Deuteronomy 1-17
NAME: The Hebrew title for the book, which literally means “these are the words” or “words,” was taken from the opening line of 1:1. Later, the translators of the Greek Septuagint descriptively entitled the book “second law,” from 17:18, which says, “copy these laws.” It was then rendered in the Latin Vulgate as Deuteronomium and in the English versions as Deuteronomy. The English title, which comes from the Latin title meaning, “second law,” reflects an incorrect understanding of the words in 17:18. They are best translated “copy of the law,” rather than “second law,” which suggests that the book of Deuteronomy contains something new and distinct from the Mosaic covenant given at Sinai. (Tyndale Bible Dictionary)
Purpose. Moses was preaching the Law to Israel to impress God’s Word on their hearts. His goal was to get the people to renew the covenant made at Sinai, that is, to make a fresh commitment to the Lord. Only by unreservedly committing themselves to the Lord could the people hope to enter the Promised Land, conquer its inhabitants, and then live in prosperity and peace. (Bible Knowledge Commentary)
Themes:
Ø The main focus in Deuteronomy is the heart relationship between God and his people, just as between shepherd and sheep, father and son. . . As the great Shepherd of the sheep, the Lord leads, protects, and provides for his people. As a Father, he cares for his children and instructs them in the way in which they should walk. In all these relationships, he not only corrects and disciplines his wayward people, but also heals and restores the contrite in heart.
Ø “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts” (6:4–6).
Ø “And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commandments and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?” (10:12–13).
Ø The people of Israel are especially chosen by God to be his people, yet not because of any greatness in themselves, but only because of the love of God. Deuteronomy reveals that left to themselves, the people of God will tend toward rebellion and apostasy.
************************************************
Chapt. 1 -- Review
Ø Why did God test Israel in the wilderness? Application for us?
Ø Why did Moses appoint leaders from each tribe?
Ø Why did the people rebel against the Lord?
Ø Why was Moses not allowed into the Promised Land?
Chapt. 2:1-3:29 – Traveling from Kadesh to the Plains of Moab
Ø Did the Hebrews ever lack anything during the 40 years of wandering? Application?
Ø What had to happen before the Israelites could cross over the Jordan to begin the conquest of the Promised Land?
Ø Why was it necessary for the complete destruction of men, women, and children? Application?
Ø Why did some of the Israelites desire to stay on the trans-Jordan? Was this in God’s plan?
(over)
Chapt. 4:1-5:33 – Remember the Commands
Ø Why did Moses have to reiterate the laws and commands that were given earlier? Application?
Ø Why was there such an emphasis on false idols?
Ø Is it important for us today to review and learn from biblical history and teach it to our children? Why or why not?
Chapt. 6:1-8:20 – Obedience
Ø Why is it imperative on the Israelites to hear and obey? Application?
Ø What was the first and foremost command given to the Israelites? Has anything changed for us?
Ø Do we, as the Israelites did, have a responsibility to teach our children about the Lord?
Ø Why was Israel given the Land? Application?
Chapt. 9:1-10:22 – Self-Centeredness
Ø Is the “me” generation that permeates our society anything new?
Ø Why was Moses so careful to recount the Golden Calf sin?
Ø What did the Lord require of the Israelites? Application?
Chapt. 11 – Love and Obey
Ø Why did Moses stress the need for obedience at this point in time?
Ø Is the recounting of history important to successive generations? Why or why not?
Ø Notice the conditional statement in verses 22-25. Is there any application for us in this passage?
Chapt. 12:1-17:20 – Requirements
Ø In a covenant relationship God requires certain things. Why was the place and method of worship so important? Application for us?
Ø Why is God a jealous God? Application for us?
Ø Why were the “clean and unclean” food laws given? Were these laws ever rescinded? If so, where?
Ø What is the significance of Jubilee and the freeing of servants? How does Jesus’ death on the cross relate to these commands?
Ø What did the Passover celebrate? How does that apply to us?
Ø What is the danger of choosing a king like the other nations have? Application for us?
No comments:
Post a Comment