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Introduction to Deuteronomy
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of Deuteronomy
- First teaching (1:1–4:43)
-Reminder of Yahweh's guidance of Israel (1:1–46)
- Events at Kadesh and Sidon, and the defeat of Og, King of Basham (2:1–3:29)
- Appeal to obey the law of Yahweh (4:1–43)
- Presenting the law of God and Rules and Warnings (4:44–28:68)
- The Ten Commandments (5:1–10:22)
- Rules and Warnings from the Law (11:1–26:19)
- Instructions for entering Canaan (27:1–28:68)
- Exhortation to obey the law of God, and ratification of the law (30)
- Last words of Moses, his blessing, Song of Moses, and his death (31–34)
What is the Book of Deuteronomy about?
This book records a retelling of the covenant with Israel, in which Yahweh reminds the Israelites of what he has done for them and what he expects from them. In fact, the book appears to present the Law as more closely applied to the Israelites once they shall have settled in the Promised Land. In this book, Moses warns the people against idolatry and the danger of losing their trust in Yahweh. Yahweh promises judgment on those who disobey him, and blessings on those who obey his Law. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/covenant)
How should the title of this book be translated?
The name "Deuteronomy" means "Second Law" or "the retelling of the Law." Translators may decide on a title such as, "A Repeat of the Law" or "Moses explains the Law Again." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names).
Who wrote the Book of Deuteronomy?
The writers of both the Old and New Testament present Moses as being very involved with writing the Book of Deuteronomy. However, many people have assumed that Joshua wrote chapter 34, which concerns how Moses died.
What are the important features of the Book of Deuteronomy?
The book contains a series of speeches that Moses gave to Israel before he died, as they would soon enter the Promised Land. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promisedland)
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
When Yahweh commanded the Israelites to completely destroy the people who lived in the Promised Land, what was the significance of this command?
As God was preparing the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, he gave them instructions to completely destroy the people whom they would defeat. In this way, the people in the land would become like the animals that Israel brought as whole burnt offerings to Yahweh, completely dedicated to him. Also in this way, the Israelites would not be tempted to associate with them and adopt their idols and their evil ways.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
What is the role of God's name in Deuteronomy?
God's name is mentioned over thirty times in the book of Deuteronomy. The use of God's name in this book usually functions as metonomy and represents God's honor or fame. At other times in Deuteronomy, God's name represents his presence, especially in connection with a place such as Jerusalem where he says he will be worshiped.
Can this book be translated before the rest of the Pentateuch?
The books of Genesis and Exodus provide the context for Deuteronomy. For this reason, those books should be translated before the Book of Deuteronomy.