About Deuteronomy
Love God completely, teach his commands to your children, and choose life - the covenant blessings of obedience far outweigh the curses of rebellion.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."
Deuteronomy 6:5
Written
circa 1406 BC
Author
Moses
Genre
Law / Sermon / Torah
Position
5th of 66 books - Final book of Torah/Pentateuch
Authorship
Written by Moses in the final weeks of his life on the plains of Moab (Deut 31:9, 24). Deuteronomy is Moses's farewell address and final charge to the second generation before they entered Canaan without him.
Historical Context
Set entirely on the plains of Moab just before Moses's death and Israel's entry into Canaan. The speeches address those who did not witness Sinai firsthand, renewing the covenant for a new generation facing entirely new challenges in a settled land.
Purpose
To renew the Sinai covenant with the new generation, calling them to wholehearted love for God (the Shema) and faithful obedience as they enter and inhabit the Promised Land.
Key Message
Love God completely, teach his commands to your children, and choose life - the covenant blessings of obedience far outweigh the curses of rebellion.
Book Structure
Interesting Facts
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (the Shema) is the most sacred daily confession in Judaism for over 3,000 years.
Jesus quoted Deuteronomy three times to counter Satan's temptations in the wilderness (Matthew 4).
Deuteronomy is the most quoted OT book in the New Testament, appearing over 80 times.
The book's structure closely resembles ancient Hittite suzerainty treaties from the same period.
Moses's death on Mount Nebo is unique - God himself buried him in a location no one has ever found (Deut 34:6).