ToC | Reading the Old Testament. . . Chapter 5. Deuteronomy | ToC

1. Words of Moses

Deuteronomy is different from the preceding four books of the Torah in these ways. Instead of being narrative enveloping law, it consists of speeches Moses delivered to the Israelites in Transjordan as they prepared themselves to enter the Promised Land. Instead of being formed from a variety of sources, it is essentially from one source. And instead of being framed as God's words to Moses, it is Moses' words to Israel.
    Deuteronomy is a series of addresses Moses gave to the Israelites in the border region just east of the Jordan River. He knew his death was imminent, so this was his last opportunity to reinforce the values of covenant existence; God denied him entry into the Promised Land because of his actions at Meribah (Numbers 20). The following texts sample the flavor of the book and introduce us to some of its main ideas.
ToC | Reading the Old Testament. . . Chapter 5. Deuteronomy | ToC