Deuteronomy was written by Moses.
For most of church history “scholars” scoffed at the idea of Moses writing the book because they proclaimed that writing had not been invented by Moses’ time.
Now we have ample evidence that writing existed long before Moses.
The name Deuteronomy means “second law.”
This is neither another law nor a repitition of the Mosaic Law; rather it is an interpretation of the law based on 38 years of wilderness experience. It is a commentary on the Mosaic Law, much as Hebrews is a commentary for the Jews on Romans.
There are four Hebrew titles of Deuteronomy:
1. Debarim — “The Words” or “These be the Words”
2. The Kith, or the Fifth of the Law
3. The Book of Reproofs
4. The Iteration of the Law
The THEME of Deuteronomy is : “Obedience Out of Love”
Love of God — 4:37; 7:7, 8; 23:5
Love for God — 6:4, 5; 30:6, 16, 20
Obey God — 4:40; 11:26-28; 30:8-20
The book teaches that we are to obey God to demonstrated our love for Him.
“Love” occurs 22 times in Deuteronomy, “obey” 10 times.
This fits with Jesus’ statement: “The Lord Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). The true motive for obedience is stated in Deuteronomy 6:4, 5. God’s love for man is the motive for His government and the giving of laws. Man’s love of God is the motive for his obedience. This is not the gospel, but the principle of the gospel is here.
Moses gives the Israelites reasons to obey God:
1. Israel belonged to God (14:1)
2. God loved them (4:37)
3. God wanted to preserve and prosper them (4:1)
4. Their show of gratitude (4:7, 8)
Israel had broken God’s law through sins of commission; They had failed to believe God through sins of omission.
In Romans 8:3 Paul explained that the Law was “Weak through the flesh.”
The new generation of Israelites had not learned the Law, nor had they been required to follow it. A generation of permissiveness had arisen, much like today’s generations.
This new generation was unfamiliar with the experiences of Mt. Sinai, and they needed to have the Law called to their attention and interpreted in the light of their experience and future dwelling in the Promised Land.
The Book of Deuteronomy has been the center of attack by the critic. The critic stated that the purpose of the book was to glorify the priesthood at Jerusalem, but neither the priesthood nor Jerusalem is mentioned in Deuteronomy.
(This Introduction to Deuteronomy will continue next week)
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