Scripture Readings - Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy

The basic theme of Deuteronomy, which means “Second Law,” is the renewal of the Covenant.

At the end of the book of Numbers, Israel is encamped on the Plains of Moab, preparing to enter Canaan from the east. Deuteronomy is essentially Moses’ farewell address to the people. In it, he recalls the mighty acts of the Lord, solemnly warns Israel about the temptations and pagan practices they will encounter in Canaan, and calls the people to remain faithful to and love God as the condition for life and blessing in the Promised Land.

A distinctive teaching of Deuteronomy is that the worship of the Lord is to be centralized in one place, thereby eliminating the pagan practices associated with local shrines and preserving the purity of Israel’s worship.

The book can be divided into four main sections:

1. God’s Care for Israel from Sinai to Moab (Ch. 1–4)
2. The Covenant: Proof of God’s Love (Ch. 5–11)
3. Moses’ Explanation of the Law (Ch. 12–26)
4. Moses’ Last Words and Death (Ch. 27–34)