Deuteronomy — Introduction & Outline

Mosaic authorship of Deuteronomy has only seriously been questioned by documentary critics in the past. They argued that the book is a fraud written in Moses' name and planted in the temple during Josiah's reign in the seventh century to spark a reform (2 Kings 22). They also argued that Moses' obituary in chapter 34 was proof he did not write the book. This theory has largely been deserted, in part because of the following evidence. Externally, the Old Testament consistently attributes Deuteronomy and the rest of the Pentateuch to Moses (Josh. 1:7; Judg. 3:4; 1 Kings 2:3; 2 Kings 14:6; Ezra 3:2; Neh. 1:7; Dan. 9:11; Mal. 4:4). Most of these references speak of the law in a codified form, which argues against a later recording of an oral tradition. Christ also quotes and speaks of Deuteronomy as the work of Moses (Matt. 19:7- 8; Mark 7:10; 10:3-4; John 5:45-47). Furthermore, other New Testament books support Mosaic authorship (Acts 3:22; Rom. 10:5,19; 1 Cor. 9:8). Not surprisingly, Jewish, Samaritan, and church tradition fully assumes Moses was the author.

Internally, there are forty references that state or imply Moses was the author (cf. 1:1- 5; 4:44-46; 29:1; 31:9,24-26). Also, the book is clearly written from the time of Moses because: Canaan is viewed from the outside; Canaanite religion is viewed as a future threat; the assumption is made that the readers remember the exodus; Israel is living in tents; and there is no evidence of a divided kingdom. Besides, most scholars agree that Deuteronomy follows a basic pattern of treaties used in the 14th and 15th centuries B.C. Finally, Moses probably did not write the last chapter, but it was added by either Joshua or Eleazar.

Deuteronomy was written by Moses at the end of the 40 years of wandering and before the crossing of the Jordan into Canaan, thus the date is placed at 1405 B.C. It was written as Israel waited on the plains of Moab east of Jericho (1:1; 29:1) and has no historical progression.

The Israelites who assembled on the plains of Moab waiting to cross into Canaan were a new generation. The old exodus generation who had received the law died in the wilderness. The new generation needed a reminder of what God had done and would do in relationship to His promises and purpose for Israel. There are almost 200 references to the "land" in the book showing that God's promised inheritance lay ahead, but only after a review and renewal of the covenant of law God had made with the previous generation.

Neither the Hebrew title, meaning "These are the words" (from 1:1), nor the English title, from the LXX meaning "Second Law", accurately expresses the purpose of Deuteronomy. This is not actually a second giving of the law, but a renewal or review of it in which Moses exposits and applies its tenets. The renewal theme finds support from the apparent similarity in structure to ancient suzerainty treaties. These treaties had a common pattern: 1) a preamble (cf. 1:1-5); 2) an historical prologue (cf. 1:6-4:43); 3) stipulations (cf. 4:44-26:19); 4) ratification, which included curses and blessings (cf. 27:1-30:20); and 5) provisions for continuity of the covenant (cf. 31:1-34:12). Deuteronomy was thus written to renew the covenant of the law with the new generation of Israelites in preparation for their life in Canaan as God's chosen people. The renewal calls for a response of obedience and love from Israel as they experience God's provision and mercy in the new land.

Following the basic pattern advanced by ancient treaties, Deuteronomy renews the covenant of law with the new generation of Israelites. These sections also appear as four sermons, or addresses, by Moses. The renewal begins with the typical historical setting (1:1-5) reviewing the history, place, and time of writing. Israel is in Moab directly across the Jordan from Jericho when Moses begins to explain the law (1:5).

After this introduction, Moses' first address comprises the historical prologue to the covenant (1:6-4:43). He reviews Israel's history in the wilderness from Mount Sinai where leaders were appointed (1:6-18), through the rebellion at Kadesh Barnea (1:19-46), to the plains of Moab (2:1-3:29). Israel's prohibitions from association with pagans, conquests of pagans, division of the land, and transition to leadership under Joshua are highlighted in this brief history. Moses' historical recitation concludes with an exhortation to obey the law and a warning against idolatry in the new land, all based on the motivation of God's gracious covenant with their forefathers (4:37). A brief narrative describes how Moses establishes three of the prescribed cities of refuge in Transjordan (4:41-43).

