Title and Author: The book of Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Pentateuch, derives its name from the Greek "Deuteronomion," meaning "second law." Traditionally, conservative Christians attribute its authorship to Moses, who is believed to have written it during the final stages of his life, around 1406 B.C. This view is supported by internal references within the text and the longstanding Jewish and Christian tradition.

Historical Context: Deuteronomy is set on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. It marks the end of their 40-year wilderness journey. The book is a series of speeches by Moses, given shortly before his death, to a new generation of Israelites who were not present at Mount Sinai.

Audience: The primary audience of Deuteronomy was the new generation of Israelites poised to enter Canaan. They needed to be reminded of God's laws and covenant, as many were not alive during the original giving of the Law at Sinai.

Purpose: The purpose of Deuteronomy is to reaffirm the covenant between God and Israel, reiterate the laws given at Sinai, and prepare the Israelites for life in the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience to His commandments.

Genre and Style: Deuteronomy is a blend of law, history, and sermon. Its style is didactic, aiming to instruct and exhort the Israelites.1. Moses (Deuteronomy 1:1)
Moses is the central figure in Deuteronomy, serving as the leader of the Israelites and the primary speaker throughout the book. He delivers a series of speeches to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land.

2. The LORD (God) (Deuteronomy 1:6)
The LORD, or Yahweh, is the God of Israel who gives commandments and guidance to the Israelites through Moses. He is the central divine figure in the narrative.

3. The Israelites (Deuteronomy 1:1)
The Israelites are the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. They are the chosen people of God, whom Moses addresses throughout the book.

4. Amorites (Deuteronomy 1:4)
The Amorites are one of the Canaanite tribes that the Israelites encounter and are instructed to conquer as they enter the Promised Land.

5. Sihon (Deuteronomy 1:4)
Sihon is the king of the Amorites who ruled in Heshbon. He is defeated by the Israelites as they journey toward the Promised Land.

6. Og (Deuteronomy 1:4)
Og is the king of Bashan, another region the Israelites conquer. He is noted for being one of the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants.

7. Esau (Deuteronomy 2:4)
Esau is the brother of Jacob (Israel) and the ancestor of the Edomites. The Israelites are instructed not to harass the Edomites because they are related.

8. Lot (Deuteronomy 2:9)
Lot is the nephew of Abraham and the ancestor of the Moabites and Ammonites. The Israelites are told not to harass these nations because of their kinship.

9. Moabites (Deuteronomy 2:9)
The Moabites are descendants of Lot and live in the region of Moab. The Israelites are instructed not to engage them in battle.

10. Ammonites (Deuteronomy 2:19)
The Ammonites are also descendants of Lot. Like the Moabites, they are not to be attacked by the Israelites.

11. Joshua (Deuteronomy 1:38)
Joshua is the assistant and successor of Moses, who will lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses' death.

12. Caleb (Deuteronomy 1:36)
Caleb is one of the two faithful spies (along with Joshua) who encouraged the Israelites to trust in God and enter the Promised Land.

13. Aaron (Deuteronomy 10:6)
Aaron is the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He dies during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness.

14. Levi (Deuteronomy 10:8)
Levi is one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the ancestor of the Levites, the tribe set apart for religious duties.

15. Balaam (Deuteronomy 23:4)
Balaam is a non-Israelite prophet who was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites, but he ended up blessing them instead.1. Horeb (Deuteronomy 1:2)
Horeb is another name for Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. It is a significant location in the Israelites' journey as it represents the place of covenant and law-giving.

2. Kadesh-barnea (Deuteronomy 1:19)
Kadesh-barnea is a desert oasis where the Israelites camped during their wilderness wanderings. It served as a key location for the Israelites' exploration of the Promised Land.

3. Seir (Deuteronomy 1:2)
Seir is a mountainous region inhabited by the descendants of Esau, also known as the Edomites. It is located southeast of the Dead Sea.

4. Amorite Hill Country (Deuteronomy 1:7)
This region refers to the hill country inhabited by the Amorites, a group of Canaanite people. It was part of the land promised to the Israelites.

5. Ar (Deuteronomy 2:9)
Ar is a city in Moab, located east of the Dead Sea. The Israelites were instructed not to harass the Moabites or engage in battle with them.

6. Zered Valley (Deuteronomy 2:13)
The Zered Valley is a location the Israelites crossed during their journey. It marks a boundary between Moab and Edom.

