FREE ESSAY ON BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY

BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY

The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible, or the last book of the
Pentateuch. Deuteronomy literally means Second Law. This title conveys its nature and
purpose. In other words, this book is a repetition of the law that was given to Moses and
his people on Mount Sinai. It is also a completion and explanation of that law. Besides
that, this book also continues on from previous events that happened in the first four
books of the Bible. It helps to bring to focus and interpret the messages that are in the
first four books. 
In Greek, Deuteronomy means a copy of this law in a book. In Hebrew, its name comes from
the phrase, these are the words.
The Book of Deuteronomy was written centuries after the Israelites had lived on the Land
of Promise. Moses is believed to be the author. If he is the author, it was written
around thirteenth century B.C. Joshua was most likely (although it is not certain) the
author who concluded the book with the event of Moses's death. Moses relates all events
that happen in this book with a spiritual lesson. He takes the laws that the Lord gave
His people nearly forty years before the time that the writings of this book took place
and adapts it to the people and events of that time.
A main characteristic that sets the book of Deuteronomy apart from the other books of the
Bible is its vigorous oratorical style. (The Holy Bible 147) In other words, it is a
style which involves much thought coming from the author. 
The events in this book took place within no more than forty days. The events occurred
mainly in only three places. They were in the plains of Moab, between the end of the
wandering of the desert (which lasted forty years), and the crossing of the Jordan River.
(Deuteronomy)
The purpose of the book of Deuteronomy is to show the change in leadership from Moses to
Joshua. It was also written to be a witness of God's relationship with the people of
Israel.
Deuteronomy begins towards the end of Israel's time of wandering through the desert.
Moses gives them instructions concerning many different aspects of the life in the land
they are about to enter.
The first four chapters recall the time when the people came out of Egypt and died in the
wilderness because of their numerous sins. It then shows how God faithfully brought the
next generation to the border of Canaan, which was the promised land.
The next twenty-four chapters recall the Law of God. In it, Moses repeats the Ten
Commandments that had been given to him by God at Mount Sinai. Moses emphasized that God
chose the people of Israel to be His people because he loved them, and they in return
should love God with all of their heart and soul. Moses also shows the importance of
worshiping God. From this section is where the name of Deuteronomy originated.
The last six chapters prepare the people for the entry into Canaan. Joshua becomes the
new leader of the people of Israel because it was near Moses's time of death. Moses
teaches the Israelites a song to remind them of God's faithfulness in the people and how
they should never be unfaithful to God. Moses then looks into the promised land from
Mount Nebo, since he was never able to enter because of his unfaithfulness to God when he
tapped the rock twice. He then dies.
Today, the book of Deuteronomy carries many different meanings to Christianity. It shows
us the differences between ourselves and God, laws and rules, and how Moses is a 'type'
of Christ. (Deuteronomy)
Deuteronomy conveys to us the nature of ourselves and God through quite a few different
ways. One is by the sinful nature of man, which is quite apparent throughout the book.
The book also shows the character of God, and how He was always very faithful to His
people. Another thing that it shows us is the possibility of restoration through God's
grace.
The book also contains the laws, which are the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments are
in effect today for all Christians. They are a guide for Christians and the way they
should live their lives, and they help to guide all people to live better and more
faithful lives.
Moses is somewhat a type of Christ by some of the actions that he performed. He talked to
God face to face which not many people did. Also, he performed miracles, which are
impossible for most people. He also was able to deliver people out of slavery. They are
just a few examples of the many actions that Moses took in his lifetime.
Throughout the book of Deuteronomy, the main emphasis is on faith and obedience. This is
apparent through the repeating of the Ten Commandments, and the faith of the people and
God towards his people. This book has a major religious influence when compared to most
other books of the Old Testament. Deuteronomy is a book of the Bible that should be read
with much thought, because it conveys many different meanings that can be used today, and
that were apparent during the time it was written.