The second address of Moses is the actual rehearsal of the stipulations of the covenant (4:44-26:19). In this section the original revelation of the law is repeated and elaborated for the sake of the new generation. After an introduction to the law (4:44-49) the ten basic commandments are rehearsed (5:1-5:33).

Moses' exposition continues as he elaborates the great commands of the law (6:1- 11:32). First, he explains the command to fear the Lord (6:1-25) which includes the admonition to love God and to perpetuate the precepts of the law by teaching them to one's children.

Another part of the exposition concerns the command to destroy the Canaanites (7:1-26). Here Moses explains that the reason and basis for the command is that Israel was chosen by God to be a special and holy people "above all the peoples on the face of the earth" because God set His love on them and is faithful to His promise to bless them (7:6-9).

The command to remember the Lord (8:1-20) is Moses' exhortation and warning so that the new generation not become presumptuous and fall into sin. He then commands Israel to remember their former unrighteousness as he reviews their history of unbelief (9:1-10:11). He makes clear that their possession of the land is not due to their own righteousness, but because of the intolerable wickedness of the Canaanites and God's faithfulness to His promises to the patriarchs (9:5). Moses ends this exposition of the great commands of the law with a call to commitment that explains the blessings which come from obedience and the curses for disobedience (10:12-11:32). Israel's temporal enjoyment of the benefits of the Abrahamic covenant depends on their adherence to the covenant of law.

Moses' second message also exposits the more specific commands of the law (12:1- 26:19). Ceremonial laws are explained (12:1-16:17) covering regulations for worship (12:1-28), the practice of idolatry (12:29-13:18), mourning (14:1-2), food (14:3-21), the use of possessions and money (14:22-15:23), and the feasts (16:1-17). The stated reason for these commands is Israel's election to a special position before God (14:2,21). By obeying the law, God is able to bestow the blessings of His covenant upon His people (13:17; 14:29; 15:4-6,18; 16:10,15).

The next specific commands exposited are the civil laws (16:18-20:20). These laws concern governing officials (16:18-18:22), criminal justice (19:1-21), and holy war (20:1-20). In this section Moses predicts the appearance of a new Prophet in Israel's history who will speak God's word and should be followed (18:15-19). This shows that the purpose of the law was to prepare Israel for God's blessings, the ultimate of which would come through acceptance of the future Prophet.

Moses' rehearsal of specific laws continues with an exposition of the social laws (21:1-26:15). These laws cover various aspects of social life: an unsolved murder (21:1-9), family relationships (21:10-21), miscellaneous matters (21:22-22:12), sexual immorality (22:13- 30), exclusion from the congregation (23:1-14), the treatment of various peoples (23:15-25:19), and the offerings of firstfruits and tithes (26:1-15). The conclusion to Moses' second sermon calls the nation to commitment to the commands (26:16-19); a commitment which is once again based on the fact that they are God's special people who are set apart in holiness through the law to be above all nations.

The third address of Moses instructs the ratification of the covenant with the new generation (27:1-28:68). He instructs them to prepare for the ratification of the covenant by erecting an altar and pronouncing curses upon lawbreakers (27:1-26). Then follows a section of blessings and curses for obedience and disobedience, a feature typical of ancient treaties (28:1- 68). The lengthier list of curses for disobedience and the predictive language used seems to anticipate Israel's apostasy in Canaan (28:15-68).

The fourth and final sermon is the actual renewal of the covenant between the Israelites and God (29:1-30:20). Moses reviews the background of the covenant (29:1-9) and specifies its recipients (29:10-15). He also reviews the consequences of the covenant (29:16- 30:10) which include the scattering of the nation and provisions for her restoration and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promises. Moses ends his last sermon with a charge to obey the covenant and thus enjoy a full life in the land as promised to the forefathers (30:11-20).

