The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible, or the last book of the
Pentateuch. Deuteronomy literally means "Second Law." This title
conveys its nature and purpose. In other words, this book is a repetition of the
law that was given to Moses and his people on Mount Sinai. It is also a
completion and explanation of that law. Besides that, this book also continues
on from previous events that happened in the first four books of the Bible. It
helps to bring to focus and interpret the messages that are in the first four
books. In Greek, Deuteronomy means "a copy of this law in a book." In
Hebrew, its name comes from the phrase, "these are the words." The
Book of Deuteronomy was written centuries after the Israelites had lived on the
Land of Promise. Moses is believed to be the author. If he is the author, it was
written around thirteenth century B.C. Joshua was most likely (although it is
not certain) the author who concluded the book with the event of Moses's death.
Moses relates all events that happen in this book with a spiritual lesson. He
takes the laws that the Lord gave His people nearly forty years before the time
that the writings of this book took place and adapts it to the people and events
of that time. A main characteristic that sets the book of Deuteronomy apart from
the other books of the Bible is its "vigorous oratorical style." (The
Holy Bible 147) In other words, it is a style which involves much thought coming
from the author. The events in this book took place within no more than forty
days. The events occurred mainly in only three places. They were "in the
plains of Moab, between the end of the wandering of the desert (which lasted
forty years), and the crossing of the Jordan River." (Deuteronomy) The
purpose of the book of Deuteronomy is to show the change in leadership from
Moses to Joshua. It was also written to be a witness of God's relationship with
the people of Israel. Deuteronomy begins towards the end of Israel's time of
wandering through the desert. Moses gives them instructions concerning many
different aspects of the life in the land they are about to enter. The first
four chapters recall the time when the people came out of Egypt and died in the
wilderness because of their numerous sins. It then shows how God faithfully
brought the next generation to the border of Canaan, which was the promised
land. The next twenty-four chapters recall the Law of God. In it, Moses repeats
the Ten Commandments that had been given to him by God at Mount Sinai. Moses
emphasized that God chose the people of Israel to be His people because he loved
them, and they in return should love God with all of their heart and soul. Moses
also shows the importance of worshiping God. From this section is where the name
of Deuteronomy originated. The last six chapters prepare the people for the
entry into Canaan. Joshua becomes the new leader of the people of Israel because
it was near Moses's time of death. Moses teaches the Israelites a song to remind
them of God's faithfulness in the people and how they should never be unfaithful
to God. Moses then looks into the promised land from Mount Nebo, since he was
never able to enter because of his unfaithfulness to God when he tapped the rock
twice. He then dies. Today, the book of Deuteronomy carries many different
meanings to Christianity. It shows us the differences between ourselves and God,
laws and rules, and how "Moses is a ‘type' of Christ." (Deuteronomy)
Deuteronomy conveys to us the nature of ourselves and God through quite a few
different ways. One is by the sinful nature of man, which is quite apparent
throughout the book. The book also shows the character of God, and how He was
always very faithful to His people. Another thing that it shows us is the
possibility of restoration through God's grace. The book also contains the laws,
which are the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments are in effect today for all
Christians. They are a guide for Christians and the way they should live their
lives, and they help to guide all people to live better and more faithful lives.
Moses is somewhat a "type" of Christ by some of the actions that he
performed. He talked to God face to face which not many people did. Also, he
performed miracles, which are impossible for most people. He also was able to
deliver people out of slavery. They are just a few examples of the many actions
that Moses took in his lifetime. Throughout the book of Deuteronomy, the main
emphasis is on faith and obedience. This is apparent through the repeating of
the Ten Commandments, and the faith of the people and God towards his people.
This book has a major religious influence when compared to most other books of
the Old Testament. Deuteronomy is a book of the Bible that should be read with
much thought, because it conveys many different meanings that can be used today,
and that were apparent during the time it was written.