Deuteronomy
Open Your Bible
Deuteronomy 7:1-16, Hebrews 9:1-28, 2 Corinthians 1:20
BY She Reads Truth
This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
What Is Deuteronomy? The book of Deuteronomy, meaning “second law” or “repetition of the law,” contains commentary on the law given to Moses at Mount Sinai, which equipped the covenant community of Israel with instruction on how to live faithfully in their covenant with God. In Deuteronomy, Moses repeats the law to the new generation of Israelites preparing to enter into the promised land after forty years of wandering in the wilderness.
How Deuteronomy Fits Into the Story: Deuteronomy emphasizes the need for God’s law to be internalized into the hearts and minds of God’s people. After the books of Psalms and Isaiah, the New Testament alludes to Deuteronomy more than any other book in the Old Testament. Jesus and the apostles considered the book of Deuteronomy to be vital in their own teaching about God and His relationship with His chosen people and all of humanity. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He quoted Deuteronomy to rebuke Satan (Lk 4:1–13).
Reflection Questions:
1. How does your reading in Deuteronomy point to God’s faithfulness, holiness, and justice as motivation for obedience to the law?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
83 thoughts on "Deuteronomy"
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God’s holiness demands Israel’s (and our) exclusive allegiance to Him, and His justice demands that they (we) follow His law.
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I wonder what in my life are the spirits of the Hethites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebuaites? What have I allowed into my life that has turned me away from the One True God? That has been displeasing to Him? That causes me to stumble and look no different than the world rather than who He has called me to be and to be set apart.
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God Wants all of his children to obey him. He died on the cross for our sins. Using his own blood just to save us. How amazing is that.
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I also see it as Him protecting his people, the Israelites. He knew that they could be pulled into temptation and sin. He wanted to keep them safe and with Him.
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I am struck by the richness of God’s Word. God not only provides the law, but in His mercy, Deuteronomy explains His purpose. Rather than just commanding the Israelites not to intermarry, He explains that it would make them risk losing their faith.
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I struggle with reconciling the image of God in the OT with the one in the NT. Specifically when he orders his people to slaughter others. I have been challenged lately to see God as he is, not as he fits into my version of what I want him to be. Can anyone relate?
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Yes! I think everyone has that challenge. He is God, and when we try to understand Him with our human minds (and standards), we lose Him as God or realize He is God. It depends on how you turn. It is tough!
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I too struggle with this—but something that helps is to remember there is no justice without mercy and no mercy without justice. The two are hand in hand. And his commands are because these other people did not follow him, and would lead the Israelites astray. It also points to how much we need Jesus’ sacrificial love—without it we must continue to shed blood in sacrifice to keep the covenant law.
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Really well said!
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Yes I thought the same when reading this but I also remember that reading both testaments shows the growth of God (saying that in the most respectful way) and his multiple facets. I think it helped me to just accept all parts of him rather than pick it apart because he accepts us as our whole selves.
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Temptation..
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I was surprised when I read that Deutermony was quoted and referred to the most if all the old testament books by Jesus and the apostles. I probable knew that but it never sunk in until now. I have tried to read the Bible through in a year and always get bogged down and stop reading when I get to Deuteronomy.
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