1. Introduction
Deuteronomy, the fifth and final book of the Torah/Pentateuch, functions as a covenant renewal document. It restates and expands the law originally given at Sinai, emphasising faithfulness, obedience, and the exclusive worship of Yahweh. Judaism regards Deuteronomy as a crucial text for covenant loyalty and ethical monotheism, while Christianity views it through the lens of Christ’s fulfilment and the New Covenant. This article compares doctrinal perspectives on Deuteronomy, focusing on covenant renewal, law, and love.
2. Historical and Textual Context
Deuteronomy is traditionally attributed to Moses and thought to be composed or redacted during the late monarchic or exilic period (7th–6th centuries BCE) (Sarna, 1991). It consolidates Israel’s laws and prepares the people for entering the Promised Land. The Masoretic Text forms the authoritative Jewish source, while Christian translations also use the Septuagint and other manuscripts.
3. Doctrinal Views in Judaism
3.1 Covenant Renewal and Obedience
Judaism views Deuteronomy as a covenant renewal document, reminding Israel of its obligations and the blessings and curses attendant upon obedience or disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). It highlights the necessity of loving God with all one’s heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5), foundational for Jewish prayer and identity (Shema Yisrael).
3.2 Exclusive Worship of Yahweh
The book stresses the exclusive worship of Yahweh and prohibits idolatry, reinforcing ethical monotheism as the core of Jewish faith (Deuteronomy 6:13; 12:29–32).
3.3 Social Justice and Ethical Law
Deuteronomy contains numerous laws promoting justice, care for the vulnerable, and community responsibility (Deuteronomy 15; 24). These form a vital part of Jewish social ethics.
4. Doctrinal Views in Christianity
4.1 Fulfilment of the Law in Christ
Christianity understands Deuteronomy’s laws as fulfilled in Christ, who embodies perfect obedience and inaugurates the New Covenant (Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 8:6–13). The moral law, especially the command to love God and neighbour, remains central (Matthew 22:37–40).
4.2 Love as the Greatest Commandment
Jesus cites Deuteronomy 6:5 as the greatest commandment, affirming its primacy in Christian ethics (Mark 12:28–31). Love becomes the hermeneutical key for interpreting the Law and the Prophets.
4.3 Ethical Imperatives and Kingdom Life
The social and ethical laws of Deuteronomy inform Christian teachings on justice, compassion, and community, interpreted through the lens of grace and kingdom ethics (James 1:27; Micah 6:8).
5. Comparative Summary
| Theme | Judaism | Christianity |
|---|---|---|
| Covenant Renewal | Restatement of Sinai covenant; blessings and curses | Fulfilment in Christ’s New Covenant |
| Law and Obedience | Binding Torah obedience; centrality of Shema | Law fulfilled and interpreted through love and grace |
| Exclusive Worship | Strict monotheism; rejection of idolatry | Monotheism upheld; focus on worship in Spirit and truth |
| Ethical and Social Law | Emphasis on justice, care, and community responsibility | Ethical law guides Christian conduct in kingdom living |
6. Conclusion
Deuteronomy serves as a critical covenant renewal text, emphasising obedience, love, and exclusive worship in Judaism. Christianity honours these themes but interprets them as fulfilled and deepened in Christ and the New Covenant. Both traditions uphold the law’s ethical core, yet differ in application and theological framing.
7. References
- Alter, R. (2011). The Five Books of Moses: A Translation with Commentary. W. W. Norton & Company.
- Sarna, N. M. (1991). Deuteronomy: The Traditional Hebrew Text with the New JPS Translation Commentary. Jewish Publication Society.
- Westermann, C. (1987). Deuteronomy: A Continental Commentary. Fortress Press.
- The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).
- Wright, N. T. (2012). How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels. HarperOne.