7. Arnon Valley (Deuteronomy 2:24)
The Arnon Valley is a significant geographical boundary between Moab and the Amorite territory. It is mentioned as a point of conquest for the Israelites.

8. Heshbon (Deuteronomy 2:24)
Heshbon was the capital city of King Sihon of the Amorites. It was conquered by the Israelites as they advanced into the Promised Land.

9. Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:1)
Bashan is a fertile region north of Gilead, known for its strong cities and giant inhabitants. It was ruled by King Og, whom the Israelites defeated.

10. Mount Hermon (Deuteronomy 3:8)
Mount Hermon is a prominent mountain in the northern part of the Promised Land. It is noted for its height and strategic importance.

11. Jordan River (Deuteronomy 3:17)
The Jordan River is a major waterway in the region, serving as a natural boundary for the land of Canaan. It is significant for the Israelites' crossing into the Promised Land.

12. Beth-peor (Deuteronomy 3:29)
Beth-peor is a location in Moab, opposite Jericho. It is where Moses delivered his final speeches to the Israelites before his death.1. Moses' First Speech: Historical Review (Deuteronomy 1:1)
- Moses begins by recounting Israel's journey from Mount Horeb through the wilderness to the plains of Moab, highlighting key events such as the sending of the spies and the rebellion at Kadesh-barnea.

2. Reiteration of the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:1)
- Moses restates the Ten Commandments to the new generation of Israelites, emphasizing their importance as the foundation of the covenant with God.

3. The Shema and the Greatest Commandment (Deuteronomy 6:4)
- Moses delivers the Shema, a central declaration of faith: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One." He also commands the Israelites to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength.

4. Warnings Against Idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:1)
- Moses warns the Israelites against adopting the practices of the nations they will dispossess, particularly idolatry, and instructs them to destroy all forms of idol worship.

5. Blessings of Obedience and Curses of Disobedience (Deuteronomy 11:26)
- Moses sets before the Israelites a choice between a blessing and a curse, contingent on their obedience or disobedience to God's commandments.

6. Centralization of Worship (Deuteronomy 12:5)
- God commands that worship and sacrifices be centralized in a place He will choose, to prevent the Israelites from adopting pagan practices.

7. Laws on Clean and Unclean Foods (Deuteronomy 14:3)
- Moses outlines dietary laws, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals, and instructs the Israelites on what they may and may not eat.

8. The Sabbatical Year and the Year of Release (Deuteronomy 15:1)
- Every seventh year, debts are to be forgiven, and Hebrew slaves are to be released, reflecting God's provision and mercy.

9. The Appointment of Judges and Kings (Deuteronomy 16:18; 17:14)
- Moses instructs the Israelites to appoint judges and officials in their towns and provides guidelines for the future appointment of a king.

10. Prophets and False Prophets (Deuteronomy 18:15)
- Moses promises that God will raise up a prophet like him from among the Israelites and warns against false prophets.

11. Cities of Refuge (Deuteronomy 19:1)
- Instructions are given for establishing cities of refuge where those who commit unintentional manslaughter can seek asylum.

12. Laws of Warfare (Deuteronomy 20:1)
- Moses provides guidelines for conducting warfare, including exemptions from battle and the treatment of conquered cities.

13. Covenant Renewal Ceremony (Deuteronomy 27:1)
- Moses instructs the Israelites to hold a covenant renewal ceremony on Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, with blessings and curses pronounced.

14. The Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:1)
- Moses recites a song that serves as a witness against the Israelites, reminding them of God's faithfulness and their potential unfaithfulness.

15. Moses' Blessing on the Tribes (Deuteronomy 33:1)
- Before his death, Moses blesses each of the tribes of Israel, offering prophetic insights and encouragement.

16. The Death of Moses (Deuteronomy 34:5)
- Moses ascends Mount Nebo, where he views the Promised Land before dying. He is buried by God in an unknown location, and Joshua succeeds him as leader.1. Covenant Renewal (Deuteronomy 1:1)
- Deuteronomy serves as a renewal of the covenant between God and the Israelites. Moses reiterates the laws and commandments given at Sinai, emphasizing the importance of obedience to maintain the covenant relationship.

