Deuteronomy Overview

Deuteronomy: Loyalty

Book Overview: Pentateuch

Author: Moses

Date: c. 1406 B.C.

Location: Plains of Moab (on the edge of the Promised Land)

Audience: The new generation

Why Deuteronomy Matters

• Unbelief turned a short road into a long journey
• Only a heart transformed by God produces a life loyal to God.

The Big Question

What kind of heart will God’s people have toward Him?

• Deut 6:5 – “love the Lord with all your heart”
• Deut 8:2 – “to know what was in your heart”
• Deut 10:16 – “circumcise your heart”
• Deut 29:4 – “you lack a heart”
• Deut 30:6 – “God will transform your heart”

Title of the Book

• Deuteronomy = “Second Law” (Deut 17:18)
• Moses restates and applies the covenant, Moses’ sermon
• Jewish title: “These are the words” (1:1)

Geographical Insight

• Numbers: Israel wandered physically, but did not move forward in their hearts
• Deuteronomy: Israel stands still while Moses addresses their hearts

Overview (By Key Word)

• Remember (chapters 1-4)
• Love (ch. 5-26)
• Choose (ch. 27-30)
• Hope (ch. 31-34)

Remember (chapters 1-4)

• The appointment of Judges (Deut 1:9-18)
• Rebellion at Kadesh – Barnea
• Wilderness wandering

Key Passage – Deut 4

• What nation has a God so near? (vs. 7)
• What nation has righteous statutes like this law? (vs. 8)
• Guard yourself lest you forget (vv. 9-10, 15)

The Ten Commandments Applied

• Love God alone (chapters 6-11)
• Honor God’s name (ch. 12)
• Worship rhythms (ch. 13-16)
• Honor authority (ch. 16-18)
• Protect life (ch. 19)
• Community holiness (ch. 20-26)

New Testament Connection

• Moses: God’s word is near so Israel can obey
• Paul: Christ is near so sinners can believe
• Romans 10:6-9