Title: The Hebrew title for the book is derived from the first chapter and the first verse, “The Words”. The Jewish people would also call it, “the repetition of the Law”. The English title that we know it by, comes from the Greek, which means, “second Law”. However, it is not a second Law, but a second giving of the Law. In addition, the book of Deuteronomy describes itself as, “this book of the torah (or Law – 4:44 ; 6:1 ; 29:1 ; 29:21 ; 30:10 ; 31:26 ; 33:1 ).

The books self description as the book of the Law, refers not just to a legal code, but also to a program or process of education in faith from one generation to another, based on the concluding words of Israel's leader.

Contents: The image of Moses, high atop Mt. Nebo, overlooking the promised land, yet, un-able to enter in, dominates his last words to the people he has led to this point. He stands as testimony of the limited abilities of human effort and the ultimate dependence of God's people on the judging and saving power of God.

This is a new generation of Israel . The old, disobedient, and faithless people that Moses led out of Egypt have died away. This new generation is now poised to take possession of the Promised Land.

Like Leviticus, Deuteronomy contains a great amount of legal detail; however, it is given to the layman rather than the priests. Moses' last words are of the need of this new generation to adhere to obedience of God's words and instruction in order to avoid the curse of their parents.

Brief Outline:

Love of God: One of the most notable images of the book is described in 6:4-5 . Israel 's love for God was to begin from the inner will and mind and thus flow out to animate itself in obedience. Their love of God was to extend to every outward action of the hands and body. This command to love God was to be continually discussed, bound on the hand, fixed on the forehead, and nailed to every door post. The varied laws of Horeb flow out of this key imperative, “ love the Lord your God ”.

Laws of Moab : In addition to the laws of Horeb, Moses would extend a final exhortation here in Moab . Obey and be blessed; disobey and be cursed – 27-30 . In addition to God's gracious election of Israel and the expectation and responsibility of obedience; this additional exhortation would emphasize the judging and saving power of God. These final exhortations stand as a school master to each Christian, who has obtained an election sure in Christ Jesus (expectation and responsibility to obey and the power of judgment and salvation to all who call on His name).

Remember: Another overriding theme of the book is the continual reminder of events and commandments. Remember the giving of the Law ( 4:9-10 ); the covenant ( 4:23 ); past slavery ( 5:15 ); the great deliverance ( 7:18 ); Divine leadership ( 8:2-6 ); sins of the past ( 9:7 ); Divine judgment ( 24:9 ); ancient days ( 32:7 ).

Enjoy your reading of the fifth book of Moses. As you read, keep this in mind:

Deuteronomy 6:4-12

"Hear, O Israel : The Lord our God, the Lord is one! 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

6 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

10 "So it shall be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, 11 houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant--when you have eaten and are full-- 12 then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.”

1 Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”