by J. Riddle (Cheshunt)
The Hebrew name for the fifth book of Moses is Haddebharim "The words," and the title is taken from the first verse of the book: "These be the words which Moses spake unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness." Our title, Deuteronomy, was first assigned to this book in the Septuagint Version, made towards the end of the third century B.C., in which the Old Testament Scriptures were translated from Hebrew into Greek. The name is taken from the Greek deuteros (second) and nomos (law). We must not think, however, that Deuteronomy is simply a repetition of previous instructions, with particular reference to the new generation of Israelites who had grown up in the wilderness. This is clear from 29.1, "These are the words of the covenant which the Lord commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb." As we shall see, the book of Deuteronomy sets out the terms and conditions on which Israel could enjoy their inheritance in Canaan.
In our introductory study, we must consider:
(1) The position of the book,
(2) The purpose of the book,
(3) The plan of the book.
There is a progressive spiritual order in the first five books of the Bible. In fact, it has been said that the Pentateuch can be regarded as the Bible in miniature. In Genesis, we have ruin through man’s sin; in Exodus, deliverance by "blood" and "power;" in Leviticus, communion on the basis of atonement; in Numbers, direction under the guidance of God; in Deuteronomy, destination provided by God. While each of these is a study in itself, the five books together comprise a beautiful picture of salvation.
There are other ways to look at these books. For example, in Genesis, the doctrine of election is clearly taught. The sovereign choice of God is seen throughout the book. In this connection, notice Paul’s observations in Rom.9.11 on God’s choice of Jacob as opposed to Esau. In Exodus, the elect people are redeemed from bondage in the same way that those who are "elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father" have been "redeemed … with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot," 1Pet.1.2, 18-19. In the book of Leviticus, the redeemed people are engaged in worship and priesthood in the same way that those "redeemed … with the precious blood of Christ" are "an holy priesthood" and a "royal priesthood," 1Pet.2.5, 9. In Numbers, the priestly are engaged in service, walk, and warfare in the wilderness in the same way that priestly people today are equally "strangers and pilgrims" who must "abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul," 1Pet.2.11. In Deuteronomy, the wilderness gives place to the land of inheritance and possession in the same way that whilst we are at present "partakers of Christ’s sufferings," we will be "glad also with exceeding joy" when His glory shall be revealed." Then, we will enjoy to the full our "inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away," 1Pet.5.13, 1.4. We shall see, of course that, strictly speaking, Canaan is not a picture of heaven, and that this only makes the lessons of Deuteronomy all the more relevant to ourselves. However, Deuteronomy is not only the last book of the five: it beautifully and properly completes the Pentateuch, both for Israel, and for us. This brings us to:
The grand purpose of Deuteronomy was to show God’s people the way to permanent enjoyment of the "good land," 1.25, 1.35, 3.25, 4.21-22, etc. The narrative of the book is punctuated with such expressions as "the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it," 15.4. "Inherit" and "possess," and their associates, are key words, and are found frequently. God wanted His people to enjoy their inheritance, but this demanded high standards, and failure to maintain them could only bring dispossession. This is spelt out with overwhelming clarity in ch.28. Note the consequences of obedience in v1-13, and of disobedience in v15-68. Possession and enjoyment of the land depended on obedience to the Word of God. Divine blessing is always dependent on obedience. This is why we are to be "obedient children," 1Pet.1.14. There is nothing mysterious about spiritual enjoyment and spiritual strength. The Lord Jesus taught this clearly: "Whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock," Matt.7.24.
While we must obviously recognise, as a matter of sound exegesis, that the book of Deuteronomy was written for Israel, we must also remember that "whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning." The "statutes and judgments" stress principles which are common to both Old and New Testaments, and we must make it our business to identify these lessons. Deuteronomy, with its 34 chapters, should not be a formidable proposition, but a powerful tool in Christian living. It can help us to possess and enjoy our spiritual inheritance now, for whilst we do have "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven," we also have a present inheritance in Christ. We have been "blessed … with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ," Eph.1.3. Those blessings are enumerated in the epistle. For example, "chosen … in Him;" "predestinated … unto the adoption of children;" "accepted in the Beloved;" "redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins," 1.4-7. Surely we want to possess and enjoy such a rich inheritance! Deuteronomy will help us here, for whilst Canaan cannot be a picture of our eternal inheritance in heaven, it is certainly a picture of our current inheritance in Christ. Our eternal security is never in question once we have received Christ as Lord and Saviour, but the enjoyment and possession of our blessings in Him can be speedily lost without submission and obedience to the will of God in our lives. This is the broad lesson of Deuteronomy for us. With this in mind, we should add that whilst, historically, Israel entered the wilderness before they entered the land, Christians know what it is to be in "the wilderness" (Numbers) and in "the land" (Deuteronomy) simultaneously!
