Comparison: The Book Of Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy is a book of clarification for the Israelites. Ever since the Exodus, the Israelites had repeatedly been disobedient to God. They constantly sought to do their own thing instead of obeying the Creator. Moses was well aware of their nature. In his final address to a fresh generation of Israelites, he wishes for them to avoid making the mistakes their fathers did. They needed to hear what the purpose of the Law was and see the folly of the generation that preceded them. Along the lines of clarification, Moses quickly shows his purpose for addressing them (Deut. 1:5). He wants to thoroughly explain to this new generation what they need to do to please God. Previously, the Torah focused upon ceremonial and civil laws. Deuteronomy

Conquering Canaan would require them to trust and rely upon God entirely. The Law would provide them the means of accomplishing that. They needed to know that God would be with them if they remained obedient. Essentially, Deuteronomy is the owner’s manual of the land. If they read and study it, they will be able to operate it properly. If they do not read and study it, they will be deported from the land they were given. Ultimately, Moses is trying to get them to see that it is the spirit of the law that matters, not the letter. They might obey all 613 laws of the Torah, but if they are not doing it with the proper heart, it will be unprofitable. For the generation entering the land, this is pertinent for them to comprehend. The weightier matters of the Law possess more value than the lesser (Matt. 23:23). Everything in the Torah and Deuteronomy especially focuses on loving God. If the Israelites could not get that right, they would certainly perish (Deut.

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles regularly quote it. This is because Deuteronomy is rife with transcendent principles that go beyond ceremonial or civil laws. In fact, Jesus exclusively uses passages from Deuteronomy in His temptation (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10). Paul frequently uses Deuteronomy in his letters to demonstrate eternal principles (1 Cor. 9:9; 1 Tim. 5:18). Overall, Deuteronomy serves a greater purpose than just a slot in the Torah. It is a book that reflects the nature of God and what is required to please