Putting the Book of Deuteronomy in Perspective

The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and completes what is known in Judaism as The Torah or, simply, The Law. The title of the book, taken from a combination of two Greek words, means literally "Second Law." The title indicates that the book contains, in a sense, a second giving of the Law of God to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy is basically a book of speeches by Moses to the Israelites who are posed on the east bank of the Jordan River ready to enter the Promised Land of Canaan. Early in the book, he reviews some of the history of the Israelites wandering in the desert. Then he repeats the Ten Commandments and begins to apply them to the imminent invasion of the Promised Land. As Moses speaks, he is well aware that through disobedience, he has forfeited his own opportunity to enter the Promised Land. This is his last chance to instruct and warn the people he has led for 40 years.

J. Sidlow Baxter, in his helpful book, Explore the Book (see details below), calls Deuteronomy a book of transition:

It is a transition to a new generation (the old one died off in the desert)
It is a transition to a new possession (the Promised Land)
It is a transition to a new experience (a settled existence rather than desert wandering)
It is a transition to a new revelation of God (Deuteronomy is the first book to mention the love of God.)

The structure of the book is simple and twofold:

Chapters 1-11-A look back at the wanderings and the giving of the Law
Chapters 12-34-A look ahead as they prepare to enter the Promised Land

A Look Back:

A brief history of the desert wanderings and why the Israelites had to wander
The reason for Moses not being allowed to enter the Promised Land
Obedience to God commanded
Idolatry forbidden
The Ten Commandments repeated
God's love for Israel affirmed

A Look Ahead: