Bible Overview is featuring an examination of each book of the Bible by Bible scholar and lecturer, Mary Jane Chapin Chaignot. This month she explores Moses' discourses in Deuteronomy before the Children of Israel enter the Promised Land. This should be a wonderful help to all of you whether you are just starting or continuing your own Bible study.

Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Pentateuch. Literally speaking, its English name is derived from a suspected translation error. It says in Deut 17:18 that "when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom [the king, that is], that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book..." Early Hebrew exegetes understood this to mean "a second law," something different from that which Moses had already given. The LXX and the Vulgate in following their lead named the book Deuteronomion, or "Second Law." Despite the error, the name stuck. Its title in the Hebrew Bible, like the previous books of the Pentateuch, comes from its opening words. In this case, "these are the words" or just "the words." That is a very apt description since practically the whole book is comprised of the "words" of Moses (meaning there is very little action). Moses' words are mostly a reflection of what has already transpired. If we will recall from the end of Numbers, the people of Israel were camped just outside the Promised Land. Moses had already been told that he would not be accompanying them. So, in a sense, these are his final words to them, his final message, his final shot at getting them to heed God's commandments. These are words spoken to the second generation, words for everyone to hear, words meant to sustain them as they begin their new lives, and words that they are to obey.

That the Hebrew people took these words to heart and tried to live them is evidenced by the fact that Jesus often quoted from this book. On each of his three temptations in the wilderness, he rebuffed the tempter with a quote from Deuteronomy (8:3; 6:16; 6:13). The "first and greatest commandment" is also found within its pages (6:5; 10:12; 30:6). Nor was Paul a stranger to this book. Some scholars think Paul's mission to the Gentiles was derived from his understanding of the words of Deuteronomy. He believed that Israel's election was not for itself but for the sake of other nations. Hence he saw no conflict between identifying himself as the "apostle to the nations" and limiting his missionary work to "the Jew first." When the Jews did not respond, Paul was eager to take his message to the Gentiles, but always with the hope that the Jews would also participate in the word of salvation.

Perhaps the most significant impact of Deuteronomy, however, dates back to the reign of Josiah in the seventh century BCE. At that point the Assyrians had already conquered the northern kingdom. No doubt many devout and pious individuals had escaped to the south, taking their traditions with them. (Scholars think these would have included the Deuteronomic materials.) Hezekiah was king of the southern kingdom at this time and did much to institute reforms (See 2 Kings 18ff). However, in 697 he was succeeded by his son, Manasseh, who "did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord." (See 2 Kings 21:2) Things deteriorated for many decades until Josiah assumed the throne. At this point it is thought that the Deuteronomic school saw their opportunity, since Josiah was only eight years old when he came into power. Under their influence, Josiah began to institute some reforms. Then, quite by accident, in the process of cleaning the temple in 621BCE, someone "found" a copy of what is believed to be the book of Deuteronomy. When its contents were read to the king, he was greatly concerned and revved up the reforms. Not only did he renew the covenant, but he also took drastic action to put into practice the requirements of Deuteronomy.

An uncanny correspondence between his reforms and the words of Deuteronomy gives us a glimpse of some of the problems they were dealing with at that time:¹

The parallel list of commands and actions taken lends weight to the belief that this was the book they found. However, this has led some scholars to wonder whether the book of Deuteronomy might actually have been written around 621BCE for the very purpose of being "discovered" during Josiah's reign. This theory is given added weight if one recognizes the distinct progression of thought between the earlier book of the covenant and the ideas expressed in Deuteronomy. However, most scholars admit the book contains a great deal of earlier material, notwithstanding the fact that Moses is purported to have written this as his "last will and testament." Like the previous books of the Pentateuch there is much ancient material, but it was probably shaped and edited right down to the sixth century. Following this discovery, however, the book of Deuteronomy was the first book to be considered canon in 621 BCE. It was the beginning of our Bible!

Unfortunately, Josiah's reforms were not long lasting. As a result, the southern kingdom fell to Babylon in 586BCE.

So what themes can be identified? It helps to know a bit about the structure of the book. First of all, there are four main speeches given by Moses.

• The first is like a memoir, covering chapters 1:1-4:43. His primary purpose is to introduce the book, giving it a place and time.
  
  
• The second speech covers chapters 4:44-28:68. This is the "law" part of the book, the rules that set out God's will for His people. This section is comprised of many statutes, ordinances, and testimonies.
  
  
• The third speech covers 29:1-30:20. It focuses on the covenant and probably describes a ceremony in which the covenant is renewed, forty years after the fact.
  
  
• Moses' last speech, extending from 31:1-34:12, isn't really a speech since it includes word of his death. First, Moses appoints Joshua as his successor and writes down the law, giving it to the priests and elders with the understanding that it should be read and reviewed every seven years. He then writes a song (upon God's command) and teaches it to the Israelites. Following his final blessing is the report of his death.

While this is helpful, recently scholars have noticed a somewhat different structure comparable to that found in covenant language. Just as the Ten Commandments followed a covenant formula, so does this entire book! The covenant formula is as follows:²

Bibliography

Craigie, Peter. The Book of Deuteronomy, The New International Commentary on      the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B Eerdmans, 1976.

McGrath, Allister. NIV Bible Commentary. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1988.

Mills, Watson and Richard Wilson. Mercer Commentary on the Bible. Macon, GA:      Mercer University Press, 1995.

Ridderbos, J. Deuteronomy, Bible Student's Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI:      Zondervan, 1984.

Wright, Christopher. Deuteronomy, The New International Bible Commentary.      Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1996.