Our exploration of the Pentateuch (the first five books of bible) concludes with the book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy takes place just where Numbers ended, on the eastern banks of the Jordan river, with Israel preparing to enter the promised land. However, its style differs from the previous four books. Deuteronomy does not contain storytelling narrative or the promulgation of religious regulation. Rather, it contains an extended sermon, the final words of Moses to the Israelites given just before he dies.

In this manner, Deuteronomy is in many ways, the last will and testament of Moses. It is the final words of wisdom from a father to his children. In it, Moses reminds his children of the saving works of God. He also reminds them of the nature of ancient covenants and implores them to remain faithful. There are two major themes which recur throughout the speech. These themes include: 1) the contrast between the blessing of faithful adherence to the covenant and the curses associated with infidelity and 2) love as the source of covenant faithfulness.  

Blessings and Curses

Ancient covenants were always sealed with a series of blessings and curses. Moses makes clear that Israel has entered the privileged status of a covenant relationship with God. This covenant, like any other, comes with responsibilities that are reinforced with blessings and curses. Over and over again, Moses reminds Israel of the great choice which exists before them, presenting the blessings of faithfulness and curses of infidelity in colorful detail. It all culminates in a final impassioned plea of a father to his son, 

“I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the LORD, your God, obeying his voice, and holding fast to him. For that will mean life for you, a long life for you to live on the land which the LORD swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give to them.” (Deuteronomy 30: 19-20)

Throughout the text, you can tangibly feel the concern of Moses for the people. There is almost a subtle sadness, for while Moses hopes against hope that Israel will remain faithful, he has lived through the grumblings in the desert, the infidelity of the golden calf, and the rebellions of the people already.

Love: A New Motive for Fidelity

Deuteronomy is also unique in its motive. The first four books of the Pentateuch rarely speak of motive in regard to faithfulness. Fidelity is largely presented as a matter of justice or duty. Deuteronomy presents a new motive. Over and over, Moses points to God’s love for the people and implores them to respond in kind. 

In this way, Deuteronomy powerfully shapes the New Testament as well. In fact, the New Testament books quote Deuteronomy almost 100 times. It is clear that Jesus Himself was deeply formed by the Deuteronomy. All three of his responses to the devil during his 40 days in the desert were direct quotes from Deuteronomy. 

Perhaps even more strikingly, it is Deuteronomy and not Exodus or the Ten Commandments which Jesus cites when asked,

“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”

He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment.”

(Matthew 22: 36-38)

This is a direct quote from Deuteronomy chapter six verse five. Jesus also cites it as the key to eternal life. 

“There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?”

He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” 

(Luke 10: 25-28)

In these lines, one can see how Deuteronomy enlightens the Gospel. Deuteronomy lays the foundation for the way of love. It places love at the center and makes way for the shocking truth to which we refer when we call God “Father”. We encourage you read Deuteronomy anew. Placing love at the center and to let it shape you too.