Deuteronomy

AI explanationAI

About Deuteronomy as a whole · Written by an AI model · Not reviewed by a theological reader

This explanation was written by an AI model to help you get started. It names no sources and can contain mistakes. Scripture comes first, and context with sources is shown separately on this page.

What this book is about

Moses is old, and he is standing on the plains of Moab, speaking to a people about to cross into the land without him. These are his last words, and he does not hurry them. In a series of speeches he retells the journey, restates the law for a generation about to enter the land, and sets before them blessing and curse, life and death.

At the heart of it is a call that sits at the heart of the book: “Hear, Israel: The LORD is our God. The LORD is one.” And then: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.” (6:4 and 5)

The book closes with Moses climbing Mount Nebo. The LORD shows him the whole land, and tells him, “you shall not go over there.” Moses dies in the land of Moab, and “no man knows where his tomb is to this day.”

Background

The name means second law, in the sense of the law given again. Many scholars note that the book is shaped like the treaties ancient kings made with their peoples. Tradition links it with Moses. Many scholars think it reached its final form later, and connect it with the reform of King Josiah in the seventh century before Christ.

How Christians read it

Deuteronomy is one of the books the New Testament quotes most. Jesus answers each temptation in the wilderness with words from it, and names its call to love God as the greatest commandment.

Its teaching that faithfulness leads to life and unfaithfulness to loss shapes the books from Joshua to Kings. Christians read its promises and warnings in the light of the new covenant in Christ.