About Deuteronomy
Purpose
Moses' final speeches to Israel, reviewing the Law and preparing them for life in the Promised Land.
Author
Moses, at age 120, giving his final speeches to Israel before his death. These are his last words to the people he had led for 40 years, filled with wisdom and passion for God.
Historical Context
Written: 1440-1400 BC. Moses' farewell addresses before his death and Israel's entry into the Promised Land.
Significance
Emphasizes loving obedience to God and serves as a covenant renewal before entering the land.
Key Themes
Covenant Renewal, Obedience, Love for God, Blessing and Curse, Leadership
Interesting Facts
- Jesus quoted Deuteronomy more than any other Old Testament book
- Contains the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) - Judaism's most important prayer for 3,400 years
- Moses was 120 years old but his 'eye was undimmed and his vigor unabated' when he died
Prophecies
- A prophet like Moses would arise (Deuteronomy 18:15) Fulfilled: Jesus Christ, whom Peter identified as this prophet in Acts 3:22 (1400 years later)
- Israel would be scattered among the nations but later regathered (Deuteronomy 28-30) Fulfilled: The Jewish diaspora and the return to Israel in 1948 (2500 years later)


