“Unique Attractions ”

1. “Unique Attractions” Deuteronomy: Preparing to Enter the Promised Land

2. The Promised Land would be a land of . . . • Beauty • Bounty • Boundaries • Blessings

3. Deuteronomy 1-7 Part One

4. Introduction • The book of Deuteronomy consists of a number of speeches given by Moses to the Israelites in the plains of Moab, prior to entering the Promised Land. • The name of the book means a “Second Law-Giving” (from “Deutero” and “Nomos”).

5. Historical Context and Content • The Hebrew people are on the plains of Moab, and Moses is offering his farewell speech. • Deuteronomy is a book of transition,preparation, and exhortation.

6. Theme • The great theme of Deuteronomy is that God has saved and blessed his people. • They must always remember this, and love and obey him. • The greatest commandment comes from the Book of Deuteronomy (6:4-5; Matt. 22:37).

7. Outline: four discourses of Moses • 1:1—4:43 – Moses’ first discourse • 4:44—26:19 – Moses’ second address • 27:1—30:20 – Moses’ third discourse • 31:1—34:12 – Moses’ final words and death.

8. Critical Scholarship and Research • Some scholars say it is written much later than the time of Moses. • But, it claims most adamantly out of the five Pentateuch books to say that it is an authentic book of Moses (Deut. 1:1 and 31:9). • The NT pairs Moses and Deuteronomy (cf. Matt. 19:8; 1 Cor. 9:10; Heb. 10:28).

9. I. Moses’ First Speech (Deut. 1-4) • In the first 3 chapters, Moses provides a historical review for the children of Israel by recalling 7 events. • Moses speaks about their victories and failures. • Victories came from God. • Failures came from faithlessness.

10. Chapter 4 – Exhortation; from Recollection to Appeal • The chief concern here is idolatry. • An appeal is made by Moses based on the character of God. • God is a jealous God, a devouring fire (4:23). • But, God is merciful, faithful, and compassionate (4:31).

11. II. Moses’ Second Speech (Deut. 4:44—ch. 26). • By far the longest of the discourses. • “Deuteronomos”—2nd giving of the Law. • Moses reviews the past and gives an exhortation in chapters 4-11. • The Decalogue (Ten Commandments) is repeated in 5:6-22. • Exhortation to “hear” becomes significant.

12. Chapter 6: the “Shema” (6:4-9) • There are three exhortations given and the purpose of the Law. • The Hebrew word of “hear” is an imperative (2nd person masculine singular – “You”). • The Hebrew in verse 4 literally says “Hear Israel YHWH our God YHWH one.” = monotheism

13. The Admonitions of the Shema: • Total Dedication to God (6:5). • Communicate your Dedication and Faith to Family in a Natural, Spontaneous Way (vv. 6-9). • Be Careful not to Forget (6:10-12).

14. Deuteronomy 7-34 PART TWO

15. Land of Promise and Its Problems (ch. 7) • Don’t make covenants with Canaanites. Show no mercy to them (vv. 1-2). • Don’t marry them (v. 3). • God is using the Israelites as agents of His judgment against the evil Canaanites (see chapter 9). • God is judging the Canaanites for idolatry (7:10). • The Israelites must be holy—set apart to God (7:6).

16. Lessons from the Past (ch.8-11) • The tendency to forget is really prominent in chapter 8 (esp. vv. 11, 14, 19). • There is a constant interplay between remember and forget. • God is electing Israel because of Him not them (9:6). They had refused to bow to God and were “stiff-necked.”

17. Question: What Does the LORD Require? • Answer: He wants your heart!

18. What are the Motivations that lead to this Response (of Loving Obedience)? • Because of what God has done (Rom. 12:1) • Because of Who He is ( Deut. 6:4; 10:17). • The Perfection of His Will (Deut. 10:13) – for their own good. • Deut. 10:16 – Circumcise your hearts!

19. Chapter 11 • Moses retells the story of the Exodus particularly for those who did not personally experience it. • There would be blessings if the obeyed God’s will and curses if they disobeyed (vv. 26-28).

20. Chapters 12-26 • Moses is looking ahead – preparation for entry into the Promised Land. • There is long series of legal material. • Instruction seems to be more prospective (i.e., what to do) than retrospective (i.e., looking back at what they’ve done).

21. Instructions (chs. 13-16) • Don’t be enticed to go after other gods (13:1-18). • Don’t follow Canaanite customs for grieving (ch. 14), • Don’t partake of ceremonially unclean food (14:3-21). • Observe sacred days and feasts (chs. 15-16).

22. Cities of Refuge (ch. 19) • Establish Six Cities of Refuge (Ch. 19; cf. Num. 35). • These will serve as havens for those who cause death to someone without malicious intent. • There will be three Cities of Refuge on either side of the Jordan River divide.

23. Miscellaneous Laws (ch. 20-22) • Exemptions from war (ch. 20) • Laws on a variety of subjects (ch. 21). • Life in the Community and the importance of being a good neighbor (22:1-3).

24. a Hypothetical Case (Casuistic Law) (ch. 24) • Legislation on divorce • Shammai versus Hillel’s view • Jesus’ perspective on divorce (Matt. 19:3-12)

25. Chapter 26 • In your future, don’t forget the past. Make the story of your Israelite ancestors your own story (vv. 1-15). • Follow God! (v. 16)

26. III. Moses’ Third Address (Deut. 27-30) • Chapters 27-28 present blessings and curses related to their response to God. • Deuteronomic Theology is simple (cf. 30:15-20): • Obey Blessings • Disobey  Curses

27. Chapter 29 juxtaposes Prosperity or Punishment • Chapter 30 poses the choice of Life or Death

28. IV. Moses’ Final Words and Death (Deut. 31-34) • Appointment of Joshua (ch. 31) • Song of Moses (32:1-47) • Moses’ Death (32:48—34:12)

29. Theological Themes in Deuteronomy • The Faithfulness of God • The Covenant of God • The Love and Grace of God • The proper human response to Covenant, God’s love and grace