Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy Homework

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

Deuteronomy was likely written for the second generation of Israel that was to take the Promised Land after their fathers died in the desert. They have been waiting a long time for the Promise to be fulfilled and the Lord had taken them through a lot while in the desert. They were ready to get in, but in their eagerness, likely to make similar mistakes as their fathers before them. Moses, about to leave the people, wanted to remind them of everything the Lord had done to ensure that they would stay holy before the Lord. 

2. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

Moses was nearing the end of his life since he was not allowed to enter the promised land and was making a farewell speech in a sense. It’s as though he’s releasing them into a future that he wished he could join them in. He wanted this new generation to know the journey, to know the laws, and to know how to go forward. It was almost a commissioning. 

3. What are the main themes and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

Deuteronomy is a book covenanting God to his people and building up a nation that will devote not only their obedience, but the heart behind it to their God. 

Throughout Deuteronomy, we see the Lord searching the heart of his people. The covenant being made is not a new covenant, but it works inwardly with the people instead of dealing with outward rituals. The Lord is testing to see if these stubborn people are willing to mend their hearts unlike their fathers. This is a choice.They can choose to walk in the way of the Lord in which he promises to bless them better than they can imagine, or he can curse them for turning away (chapter 28). But overall, it is their decision. 

This book contains the foundational building blocks for building a godly nation. Within the instructions that Moses gives the people, we see God infiltrating every social sphere of his people. He gives instructions for the family, the church, the government, and even arts and entertainment. He expresses the importance or communication, education and even what a good economy looks like (15:4). It covers all aspects of society, not separating what is sacred from what is “secular.” It is all of God and should remain that way. 

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?

They were entreated to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and all your strength.” (6:4-5) They were a people set aside and favored by God and He was covenanting himself to them. In the same way, he was giving them a blueprint for developing a godly nation. This was the launching point from taking a lost, enslaved people and turning them into a thriving nation. 

5. What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

In making the covenant, God is using the terms of his people in a way they will understand. Instead of using terms found in a parity covenant implying equals, the Lord calls all the shots as in a suzerain covenant. This is God establishing his authority and calling all the shots. God is using established ways of society to connect with the people in a way that they understand it’s very serious. He connects on their level. 

Throughout the book, God makes it very clear that “you should not make idols...” Even though the people have a choice, this is a black and white with no middle ground choice. They must either choose to walk in the covenant and honor God by following his commands, or they must walk away completely. But God will not share his power or throne with any idols. He is a sovereign God, the one true God, and his people must reflect this. 

6. What does this book show you about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Once again we see God’s plan for redemption within his covenant law. It is there primarily to draw his people to himself as he so desires. But in the same way, it is the Lord himself who is making a way, not by what the people do. He is pursuing them. He knows that blood must be spilled for atonement and these minimal sacrifices, although pleasing to God, will not suffice. But God has a bigger plan. 

Within his people, he has to show the need for redemption. He has to show them the cost of their sin and what is needed to atone. In this way, they’ll understand the cost of the ultimate sacrifice when he is sent. 

7. Personal Application

It was cool seeing Jo apply Deuteronomy to all spheres of society, especially when he talked about quantitive vs. qualitative. What does it actually look like when you disciple a nation? I’ve been learning more about myself through this. I feel like the Lord has built me more for relational discipleship than for straight evangelism. I love to build relationships with people and love them as Christ does. As Jo said, Jesus taught on evangelism, but most of his teaching was on the kingdom of God. Well just as God is in every sphere of society, so are we. It’s my heart to train and develop people (much like to Israelites needed) in bringing the Kingdom of God to every sphere of society within their own lives as well, not just as a nation. Deuteronomy speaks into this as well. It helps create a Bible, God-grounded perspective into our world and what we’re contributing to it.