2. Obedience to God (Deuteronomy 4:1)
- The book stresses the importance of obeying God's laws as a demonstration of faithfulness. Obedience is linked to blessings, prosperity, and life in the Promised Land.

3. Monotheism (Deuteronomy 6:4)
- The Shema, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One," underscores the belief in one God and calls for exclusive devotion to Him.

4. Love for God (Deuteronomy 6:5)
- The command to "love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" highlights the relational aspect of the covenant, where love is the foundation of obedience.

5. Remembrance of God's Acts (Deuteronomy 8:2)
- The Israelites are urged to remember God's past deeds, including the deliverance from Egypt and provision in the wilderness, as a basis for trust and obedience.

6. Blessings and Curses (Deuteronomy 11:26)
- The book outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, emphasizing the consequences of the Israelites' choices regarding God's commandments.

7. Social Justice (Deuteronomy 15:7)
- Deuteronomy includes laws that promote justice and care for the marginalized, such as the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners, reflecting God's concern for social equity.

8. Centralization of Worship (Deuteronomy 12:5)
- The Israelites are instructed to worship at a central location chosen by God, which later becomes Jerusalem, to maintain purity and unity in worship practices.

9. Leadership and Authority (Deuteronomy 17:14)
- Guidelines for kings, priests, and prophets are provided, emphasizing the need for leaders to adhere to God's laws and lead the people in righteousness.

10. Prophecy and Fulfillment (Deuteronomy 18:15)
- Moses speaks of a future prophet like himself, pointing to the role of prophecy in guiding and correcting the people, with an emphasis on listening to God's chosen messengers.

11. Inheritance of the Land (Deuteronomy 1:8)
- The promise of the land of Canaan as an inheritance is reiterated, contingent upon the Israelites' faithfulness to God's commandments.

12. Teaching and Transmission of Faith (Deuteronomy 6:7)
- The importance of teaching God's laws to the next generation is emphasized, ensuring the continuity of faith and obedience among the Israelites.1. Prophet Like Moses
- Description: In Deuteronomy, Moses speaks of a future prophet who will be like him, whom the people should listen to. Christians interpret this as a prophecy about Jesus, who is seen as the ultimate prophet and mediator between God and humanity.
- Reference: "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him." (Deuteronomy 18:15)

2. The Lawgiver
- Description: While Moses is the immediate lawgiver in Deuteronomy, Jesus is seen as the fulfillment and embodiment of the Law. He provides a deeper understanding and completion of the Law's intent.
- Reference: The entire book of Deuteronomy is a reiteration of the Law, with Jesus later seen as the one who fulfills it (e.g., Matthew 5:17).

3. The Rock
- Description: God is referred to as the Rock in Deuteronomy, symbolizing strength, stability, and faithfulness. In the New Testament, Jesus is often referred to as the spiritual Rock.
- Reference: "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." (Deuteronomy 32:4)

4. The Redeemer
- Description: Deuteronomy speaks of God as the one who redeems Israel from slavery in Egypt. This act of redemption is seen as a precursor to Jesus' role as the Redeemer of humanity from sin.
- Reference: "But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be the people of His inheritance, as you are today." (Deuteronomy 4:20)

5. The Shepherd
- Description: God is depicted as a shepherd who leads and cares for His people. This imagery is later applied to Jesus, who calls Himself the Good Shepherd.
- Reference: "He found him in a desert land, in a barren, howling wilderness; He surrounded him, He instructed him, He guarded him as the apple of His eye." (Deuteronomy 32:10)1. Prophecy of a Prophet Like Moses
- Prophecy: "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him." (Deuteronomy 18:15)
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is often interpreted as being fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as referenced in the New Testament (Acts 3:22-23).

2. Prophecy of Blessings for Obedience
- Prophecy: "If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth." (Deuteronomy 28:1)
- Fulfillment: The blessings for obedience are seen during the reigns of kings like David and Solomon, when Israel experienced prosperity and peace.

3. Prophecy of Curses for Disobedience
- Prophecy: "But if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you." (Deuteronomy 28:15)
- Fulfillment: The curses for disobedience are fulfilled in various periods of Israel's history, including the Babylonian exile (2 Kings 25).

