Bible Connect (Week 11 Day 4)

Introduction to Deuteronomy - A good argument can be made that Deuteronomy ought to be thought of the as the most important book in the Old Testament. It is heavily quoted in the N.T., appearing in 21 books, quoted 83 times. Jesus answers all three temptations from Deuteronomy, and kings were com- manded to read it (17:18-20). Interestingly, it is actually four sermons from Moses that are framed in the vassal treaty format that was commonly used in Moses’ day. These treaties were used when a greater coun- try or empire conquered a smaller and weaker nation (the vassal nation). Those treaties had six parts: a preamble, the mutual history of the two nations, general stipulations (obligations) provisions for reading the treaty, witnesses to it, and finally the blesses and curses of keeping the treaty/violating it. Deuteronomy fol- lows this pattern carefully and very deliberately. As it does so it spells out the covenant between God and Israel, and fully explains that it was a relationship based on love. God had done so much for Israel, He ex- pected Israel to respond with wholehearted devotion and love.

1-2 - Moses’ first speech could well be titled “Trust and Obey.” Think of Moses’ audience: none of them are older than sixty (except Joshua and Caleb). So Moses carefully does a historical review from Sinai to the present moment (chapters 1-3). Moses wants to show the importance of this moment. He wants them to realize the crossroads they now stand at. His message is clear: “remember what happened to your parents when they stood where you stand now.” They failed (1:26-32, 43). You must do better! Believe in God, trust in Him and obey Him! 2:14 lists the wandering as 38 years, probably giving credit for the two years spent at Sinai. The total time spent in the wilderness was 40 years.

3 - Chapter 3 finishes the story of Israel’s history . That leads to tomorrow’s reading in chapter 4 about God’s law.