Deuteronomy concludes with a description of the transition of the covenant from Moses to Joshua (31:1-34:12). In preparation for the transition (31:1-29), Moses commissions Joshua as Israel's new leader and commands that the law be read regularly to all the people. God also commands Moses to write a song which will testify against the nation when they apostasize in Canaan. The song reviews God's faithfulness to His people, their unfaithfulness, God's punishment, and His compassion. The final event of the book consists of Moses' last days in which he views the land, blesses the tribes, and dies on Mount Nebo (32:48-34:12). Having rehearsed and renewed the covenant of law with the new generation, Moses has prepared them for entrance into the land and for life as the holy nation of God through which He will continue to fulfill His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

1. Introduction: The Historical Setting of the Covenant 1:1-5
2. First Address: The Historical Prologue of the Covenant 1:6-4:43

   1. Israel appointed leaders at Mount Sinai. 1:6-18
   2. Israel rebelled at Kadesh Barnea. 1:19-46

      1. Israel's refusal to enter the land 1:19-33
      2. Israel's punishment for rebelling 1:34-46
   3. Israel journeyed from Kadesh Barnea to Moab. 2:1-3:29

      1. Israel's prohibition from pagan peoples 2:1-23
      1. The prohibition against those of Seir 2:1-8
      2. The prohibition against those of Moab 2:9-15
      3. The prohibition against those of Ammon 2:16-23
      2. Israel's conquest of pagan peoples 2:24-3:11
      1. The conquest of King Sihon of Heshbon 2:24-37
      2. The conquest of King Og of Bashan 3:1-11
      3. Israel's division of the land east of Jordan 3:12-20
      4. Israel's transition from Moses to Joshua 3:21-29
   4. Israel is exhorted to obey the law. 4:1-40

      1. The exhortation to obedience 4:1-14
      2. The warning against idolatry 4:15-31
      3. The motivation of privileged position 4:32-40
   5. Israel is given cities of refuge east of the Jordan. 4:41-43
3. Second Address: The Rehearsal of the Covenant 4:44-26:19

   1. The introduction to the law 4:44-49
   2. The rehearsal of the ten commandments 5:1-5:33

      1. The setting of the ten commandments 5:1-5
      2. The ten commandments 5:6-21
      3. The response to the giving of the ten commandments 5:22-33
   3. The exposition of the great commands 6:1-11:32

      1. The command to fear the Lord 6:1-25

         1. Love the Lord. 6:1-5
         2. Teach your children. 6:6-9
         3. Do not forget the Lord. 6:10-15
         4. Do not tempt the Lord. 6:16-19,
         5. Remind your sons. 6:20-25
      2. The command to destroy the Canaanites 7:1-26

         1. The instructions for destroying the Canaanites 7:1-5
         2. The reasons for destroying the Canaanites 7:6-11
         3. The blessings for destroying the Canaanites 7:12-16
         4. The confidence for destroying the Canaanites 7:17-26
      3. The command to remember the Lord 8:1-20

         1. The reasons for remembering the Lord 8:1-10
         2. The danger of forgetting the Lord 8:11-20
      4. The command to remember Israel's unrighteousness 9:1-10:11

         1. The rejection of Israel's self-righteousness 9:1-6
         2. The review of Israel's rebellion 9:7-24
         3. The review of Moses' intercession 9:25-29
         4. The reminder of God's mercy 10:1-11
      5. The call to commitment to the commands 10:12-11:32

         1. The summary of the commands 10:12-22
         2. The importance of the commands 11:1-12
         3. The consequences of the commands 11:13-32
         1. The blessings and curses in the land 11:13-17
         2. The teaching of the children 11:18-21
         3. The victory in the land 11:22-25
         4. The choice of obedience or disobedience 11:26-32
   4. The exposition of the specific commands 12:1-26:19

      1. The exposition of the ceremonial laws 12:1-16:17

         1. Laws concerning the place of worship 12:1-28
         1. Instruction about where to worship 12:1-14
         2. Permission to eat meat at home 12:15-28
         2. Laws concerning idolatry 12:29-13:18
         1. Laws against following pagan gods 12:29-32
         2. Laws against following false prophets 13:1-5
         3. Laws against following idolatrous family 13:6-11
         4. Laws against an idolatrous city 13:12-18
         3. Laws concerning mourning 14:1-2
         4. Laws concerning food 14:3-21
         5. Laws concerning possessions 14:22-15:23
         1. The giving of tithes 14:22-29
         2. The canceling of debts 15:1-6
         3. The helping of the poor 15:7-11
         4. The treatment of slaves 15:12-18
         5. The consecration of firstborn animals 15:19-23
         6. Laws concerning the feasts 16:1-17
         1. Laws of the Passover 16:1-8
         2. Laws of the Feast of Weeks 16:9-12
         3. Laws of the Feast of Tabernacles 16:13-17
      2. The exposition of the civil laws 16:18-20:20

