Lecture Notes: The Book of Deuteronomy

Introduction

• Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and the final book of the Torah.
• It begins with Moses addressing a new generation of Israelites after their ancestors were disqualified from entering the promised land.
• The book is a series of speeches by Moses urging fidelity to the covenant with God.

Structure and Themes

• Central Section: Contains a collection of laws, some new and some repeated from earlier laws given at Mount Sinai.
• Surrounding Sections: Two outer sections of Moses' speeches, each with two parts.

Moses' Speeches

Summary of Past Events

• Moses recaps Israel’s history, highlighting the previous generation's rebellion and God's grace.
• God’s justice was executed, but He did not abandon His covenant promises.

Call to Faithfulness

• Moses urges the new generation to be faithful, unlike their ancestors.
• Reminds them of the Ten Commandments.
• Introduces the Shema: "Listen Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might."
  • Shema: Means to obey.
  • Love: Involves decision and devotion, not just emotion.
  • Purpose: Israel's obedience showcases God's wisdom and justice to other nations.

Collection of Laws

Topics Covered

• Worship: One central temple for worship, care for the poor.
  • Israelites to give a tenth of income to the temple and another tenth every three years to the poor.
• Leadership Qualities: Elders, priests, kings under covenant laws.
  • Leaders accountable to prophets, unlike divine kings of neighboring cultures.
• Civil Life: Laws on marriage, family, business, social justice, legal system.
• Final Challenge: Moses warns of blessings for obedience and curses for rebellion.

Tips for Reading the Laws

• Recognize these are terms of the Sinai Covenant for ancient Israel.
• Compare Israel's laws with those of neighboring cultures like Assyria or Babylon.
• Look for core principles of wisdom or justice in each law.

Conclusion of Moses' Address

• Final Challenge: Choose life by loving and listening to God.
  • Warning of inevitable rebellion and exile but hope for transformation.
• Promise of a New Heart: Transformation of hearts to truly love and obey God in the future.

Conclusion of Deuteronomy

• Ends with a poem of warning and blessing.
• Raises unresolved questions in the biblical narrative:
  • When will the descendant defeat evil?
  • How will God bless all nations through Israel?
  • How will God transform the hearts of his people?
• Sets the stage for continued biblical story.