Introduction to Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy, together with the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, are collectively called the Pentateuch. This is the fifth and last book of the law written by Moses. This title translated from Greek means “the second law.” Technically, it is not another law as the title suggests. But it contains Moses’ restatement of the commands of God given to the children of Israel in the 40 wilderness wandering years. 

Moses has widely been accepted as the author of this book. We need to note, however. that the last chapter talking about his death could not have been written by him. They were added to complete the account of the book. This, of course, did not affect Moses’ authorship of the book.

Why was this book necessary? Bear in mind that Deuteronomy was written 40 years after the book of Exodus. The clue for the purpose of Deuteronomy lies in the book of Numbers. During those 40 years of wandering, the generation that came out of Egypt had died because of unbelief. The new generation whom Moses was addressing in this book were children then. They were too small and could barely make sense of what happened when they came out of Egypt. Besides, they were too young then to be involved in the covenant ceremony at Mount Sinai. Hence, it was important for Moses to restate the commands God had given to them at the foot of that mount.  

Here is another reason why this book was needed. The new generation was now at the doorstep of the promised land, the land which their fathers had forfeited because of unbelief. It was therefore important for the law to be restated so that the new generation would know what God would require of them. This was especially needful since they were entering into a land full of idolatrous people and practices, which they were instructed to get rid of. Knowing what God required must be the starting point to put them on the right track. It must be noted that every generation must be responsible for their own relationship with God. Hence this restating of the Law was needful for a new generation.

In Genesis, God chose Israel to be His people. Now in this book, God required that the people whom He had chosen to make the decision to choose to live for Him. Look at the entreaty Moses gave in Deuteronomy 30:19-20. It is God’s challenge to us too. Moses said, “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”       

There is much to be discovered from a reflection of this book. And this shall be our attempt as we get on this expedition. As we prayerfully begin each day to reflect on this book, may we also choose to live our lives "…loving the Lord our God, obeying His voice and holding fast to Him.” Choose to live for God each day!