Old Testament

The Book Of Deuteronomy: Remember and Obey

« Previous Book: Numbers Next Book: Joshua »

Summary of Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy, meaning "second law," is the final book of the Pentateuch. It consists of a series of farewell sermons delivered by Moses to the new generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land. The book serves as a powerful reminder of God's law and a passionate call for covenant faithfulness.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."

Start Your Study

 Read Chapter 1
Renewing sacred commitments through heartfelt remembrance and devoted adherence to divine guidance.
Renewing sacred commitments through heartfelt remembrance and devoted adherence to divine guidance.

Overview of Deuteronomy

Structured like an ancient Near Eastern treaty, Deuteronomy functions as a constitutional document for the nation of Israel. It looks back on God's faithfulness during the wilderness wanderings and looks forward to life in the land, establishing the theological principle that obedience to God brings blessing and life, while disobedience brings curses and exile. This framework becomes the lens through which the subsequent historical books of the Old Testament interpret Israel's successes and failures.

The enduring covenant between divine guidance and the promise of life through faithfulness.
The enduring covenant between divine guidance and the promise of life through faithfulness.

Structure of Deuteronomy

Moses’ First Address: A Look Back (1–4)

Recounting the Journey (1–3) → A Call to Obedience (4)

Moses reviews Israel's history from Mount Sinai (Horeb) to their current location on the plains of Moab, emphasizing God's faithfulness despite the people's repeated failures. This historical review serves as the foundation for his urgent call to remember God's law and obey it in the new land.

  1. Deuteronomy 1 - The Meaning of Deuteronomy 1: Remembering to Move Forward
  2. Deuteronomy 2 - The Message of Deuteronomy 2: God's Sovereignty on Display
  3. Deuteronomy 3 - The Real Meaning of Deuteronomy 3: Victory, Inheritance, and a Leader's Farewell
  4. Deuteronomy 4 - What is the Message of Deuteronomy 4?: Remember, Obey, and Live

Moses’ Second Address: The Law Explained (5–26)

The Ten Commandments (5) → The Great Commandment (6–11) → Specific Laws for the Land (12–26)

This central section restates the core principles of the covenant, beginning with the Ten Commandments and the Shema (the command to love God completely). It then applies these foundational laws to the specific civil, social, and religious circumstances Israel will face in the Promised Land.

  1. Deuteronomy 5 - The Real Meaning of Deuteronomy 5: God's Law for a New Generation
  2. Deuteronomy 6 - Understanding Deuteronomy 6: Love God, Teach Diligently.
  3. Deuteronomy 7 - Understanding Deuteronomy 7: Chosen, Holy, and Set Apart
  4. Deuteronomy 8 - What Does Deuteronomy 8 Teach Us?: Remember God, Forget Not.
  5. Deuteronomy 9 - What Happens in Deuteronomy 9?: Grace, Not Righteousness
  6. Deuteronomy 10 - What is the Message of Deuteronomy 10?: Grace Restores, Love Responds.
  7. Deuteronomy 11 - The Real Meaning of Deuteronomy 11: Remember, Obey, and Live.
  8. Deuteronomy 12 - The Message of Deuteronomy 12: One Place, One God
  9. Deuteronomy 13 - Understanding Deuteronomy 13: Test Your Allegiance
  10. Deuteronomy 14 - What is Deuteronomy 14 About?: Chosen, Clean, and Generous.
  11. Deuteronomy 15 - What Happens in Deuteronomy 15?: Generosity Rewrites the Story
  12. Deuteronomy 16 - What is the Message of Deuteronomy 16?: Joyful Feasts, Just Communities
  13. Deuteronomy 17 - The Real Meaning of Deuteronomy 17: Justice, Kings, and Covenant
  14. Deuteronomy 18 - The Message of Deuteronomy 18: God's Voice, True and False
  15. Deuteronomy 19 - What is Deuteronomy 19 About?: Justice, Mercy, and Boundaries
  16. Deuteronomy 20 - What Does Deuteronomy 20 Mean?: Warfare, Wisdom, and Worship
  17. Deuteronomy 21 - What Does Deuteronomy 21 Mean?: Justice, Family, and Community Purity
  18. Deuteronomy 22 - The Meaning of Deuteronomy 22: Living with Integrity and Purity
  19. Deuteronomy 23 - What Can We Learn from Deuteronomy 23?: A Holy and Just Community
  20. Deuteronomy 24 - Why Is Deuteronomy 24 Important?: Justice, Dignity, and Compassion
  21. Deuteronomy 25 - What is the Message of Deuteronomy 25?: Justice in Everyday Life
  22. Deuteronomy 26 - The Real Meaning of Deuteronomy 26: Gratitude, Remembrance, and Covenant

Moses’ Third Address: Covenant Consequences and Transition (27–34)

Blessings and Curses (27–28) → Covenant Renewal (29–30) → Leadership Transition and Moses' Death (31–34)

Moses outlines the stark consequences of Israel's choice: obedience leads to life and blessing, while disobedience leads to exile and curses. The book concludes with the formal ratification of the covenant, the transfer of leadership to Joshua, and the death of Moses, who sees the Promised Land but does not enter it.

  1. Deuteronomy 27 - Insights from Deuteronomy 27: Blessings, Curses, and Commitment.
  2. Deuteronomy 28 - The Real Meaning of Deuteronomy 28: The Two Paths: Blessing or Curse
  3. Deuteronomy 29 - What is Deuteronomy 29 About?: The Covenant and Its Consequences
  4. Deuteronomy 30 - The Meaning of Deuteronomy 30: The Choice to Return
  5. Deuteronomy 31 - What Happens in Deuteronomy 31?: Strength for the Journey Ahead
  6. Deuteronomy 32 - Why Is Deuteronomy 32 Important?: The Song of the Rock
  7. Deuteronomy 33 - Insights from Deuteronomy 33: A Father's Final Blessing
  8. Deuteronomy 34 - What Does Deuteronomy 34 Mean?: The End of an Era

How to Read Deuteronomy

Read Deuteronomy not as a mere list of rules, but as a passionate theological sermon. It is a call for a heart-level devotion to God that is grounded in His past redemptive acts and expressed through obedience in all areas of life. Notice how the law is presented as a gift for Israel's good, not a burden.

  • Remember the past → Obey in the present → Secure the future.
  • The call for exclusive loyalty to Yahweh, often contrasted with the idolatry of surrounding nations.
  • The connection between law and love: obedience is the natural response of a heart transformed by God's grace.

Key Takeaway

Deuteronomy's core message is that a genuine relationship with God is expressed through loyal obedience, rooted in love and gratitude for His salvation. It establishes the theological framework for the rest of Israel's story, where their national well-being is directly and consistently tied to their faithfulness to the covenant.

True devotion blossoms from a heart overflowing with love and thankfulness for divine deliverance.
True devotion blossoms from a heart overflowing with love and thankfulness for divine deliverance.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

Start Your Study

The best way to understand Deuteronomy is to start reading. Our guide to Chapter 1 breaks down the creation story, its key themes, and its theological importance.

Start Reading Chapter 1
« Previous Book Numbers Next Book » Joshua