Deuteronomy In OT Essay, Research Paper

The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible, or the last book of the

Pentateuch. Deuteronomy literally means "Second Law." This title

conveys its nature and purpose. In other words, this book is a repetition of the

law that was given to Moses and his people on Mount Sinai. It is also a

completion and explanation of that law. Besides that, this book also continues

on from previous events that happened in the first four books of the Bible. It

helps to bring to focus and interpret the messages that are in the first four

books. In Greek, Deuteronomy means "a copy of this law in a book." In

Hebrew, its name comes from the phrase, "these are the words." The

Book of Deuteronomy was written centuries after the Israelites had lived on the

Land of Promise. Moses is believed to be the author. If he is the author, it was

written around thirteenth century B.C. Joshua was most likely (although it is

not certain) the author who concluded the book with the event of Moses’s death.

Moses relates all events that happen in this book with a spiritual lesson. He

takes the laws that the Lord gave His people nearly forty years before the time

that the writings of this book took place and adapts it to the people and events

of that time. A main characteristic that sets the book of Deuteronomy apart from

the other books of the Bible is its "vigorous oratorical style." (The

Holy Bible 147) In other words, it is a style which involves much thought coming

from the author. The events in this book took place within no more than forty

days. The events occurred mainly in only three places. They were "in the

plains of Moab, between the end of the wandering of the desert (which lasted

forty years), and the crossing of the Jordan River." (Deuteronomy) The

purpose of the book of Deuteronomy is to show the change in leadership from

Moses to Joshua. It was also written to be a witness of God’s relationship with

the people of Israel. Deuteronomy begins towards the end of Israel’s time of

wandering through the desert. Moses gives them instructions concerning many

different aspects of the life in the land they are about to enter. The first

four chapters recall the time when the people came out of Egypt and died in the

wilderness because of their numerous sins. It then shows how God faithfully

brought the next generation to the border of Canaan, which was the promised

land. The next twenty-four chapters recall the Law of God. In it, Moses repeats

the Ten Commandments that had been given to him by God at Mount Sinai. Moses

emphasized that God chose the people of Israel to be His people because he loved

them, and they in return should love God with all of their heart and soul. Moses

also shows the importance of worshiping God. From this section is where the name

of Deuteronomy originated. The last six chapters prepare the people for the

entry into Canaan. Joshua becomes the new leader of the people of Israel because

it was near Moses’s time of death. Moses teaches the Israelites a song to remind

them of God’s faithfulness in the people and how they should never be unfaithful

to God. Moses then looks into the promised land from Mount Nebo, since he was

never able to enter because of his unfaithfulness to God when he tapped the rock

twice. He then dies. Today, the book of Deuteronomy carries many different

meanings to Christianity. It shows us the differences between ourselves and God,

laws and rules, and how "Moses is a ?type’ of Christ." (Deuteronomy)

Deuteronomy conveys to us the nature of ourselves and God through quite a few

different ways. One is by the sinful nature of man, which is quite apparent

throughout the book. The book also shows the character of God, and how He was

always very faithful to His people. Another thing that it shows us is the

possibility of restoration through God’s grace. The book also contains the laws,

which are the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments are in effect today for all

Christians. They are a guide for Christians and the way they should live their

lives, and they help to guide all people to live better and more faithful lives.

Moses is somewhat a "type" of Christ by some of the actions that he

performed. He talked to God face to face which not many people did. Also, he

performed miracles, which are impossible for most people. He also was able to

deliver people out of slavery. They are just a few examples of the many actions

that Moses took in his lifetime. Throughout the book of Deuteronomy, the main

emphasis is on faith and obedience. This is apparent through the repeating of

the Ten Commandments, and the faith of the people and God towards his people.

This book has a major religious influence when compared to most other books of

the Old Testament. Deuteronomy is a book of the Bible that should be read with

much thought, because it conveys many different meanings that can be used today,

and that were apparent during the time it was written.