
- 8. Protection for the weak, 23:19-25:19
- 9. First Fruits, 26:1-19