The Basics: A Brief Overview of Deuteronomy
The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide.
The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works.
Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man.
These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison.
1. Introduction
2. Who wrote it
3. When did they write it
4. Why did they write it
5. Key topics
6. Key sections
7. Books that interact with each other
8. Analysis of the Book
As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book.
BASICS COURSE: Deuteronomy (Pentateuch)
INTRODUCTION:
The book called Deuteronomy in the Bible was written by the Prophet Moses. You could say he is the oldest, most well known, and well written historian to ever be published. Pentateuch is the collected work of the first five books of the Bible. The term Pentateuch literally means “Five Books.” Jewish scholars identify this book as one of the five books of “The Law.” Deuteronomy is a brief history of roughly two months of time, Moses is soon to pass away and he is establishing the final foundational aspects to the newly found nation of Israel. Once slaves being rescued from Egypt, they were now to embark on a conquest for a foreign land that was promised to them by God Almighty. Deuteronomy is the final chapter of the beginning of Israel.
WHO WROTE IT:
Moses is the son of Amram and Jochebed, he lived as an adopted son to Egyptian royalty. After murdering an Egyptian, he fled to the wilderness. There God called to him in a burning bush. He was than commissioned to lead the Jewish nation out of Egypt and into the promised land that God had ordained. He would lead them until his death, but unfortunately never into the promise land. He talked with God like a friend. Exodus 33:11a “So the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend.” Moses is considered to be one of the greatest people in the Bible, and is even mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11 as one of the greats in the faith.
WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT:
Moses knows he is going to pass away and is wanting to make sure everything is in order for his coming death. Moses being the author of the book is closer towards the end of his life. According to famed author and Bible theologian Don Stewart, Moses lived during the Late Bronze Age around 1550 to 1200 B.C. We know that Deuteronomy was written during this time frame.
WHY DID THEY WRITE IT:
This book was written by Moses for three reasons. First, to exemplify the relationship between man and God as being broken. This is done by the emphasis of religious practices and symbolic declarations for the need of a perfect sacrifice to one day come, we know that sacrifice to be identified by John the Baptist as the Lamb of God Jesus Christ, John 1:36 “and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The second reason why Deuteronomy was written is based on the final foundational text describing Israel. This book helps solidify our understanding of the Law and the ordinances given to Israel. The final reason is that Deuteronomy prophecies the coming challenges of Israel.
KEY TOPICS:
This book discusses the Jewish tribes, the Tabernacle, the Tribes of Israel, sin, repentance, God’s Holiness, God, man, God’s Judgement, man’s wrath, covenant, Promise Land, Israel’s coming failure, Israel’s coming rescue.
KEY SECTIONS:
Deuteronomy is easily separated into four categories, chapters 1-4 are a review of the journey. Chapters 5-26 the Law is reiterated with importance. Chapters 27-30, Moses prophecies about the coming judgment of Israel based on their actions of disobedience. Chapters 31-34 has been considered the Requiem of Moses.
BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER:
It is no small aspect to say that this book is leaned on by virtually all other books in the the Bible, but in particular the books of the Old Testament, the four gospels, and Revelation. Moses is preparing future generations who would read the book with a detailed warning and encouragement of what is going to happen to their nation. Jesus Christ quotes Deuteronomy when refuting the Devil. Deuteronomy, being the final of the Pentateuch, leans heavily on the first four; drawing from some of the events, articulating, and referencing what the other books had already established.
ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK:
For a Christian studying the personhood of Jesus Christ, one must fully and unequivocally turn to the book of Deuteronomy. While the Gospels might bring into focus the Man, Deuteronomy is the very mission of why Jesus had to come in the manner which He did. The relationship that was seen in the Gospels is brought to fruition in the book of Deuteronomy. If someone is going to study the Old Testament, Deuteronomy can help you understand the thought process of many of the characters and motivations. Careful students of the Bible should not pass up the chance to study Deuteronomy because of the remarkable reflection of man found in the book. Philosophical speaking, Deuteronomy helps dictate the need for a savior for man and our inability to be what we need in our own lives. Finally, Matthew Henry states in his Deuteronomy commentary “This book of Deuteronomy begins with a brief rehearsal of the most remarkable events that had befallen the Israelites since they came from Mount Sinai.” Deuteronomy should not be forgotten as it is the final aspect of the beginning of Israel, as well as the establishing relationship with God. If someone asks why is Israel God’s chosen people, all you would need to do is go to Deuteronomy. This book helps, as other books in the Bible, with refuting the sinister ploy of “Replacement Theology.” Ultimately, Deuteronomy is a book designed to help establish the reader to a better understanding of how God used the Jewish nation to exemplify human incapacity to be perfect, but the incredible story of salvation being prepared for the world through a small nation called Israel.
Hold until relieved, Our Blessed Hope is coming
JL