Bible Book of Deuteronomy | Renewal of the Covenant
Hear Moses' final sermons to Israel, recapping God's law and preparing a new generation for the Promised Land. Deuteronomy chapters with summary and commentary.
Genre: Pentateuch. Theme: Renewal of the Covenant
- Author: Moses
- Date: 1406 BC
- Read Time: 165 mins
- Purpose: A series of sermons by Moses to prepare the new generation for the Promised Land.
- Key Verse: Deut 6:4 - Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.
- Christ: The Prophet like Moses (18:15).
- Audience: The conquest generation standing at the edge of the Promised Land
- Structure: A Suzerain-Vassal Treaty format.
- Significance: Most quoted book by Jesus during His temptation.
- Treaty Format: The book follows the exact structure of a 2nd-millennium BC Suzerain-Vassal treaty.
- Sermon Cycle: Three farewell addresses given by Moses over 30 days.
Deuteronomy is a series of farewell sermons where Moses re-applies the Law to a new generation about to enter a settled, agricultural life.
Structurally, it legally binds the nation of Israel to the Kingship of Yahweh through a formal covenant renewal.
Highlights Jesus as the 'Prophet like Moses' (18:15) and the true fulfillment of the Law's requirements.
Deuteronomy 1 - The Command to Leave Horeb
The words of Moses: We journeyed from Horeb. You would not go up to take the land, so the LORD said, "This generation will not see it."
Deuteronomy 2 - The Wilderness Years
We went into the wilderness. Thirty-eight years passed, then the LORD told us to cross by Moab. He delivered Sihon the Amorite to us.
Deuteronomy 3 - King Og of Bashan
The LORD delivered Og of Bashan to us. I gave Gilead to Reuben, Gad and Manasseh. The LORD said that I would not cross into the land.
Deuteronomy 4 - Moses Commands Obedience
Now, Israel, hear the commandments and obey them. You heard the LORD speak from the fire. Take care not to make idols. The LORD is God.
Deuteronomy 5 - The Ten Commandments
The LORD made his covenant with us: Have no other gods; Keep the Sabbath; Honour your parents. You shall do all that he has commanded.
Deuteronomy 6 - The Greatest Commandment
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one. Love the LORD with all your heart, soul and strength. Teach your children these commandments.
Deuteronomy 7 - A Chosen People
Make no treaty with the nations of the land. You are a holy people, the LORD has chosen you. He will drive out the nations before you.
Deuteronomy 8 - Remember what God has done
The LORD led you in the wilderness and tested you. He is bringing you into a good land. Do not forget the LORD or you shall perish.
Deuteronomy 9 - Not Because of Righteousness
It is not for your righteousness that you will occupy the land. You rebelled and made the calf so I broke the tablets of the covenant.
Deuteronomy 10 - New Tablets of Stone
The LORD wrote on new tablets. What does the LORD ask? That you fear him, walk in his ways, love him, serve him and keep his commands.
Deuteronomy 11 - Love and Serve the Lord
You have seen all that the LORD has done. Keep these commands so that you may live long in the land. There is a blessing and a curse.
Deuteronomy 12 - The Lord's Chosen Place of Worship
Destroy the high places where the nations worship their gods. You shall bring your offerings at the place that the LORD will choose.
Deuteronomy 13 - Prophet Dreamer of dreams
If a prophet or anyone else entices you away from the LORD they must be put to death. If a town has turned away it must be destroyed.
Deuteronomy 14 - Clean and Unclean Food
You may eat animals with cloven hooves that chew the cud. Bring a tithe from your fields to eat before the LORD and for the Levites.
Deuteronomy 15 - The Sabbatical Year
Every seven years you shall cancel debts. Hebrew slaves shall go free in the seventh year. Set apart every firstborn male animal.
Deuteronomy 16 - Passover
Celebrate the Passover in the month of Abib. Celebrate the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Booths. Appoint judges in all your towns.
Deuteronomy 17 - Legal Decisions by Priests and Judges
Anyone who breaks the covenant shall be put to death. Go to the priests with hard decisions. Appoint the king that the LORD chooses.
Deuteronomy 18 - Provision for Priests and Levites
The priests shall eat the offerings made by fire. You shall not practise divination. The LORD will raise up a prophet from among you.
Deuteronomy 19 - Laws Concerning Cities of Refuge
Set aside three cities so that anyone who kills accidently may flee there. A matter must be established by two or three witnesses.
Deuteronomy 20 - Laws Concerning Warfare
When you go to war, do not be afraid; the LORD is with you. As you go to attack a city, offer terms, except to the cities of the land.
Deuteronomy 21 - Atonement for Unsolved Murders
If a dead body is found, the city elders must cleanse the guilt. Give your eldest son his portion. A rebellious son shall be stoned.
Deuteronomy 22 - Various Laws
If you find your neighbour's ox you shall return it. If a man falsely claims that his new wife was not a virgin he shall be punished.
Deuteronomy 23 - Those Excluded from the Assembly
No Ammonite shall enter the assembly of the LORD. When you go out to war the camp must be holy. Be careful to do what you have vowed.
Deuteronomy 24 - Law of divorce by Moses
If a man divorces his wife he must not remarry her. Do not withhold wages. Leave the gleanings of your harvest for widows and orphans.
Deuteronomy 25 - Laws Concerning Levirate Marriage
A judge may give up to forty lashes. If a man dies and has no son, his brother shall marry his widow. You shall have honest weights.
Deuteronomy 26 - Offerings of Firstfruits and Tithes
Bring the firstfruits of the land to the LORD. Bring a tithe in the third year and say to the LORD, "Look down and bless your people."
Deuteronomy 27 - The Altar on Mount Ebal
Write the law on large stones. The Levites will say, "Cursed is anyone who does not keep the law," and the people will reply, "Amen."
Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience
If you obey the LORD he will bless you above all nations; if not, you will be cursed and the LORD will send a nation to destroy you.
Deuteronomy 29 - The Covenant of God with Israel
You have seen all that the LORD has done so keep this covenant. If you break it the land will be cursed and the LORD will uproot you.
Deuteronomy 30 - Repentance and Forgiveness
When you return to the LORD he will have compassion; he will circumcise your heart. I have set before you life and death. Choose life.
Deuteronomy 31 - Joshua to Succeed Moses
Joshua will cross ahead of you. Read the law every seven years. The LORD said, "The people will turn away. Write a song as a witness."
Deuteronomy 32 - Song of Moses
Ascribe greatness to our God! The LORD's portion is his people; They turned away so he spurned them; But he will provide atonement.
Deuteronomy 33 - Moses' Final Blessing on Israel
Moses blessed Israel before his death: Let Reuben live; bless Levi's work; Joseph's land is blessed. The eternal God is your refuge.
Deuteronomy 34 - Moses Dies on Mount Nebo
Moses climbed Mount Nebo. There the LORD showed him the promised land. Then Moses died. No prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses.