Deuteronomy

Unfinished business…left a thought unfinished duet...DO IT the other way.

Authorship

Moses is the presumed author

19th century critics had multiple arguments against this

None were compelling, no agreement likely other authorship suggested

His death narrative, obviously, was an addition after he died

Structure

Similar to early treaties (suzerain- vassal treaties…the sovereign/the subjected)

Preamble,historical prologue, general stipulations, specific stipulations, divine witness, blessings and curses

The One True God needed to call on any divine witness!

This structure argues for the early date (2000+ BC

Purpose

A second telling of the law

Focus is largely on interpersonal issues

Cycles of regular worship established

iIolatry forbidden

A renewal of the covenant with a new generation

The previous generation had died off

Sermonic in nature…delivered with an expectation of obedience

Common Themes

The land; take possession; having no fear of the forces they’d face;

Their inheritance; God’s oath; remember what God had done for them; obedience and fear of God; loving and holding fast to God

Highlights

A special people 7.6, 14.2, 26.18 also 1 Pe. 2.9; implies value, possession, acquisition

Their coming into possession of the land is God’s doing 9:4-5

Promise of another prophet; short-term, Joshua, long-term?

Commissioning of Joshua

Moses’ swan song