The Covenant Renewed and the Leadership Transition
Preamble (1:1–5)
- The book begins by introducing the setting and context for Moses’ final speeches to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. Moses recalls the journey from Egypt and recounts key events.
Historical Prologue (1:6—4:43)
- Recounting the Wilderness Journey (1:6—3:29): Moses reminds the Israelites of their wanderings in the wilderness, highlighting the faithfulness of God and the disobedience of the people, as well as the victories over enemies such as Sihon and Og.
- A Call to Obedience and Loyalty (4:1–43): Moses emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands and recounts the giving of the Law at Horeb (Mount Sinai), with a reminder to avoid idolatry and to keep God’s commands.
Stipulations of the Covenant (4:44—26:19)
- The Great Commandment: The Demand for Absolute Allegiance (4:44—11:32):
- God’s Covenant Lordship (4:44—5:33): Moses reiterates the Ten Commandments and the foundational covenant relationship between God and Israel. He calls for absolute loyalty and dedication to God.
- The Principle of Consecration (ch. 6): The Shema (Deut. 6:4–5), proclaiming God as the one true Lord, becomes central to Israel’s faith, with an emphasis on love for God and passing down the commandments to the next generation.
- The Program for Conquering Canaan (ch. 7): Moses instructs the Israelites on the necessity of driving out the Canaanite nations to avoid idolatry and corruption.
- A Call to Commitment in the New Land (ch. 8): Moses reminds Israel of God’s faithfulness in the wilderness and calls them to remember and trust in Him as they enter the Promised Land.
- The Lesson of the Broken Tablets (9:1—10:11): Moses reflects on the Israelites’ sin with the golden calf and God’s mercy in renewing the covenant.
- Another Call to Commitment (10:12—11:32): Moses exhorts the people to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength, and to remain faithful to His commandments as they enter the land of Canaan.
- Supplementary Requirements (chs. 12–26):
- Ceremonial Consecration (12:1—16:17): Moses lays out detailed instructions regarding worship, sacrifices, festivals, and offerings to ensure Israel remains consecrated to God.
- Human Leaders in God’s Righteous Kingdom (16:18—21:21): Moses provides instructions for appointing judges, kings, and priests, and outlines laws for justice and fairness in Israel.
- Sanctity of God’s Kingdom (21:22—25:19): Regulations regarding morality, punishment, family laws, and social justice are presented, emphasizing holiness and compassion in the community.
- Confessions of God as Redeemer-King (ch. 26): The Israelites are instructed on how to offer the first fruits and acknowledge God as their Redeemer-King who has delivered them from slavery.
Ratification; Curses and Blessings (chs. 27–30)
- Ratification of the Covenant (ch. 27): Moses directs the Israelites to publicly renew the covenant by reading the blessings and curses at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.
- The Choice Between Life and Death (ch. 28): Moses lays before the people the choice between life and death, blessings for obedience, and curses for disobedience.
- Final Exhortations and Prophetic Warnings (chs. 29–30): Moses calls on Israel to choose life and prosperity by obeying God’s commandments, and he prophesies the future restoration of the people after their exile.
Leadership Succession under the Covenant (chs. 31–34)
- Change of Leadership (31:1–29): Moses appoints Joshua as his successor and gives final instructions for Israel’s future, urging them to remain faithful to God’s law.
- The Song of Moses (31:30—32:47): Moses teaches the Israelites a song that serves as a witness against them should they turn away from God. The song recounts God’s faithfulness and the people’s eventual rebellion.
- Moses’ Testamental Blessing on the Tribes (32:48—33:29): Moses blesses each of the tribes of Israel, affirming their unique roles and destiny in God’s plan.
- Death of Moses and Succession of Joshua (ch. 34): Moses dies on Mount Nebo and is buried by God in an undisclosed location. Joshua succeeds him, and the people of Israel prepare to enter the Promised Land.
Summary
The Book of Deuteronomy is Moses’ farewell address to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. It is a reminder of their covenant with God and includes a reiteration of the law, blessings and curses, and instructions for living faithfully in the land. Moses exhorts the people to love God with all their hearts and to remain obedient to His commandments. He emphasizes the importance of leadership succession, appointing Joshua as his successor, and urges the Israelites to choose life by adhering to God’s ways. The book concludes with Moses’ death and the transition of leadership to Joshua.