4. Prophecy of Exile and Return
- Prophecy: "Then the LORD will scatter you among all nations, from one end of the earth to the other... But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 4:27, 29)
- Fulfillment: The scattering occurs during the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, and the return is seen in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

5. Prophecy of Israel's Future Apostasy
- Prophecy: "For I know that after my death you are sure to become utterly corrupt and to turn from the way I have commanded you." (Deuteronomy 31:29)
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is fulfilled in the period of the Judges and later during the divided kingdom, as recorded in the books of Judges and Kings.

1. Moses’ First Address: A Historical Summary  ( 1:1⁠–⁠4:49 )

a. Introduction  ( 1:1⁠–⁠4 )

b. The Summary of Events in the Wilderness  ( 1:5⁠–⁠4:49 )

i. The Call to Leave Sinai (Horeb)  ( 1:5⁠–⁠8 )

ii. Moses Appoints Leaders  ( 1:9⁠–⁠18 )

iii. The Twelve Spies  ( 1:19⁠–⁠46 )

1. Spies Sent Out  ( 1:19⁠–⁠25 )

2. Israel’s Rebellion  ( 1:26⁠–⁠33 )

3. Israel’s Penalty  ( 1:34⁠–⁠40 )

4. The Defeat at Hormah  ( 1:41⁠–⁠46 )

iv. The Journey from the Wilderness to the Plains of Moab  ( 2:1⁠–⁠3:11 )

1. The Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites  ( 2:1⁠–⁠23 )

2. The Defeat of Sihon  ( 2:24⁠–⁠37 )

3. The Defeat of Og  ( 3:1⁠–⁠11 )

v. In the Plains of Moab  ( 3:12⁠–⁠4:49 )

1. Land Division East of the Jordan  ( 3:12⁠–⁠22 )

2. Moses Forbidden to Cross the Jordan  ( 3:23⁠–⁠29 )

3. An Exhortation to Obedience  ( 4:1⁠–⁠40 )

4. The Cities of Refuge  ( 4:41⁠–⁠43 )

5. Conclusion  ( 4:44⁠–⁠49 )

2. Moses’ Second Address: The Terms of the Covenant  ( 5:1⁠–⁠26:19 )

a. The Basic Stipulations  ( 5:1⁠–⁠11:32 )

i. Remembering Mount Sinai  ( 5:1⁠–⁠33 )

1. The Covenant at Sinai  ( 5:1⁠–⁠4 )

2. The Ten Commandments  ( 5:5⁠–⁠21 )

3. Moses Mediates Between God and Israel  ( 5:22⁠–⁠33 )

ii. The Greatest Commandment  ( 6:1⁠–⁠25 )

iii. When You Go into the Land  ( 7:1⁠–⁠10:11 )

1. Do Not Assimilate into the Nations  ( 7:1⁠–⁠11 )

2. God will Fight for Israel  ( 7:12⁠–⁠26 )

3. Warning Against Becoming Proud  ( 8:1⁠–⁠10:11 )

a. God has Provided All  ( 8:1⁠–⁠20 )

b. Not Because of Your Righteousness  ( 9:1⁠–⁠6 )

c. Remember the Golden Calf  ( 9:7⁠–⁠29 )

d. The New Tablets of Stone  ( 10:1⁠–⁠11 )

iv. Call to Obedience  ( 10:12⁠–⁠11:32 )

b. The Specific Stipulations  ( 12:1⁠–⁠26:19 )

i. Israel’s Worship  ( 12:1⁠–⁠16:17 )

1. One Place for Worship  ( 12:1⁠–⁠28 )

2. Warning against Idolatry  ( 12:29⁠–⁠13:18 )

a. Do Not Inquire about Other Nations gods  ( 12:29⁠–⁠32 )

b. Idolaters to be Put to Death  ( 13:1⁠–⁠11 )

c. Idolatrous Cities to be Destroyed  ( 13:12⁠–⁠18 )

3. Clean and Unclean Animals  ( 14:1⁠–⁠21 )

4. Treatment of the Needy  ( 14:22⁠–⁠15:23 )

a. Tithing to the Tabernacle  ( 14:22⁠–⁠29 )

b. Cancel Depts in the Seventh Year  ( 15:1⁠–⁠6 )

c. Generosity in Lending and Giving  ( 15:7⁠–⁠11 )

d. Release of Hebrew Servants  ( 15:12⁠–⁠18 )

e. Firstborn Animals  ( 15:19⁠–⁠23 )