         1. Laws concerning officials 16:18-18:22
         1. Laws for judges 16:18-17:13
         2. Laws for the king 17:14-20
         3. Laws for for priests and Levites 18:1-8
         4. Laws about prophets 18:9-22
         1. The warning against false prophets 18:9-14
         2. The promise of the Lord's Prophet 18:15-18
         3. The test of a true prophet 18:19-22
         2. Laws concerning criminal justice 19:1-21
         1. Laws about the cities of refuge 19:1-13
         2. Laws about witnesses 19:14-21
         3. Laws concerning holy war 20:1-20
         1. Laws for before the attack 20:1-9
         2. Laws for the attack 20:10-20
      3. The exposition of the social laws 21:1-26:15

         1. Laws concerning an unsolved murder 21:1-9
         2. Laws concerning family relationships 21:10-21
         1. Laws for marriage to a captive woman 21:10-14
         2. Laws of inheritance for the firstborn 21:15-17
         3. Laws for a rebellious son 21:18-21
         3. Laws concerning various matters 21:22-22:12
         4. Laws concerning sexual immorality 22:13-30
         5. Laws concerning exclusion from the congregation 23:1-14
         6. Laws concerning treatment of various people 23:15-25:19
         1. Miscellaneous laws 23:15-25
         2. Divorce and remarriage 24:1-4
         3. Miscellaneous laws 24:5-25:4
         4. Duty of the surviving brother 25:5-10
         5. Miscellaneous laws 25:11-19
         7. Laws concerning firstfruits and tithes 26:1-15
      4. The call to commitment to the commands 26:16-19
4. Third Address: The Ratification of the Covenant 27:1-28:68

   1. The preparation for the ratification ceremonies 27:1-26
   1. Instructions to erect an altar 27:1-10
   2. Instructions to pronounce curses 27:11-26
   2. The pronouncement of blessings and curses 28:1-68
   1. The promised blessings for obedience 28:1-14
   2. The promised curses for disobedience 28:15-68
   1. Specific curses 28:15-19
   2. Specific calamities 28:20-46
   3. The curse of beseigement 28:47-57
   4. The curse of plagues 28:58-63
   5. The curse of exile 28:64-68
5. Fourth Address: The Renewal of the Covenant 29:1-30:20

   1. The background of the covenant 29:1-9
   2. The recipients of the covenant 29:10-15
   3. The consequences of the covenant 29:16-30:10
   1. The scattering of Israel 29:16-29
   2. The restoration of Israel 30:1-10
   4. The charge to obey the covenant 30:11-20
   1. The assessability of the covenant 30:11-14
   2. The choice to obey the covenant 30:15-20
6. The Transition of the Covenant from Moses to Joshua 31:1-34:12

   1. The preparation for the transition 31:1-29

      1. Moses commissions Joshua as Israel's leader. 31:1-8
      2. Moses commands the law to be read regularly. 31:9-13
      3. Moses is commanded to write a song for Israel. 31:14-29
      1. The writing of the song 31:14-23
      2. The depositing of the song in the ark 31:24-29
      4. Moses speaks the words of the song to Israel. 31:30-32:47
      1. Introduction of the song 31:30-32:4
      2. God's past care for His people 32:5-14
      3. God's punishment of His people 32:15-27
      4. God's rebuke of His people 32:28-33
      5. God's vengeance and compassion 32:34-43
      6. Moses' charge to heed the song 32:44-47
   2. The death of Moses 32:48-34:12

      1. Moses is ordered to view the land from Mount Nebo. 32:48-52
      2. Moses blesses the tribes. 33:1-29
      1. The introduction of praise to God 33:1-5
      2. The blessings for the tribes 33:6-25
      3. The conclusion of praise to God 33:26-29
      3. Moses dies on Mount Nebo. 34:1-8
      4. Moses is eulogized. 34:10-12