Deuteronomy Overview

 

Deuteronomy – Notes and Observations

The Greek name for this book means “repetition of the law.”
I assume it is an interpretation based on its content.

The Hebrew name is D’varim, or “words” or “the words.” From what I have read, it is Hebrew tradition to name a book after some of its first few words. As inconsequential as this may seem, we must remember that God’s power is in His words. John tells us that Jesus was the word, with God and GOD was the word. If we miss that importance, we miss a big point.

It’s important to note the growth of Moses during these days. He starts as one too timid to trust God. Jehovah tells him Exo 3:18  And they shall hearken to thy voice:… Moses tries to abandon the work God is commissioning him to do with several excuses. Some of which are: Exo 4:1  And Moses answered and said, And, behold, they will not believe me and will not listen to my voice.  AND Exo 4:10  And Moses said to Jehovah, O Lord, I am not a man of words, either from yesterday or the third day, nor since You have been speaking to Your bondslave. For I am heavy of mouth and heavy of tongue. Which brings even more meaning to the Hebrew title of the book. After 40 years, Moses has become a no-nonsense speaker for God and is VERY CONCERNED about the HEARTS of the people. He seems to be able to handle the word just fine. (rabbisacks. org)

Other notes:  Some 40 years before Deuteronomy, Israel had escaped Egypt. After 7 weeks they reached Sinai. They had to leave Rephidim to get to Sinai. The root word of Rephidim means “comfort.” Although there was some trouble there, one must be struck with the fact that they were leaving a place of “comfort” or weakness” to become transformed (ref. IFCJ .org).

Numbers reveals that God’s dispensation of the law did not transform them, as evidenced in the spies’ lack of faith. Thus, we see a generation needing to fall in the desert and the younger generation inheriting the right to take the land.

However, Deuteronomy is more of a revelation of human inadequacy. Moses tells this people they are stiff-necked and rebellious in his preaching (9:24, 31:27).  The point is that God causes all good things and mankind tends to think of himself as the righteous power for his blessings (9:5-6). This is the same theme we see throughout the entirety of the bible.

Ultimately, the curses in Deuteronomy become prophecies fulfilled. These things are shown to us in hind-sight for our self-introspective benefit. We are not better than them. Deuteronomy is a warning and an encouragement. It all depends on the heart 4:29, 4:39, 5:29, 6:5-6, 8:2 + 38 more instances.

Brief Timeline:

Exodus Part 1	~ 80 Years to call Moses
Exodus Part 2 + Leviticus (Sinai)	From the Exodus to the Tabernacle – to Sinai –Dispensation of the Law 11 months to 1 year
Numbers 1-12	About 2 months – Arranging/order/fight-ready
Numbers 13-36	Spies’ debacle – decree for generational cleansing – desert wandering ~38 years
Deuteronomy	About 2 months