5. The Pilgrimage Festivals  ( 16:1⁠–⁠17 )

a. Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread  ( 16:1⁠–⁠8 )

b. The Feast of Weeks  ( 16:9⁠–⁠12 )

c. The Feast of Tabernacles  ( 16:13⁠–⁠17 )

ii. Israel’s Leaders  ( 16:18⁠–⁠18:22 )

1. Judges and Justice  ( 16:18⁠–⁠20 )

2. Forbidden Forms of Worship  ( 16:21⁠–⁠17:7 )

a. Forbidden Locations  ( 16:21⁠–⁠22 )

b. Detestable Sacrifices  ( 17:1 )

c. Purge the Idolater  ( 17:2⁠–⁠7 )

3. Courts of Law  ( 17:8⁠–⁠13 )

4. Guidelines for a King  ( 17:14⁠–⁠20 )

5. Provisions for Priests and Levites  ( 18:1⁠–⁠8 )

6. Sorcery Forbidden  ( 18:9⁠–⁠14 )

7. The Prophet like Moses  ( 18:15⁠–⁠22 )

iii. Civil Laws and Social Justice  ( 19:1⁠–⁠26:19 )

1. Cities of Refuge  ( 19:1⁠–⁠14 )

2. The Testimony of Two or Three Witnesses  ( 19:15⁠–⁠21 )

3. The Laws of Warfare  ( 20:1⁠–⁠20 )

4. Atonement for an Unsolved Murder  ( 21:1⁠–⁠9 )

5. Marrying a Captive Woman  ( 21:10⁠–⁠14 )

6. Inheritance Rights of the Firstborn  ( 21:15⁠–⁠17 )

7. A Rebellious Son  ( 21:18⁠–⁠21 )

8. Cursed is Anyone Hung on a Tree  ( 21:22⁠–⁠23 )

9. Various Laws  ( 22:1⁠–⁠12 )

10. Marriage Violations  ( 22:13⁠–⁠30 )

11. Exclusion from the Congregation  ( 23:1⁠–⁠8 )

12. Uncleanness in the Camp  ( 23:9⁠–⁠14 )

13. Miscellaneous Laws  ( 23:15⁠–⁠25 )

14. Marriage and Divorce Laws  ( 24:1⁠–⁠5 )

15. Additional Laws  ( 24:6⁠–⁠22 )

16. Fairness and Mercy  ( 25:1⁠–⁠4 )

17. Widowhood and Marriage  ( 25:5⁠–⁠12 )

18. Standard Weights and Measures  ( 25:13⁠–⁠16 )

19. Revenge on the Amalekites  ( 25:17⁠–⁠19 )

20. Offering Firstfruits and Tithes  ( 26:1⁠–⁠15 )

21. Call to Obedience  ( 26:16⁠–⁠19 )

3. Moses’ Third Address: A Look into the Future  ( 27:1⁠–⁠34:12 )

a. When You Enter the Land  ( 27:1⁠–⁠28:68 )

i. The Altar on Mount Ebal  ( 27:1⁠–⁠10 )

ii. Call and Response Curses  ( 27:11⁠–⁠26 )

iii. The Blessings of Obedience  ( 28:1⁠–⁠14 )

iv. The Curses of Disobedience  ( 28:15⁠–⁠68 )

b. The Covenant in Moab  ( 29:1⁠–⁠30:20 )

i. The Covenant with the Second Generation  ( 29:1⁠–⁠29 )

ii. The Promise of Restoration  ( 30:1⁠–⁠10 )

iii. The Choice of Life or Death  ( 30:11⁠–⁠20 )

c. The Future Leadership of Israel  ( 31:1⁠–⁠30 )

i. Joshua to Succeed Moses  ( 31:1⁠–⁠8 )

ii. The Reading of the Law  ( 31:9⁠–⁠13 )

iii. God Commissions Joshua  ( 31:14⁠–⁠23 )

iv. The Law Placed in the Ark of the Covenant  ( 31:24⁠–⁠27 )

v. Leadership Gathers to Hear the Song of Moses  ( 31:28⁠–⁠30 )

d. The Song of Moses  ( 32:1⁠–⁠47 )

e. The Death of Moses  ( 32:48⁠–⁠34:12 )

i. Moses’ Death Foretold  ( 32:48⁠–⁠52 )

ii. Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes  ( 33:1⁠–⁠29 )

iii. The Death of Moses  ( 34:1⁠–⁠12 )