Education Menu ☰ What Is the Dominant Theme of the Book of Deuteronomy? by Flora Richards-Gustafson, Demand Media
Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Torah and of the Bible’s Old Testament. When translated from the Greek Septuagint, the word “Deuteronomy” means “second law,” as in Moses’ retelling of God’s laws. The dominant theological theme in this book is the renewal of God’s covenant and Moses’ call to obedience, as evident in Deuteronomy 4: 1, 6 and 13; 30: 1 to 3 and 8 to 20.
Sponsored Link 5,000 Flyers - Only $98 Print 5,000 Flyers for Just $98! Superior Quality & Timely Delivery. overnightprints.com / Flyers People throughout the Bible refer to the Laws of Moses. Summary of Deuteronomy
The accounts in Deuteronomy occur in Moab, 40 days before the Related Articles Israelites enter the Promised Land, Canaan. At 120 years old, What Is the Falling Action of "Percy Moses knew that he would soon die, so he took the opportunity to Jackson and the Titan's Curse"? issue a call to obedience and review God’s covenants. Moses recounts the experiences of the past 40 years in the wilderness, What Is the Falling Action of the Book restates the Ten Commandments, and gives the Israelites "Frindle?" guidelines to follow regarding different aspects of life. He tells the Books of the Old Testament in the people that he will die before they enter the Promised Land and English Order appoints Joshua to take his place. Moses gave the Israelites three reasons to renew their obedience to God: God’s history of What Is the Climax of the Book "Rascal?" goodness to his people, the goodness of God’s laws, and God’s unconditional promises of blessings for the future.
God’s Covenant Renewed and Reviewed
In the book of Exodus, the Israelites broke their covenant with God by refusing to obey him and enter the Promised Land of Canaan. Therefore, the Israelites must renew their covenant before they can settle in Canaan. This covenant is the same unconditional promise that God made with Abraham. Theologically, the renewal of the covenant with the Israelites is important because it demonstrates that God keeps and fulfills his promises regardless of the faithfulness and obedience of his followers. Since the occupation of the Promised Land was dependent on God’s renewed blessing and the obeying of his laws, it was necessary for the Israelites to renew their part of the covenant and serve him, as outlined in Deuteronomy 10: 12 to 13; 11: 31 to 32.
Deuteronomic Code
In Deuteronomy 12 through 26, Moses outlines the Deuteronomic, or Covenant, Code for the people of Israel to follow regarding their conduct and worship. This code includes the Ten Commandments and Moses’ urging to love and fear the Lord in chapters 5 through 11. The code has rules regarding religious observances, public officials, family life and community life. Moses also outlined civil and criminal laws.
Terms of the Covenant Renewal
In Deuteronomy, God was more concerned about the willingness of the Israelites to renew their commitment with him than their need to recommit. God wanted his people to obey him wholeheartedly, thus the emphasis Moses places on obedience to God and the commandments. In chapters 27 to 30, Moses celebrates the recommitment of the covenant with promises of blessings from God, but warns his people of the curses that would follow disobedience, showing that God set the terms of the covenant renewal. Terms of the renewed covenant included not worshiping false gods, not following the desires of a stubborn heart, and not abandoning the covenant with God. The Israelites are to love God, keep his commandments and obey the laws.
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References
Bible Gateway: Deuteronomy 4; Deuteronomy 30 (New International Version) (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+4%2C+30&version=NIV) Barry Bandstra: Chapter 5, Deuteronomy: The Torah of Moses(http://barrybandstra.com/rtot4/rtot4- 08-ch5.html) Tri-County Church of Christ: Introduction to Deuteronomy(http://www.christistheway.com/2002/a02a11aa.html) Bible.org: Analysis and Synthesis of the Book of Deuteronomy(https://bible.org/seriespage/analysis- and-synthesis-book-deuteronomy) Bible Gateway: Deuteronomy 10; Deuteronomy 11 (New International Version) (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+10%2C+11&version=NIV) Bible Gateway: Deuteronomy 27-30 (New International Version) (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+27-30&version=NIV)
About the Author
Flora Richards-Gustafson has been writing professionally since 2003. She creates copy for websites, marketing materials and printed publications. Richards-Gustafson specializes in SEO and writing about small-business strategies, health and beauty, interior design, emergency preparedness and education. Richards-Gustafson received a Bachelor of Arts from George Fox University in 2003 and was recognized by Cambridge's "Who's Who" in 2009 as a leading woman entrepreneur.
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