It is worth pointing out that Israel, disobedient and stiff-necked, has never ceased to be God’s people, even when dispossessed of their inheritance in Canaan. The latter chapters of Deuteronomy will make this clear, and it is hardly necessary to add that both Old and New Testaments concur in this. See the powerful arguments of the apostle Paul in Rom.9-11.
The book of Deuteronomy can be divided into two main parts:
(A) The retrospective section, ch.1-11 and
(B) The prospective section, ch.12-34.
This section of Deuteronomy is historical in character, and does two things. In the first place, it states certain facts, ch.1-3, and the second place, it applies those facts, ch.4.11.
i) Ch.1-3 are ‘Bald’ history. They relate historical facts without comment. (Apart from 1.11, "the Lord God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as He hath promised you!"). Moses traces the journey from Horeb, via Kadesh-barnea, to the plains of Moab. This section emphasises the need to know the facts of the Bible. We must know what it actually says. The teaching of the Bible is rooted in fact. One of the most significant verses lies on the threshold of the section. "There are eleven days’ journey from Horeb, the way of mount Seir, unto Kadesh-barnea," 1.2. It is a very solemn warning of the consequences of disobedience and unbelief. Eleven days ultimately became thirty-eight years. See 2.14.
ii Ch.4-11 interpret the facts. They give us their significance. In these chapters Moses emphasises the lessons of their history. In ch.4-7, he reviews events at the beginning of the journey: in ch.8-10, he reviews events during the journey: in ch.11, he describes the land at the end of the journey. These chapters deal extensively with the qualities required in God’s people. Great emphasis is placed on the fact that Israel was to be utterly devoted to Him, with corresponding devotion and obedience to His Word. This is emphasised by the repeated expression, "The Lord thy God," which occurs on countless occasions in the book. Ch.11 concludes with these words: "Behold I have set before you this day a blessing and a curse: a blessing if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God … and a curse, if ye will not obey."
This section of the book gives us the final instructions of Moses to Israel, ch.12-30, and the final actions of Moses before his death, ch.31-34.
i) The final instructions of Moses, ch.12-30. The teaching of Moses commences with the words, "These are the statutes and judgments which ye shall observe to do in the land." Previous references to the "statutes and judgments" are general in nature, and emphasise how they were to be kept. A right attitude to divine authority must be established before attention can be given to details. Divine instructions would become a mere chore without obedience flowing out of devotion. See 6.5-6, reminding us of the words of the Lord Jesus, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments," Jn.14.15.
The "statutes and judgments," enumerated in ch.12-26, are most comprehensive, and embrace all aspects of national and individual life. They begin with particular emphasis on the "place which the Lord your God shall choose," 12.5, 11, 18, 21, 26. The subsequent instructions include the procedure to be followed in cases of reported idolatry, ch.13, dietary regulations, ch.14, cities of refuge, ch.19, and divorce, ch.24. These are just samples of the wide variety of subject-matter in these chapters! We can consider this to be the central section of Deuteronomy: it is rich in lessons for the believer. We learn that the Word of God touches every part of our lives.
Ch.27-28 extend ch.12-26 by enumerating the results and consequences of obedience and disobedience. The subsequent history of Israel has shewn the accuracy of these predictions. In ch.29-30, the whole body of teaching commencing with ch.4 is presented in the form of a covenant. The covenant enumerates the conditions in which Israel would possess Canaan, and has particular reference to the nation’s restoration from dispersion and captivity following repentance.
ii) The final actions of Moses before his death, ch.31-34. These chapters cover the charge of Moses to Joshua and the Levites, ch.31, the song of Moses describing the faithfulness of God and the unfaithfulness of Israel, ch.32, the blessing of Moses upon the tribes, ch.33, and the death of Moses on Mount Nebo, ch.34.
Sir Winston Churchill described Moses as ‘the greatest leader the world has ever seen,’ but the Bible says, "There arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face."
In our next paper, we will address the historical details given in Chapter 1.
—to be continued (D.V.)