Deuteronomy

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the original reader?

We see that they are preparing for their final trek and are in need of some reminders of where they've come from, all that they've walked through and what the Lord has asked of them. The book is full of Moses regurgitating all of the laws and commands and reminding them of how Holy the Lord is and of how set apart they are called to be.

1. What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

As I read through Deuteronomy I began to see Moses as a parent. He's releasing them onto greater things, like a parent can't go to college with their child he can not go with them, but he's hoping and praying that they will cling to all that he's taught them and reminded them of. He's raised, disciplined, loved and watched these people over the last 40 years, he's their spiritual father. He constantly reminded them to obey God, to remember who they were and the promises that the Lord had for them- not to lose faith! We see this in Deuteronomy and again in 8:11-18. It's almost as if he's saying, “You're going out into the big, real world where people are mean, it's tough, life isn't always easy and I'm not going to be there for lead/teach you anymore. But you've got the one who protects, guides and loves you so much more than me- DON'T FORGET HIM, PLEASE!”

As before we see him as an intercessor, yes, but like a parent doing his best, but always going to the Lord on behalf of his children.. crying out for their lives, for wisdom on how to lead them in his own human weakness. How wise!

3. What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the “main idea?”

I think the main theme of this book is summarized in chapter 7 verses 7-8. “The Lord did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors. That is why the Lord rescued you with such a strong hand from your slavery and from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.”

It was simply that He loved them and did all these things for them.

Read Chapter 4:32-38. WHOA!

Another big theme in this book is it all comes down to a choice (11:26). He's given them the commands- they bring life, He's reminded them of His promises, He's shown himself faithful and He's warned them of what happens if they don't obey-death. Now it's up to them to choose to walk according to His will. We see that obedience comes from a love of who He is. Will they choose to revere Him and love Him?

He continually asks them to destroy the idols and all those who do not do the things He has require. He says He is the only God and they should not allow anything unclean to influence them. (7:2,16,25 13:1-5, 9-15). He is the only one worthy of praise! (10:21).

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength (6:4,11:13,22).

If you love him, you'll obey Him. “22 “Be careful to obey all these commands I am giving you. Show love to the Lord your God by walking in his ways and holding tightly to him.” (11:22) And then He'll provide everything for you. (6:5, 7:9, 10:12, 11:13-15, 14:18)

Deuteronomy in one sentence- “Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.” -Micah 6:8

4. What is the primary reason this book was written?
   I believe the primary reason this book was written was to re-establish the covenant God made with the Israelites, for them to accept it as their own, vow to live by it and be prepared to go into the Promised Land with a strengthened and refreshed mindset.
   
   
   
   
5. What does this book show about the character and nature of God?
   So much!
   He is concerned about all the peoples of the earth (4:19), He is a devouring fire and a jealous God (4:24, 5:15), He is easily accessible (4:29b), He is merciful and faithful (4:31), He is moved by obedience (5:29), He guides (5:33), He lavishes love (7:9)! He is a teacher and discipliner (8:3b), He provides power and strength to overcome (7:21, 8:8b). He never sways or changes His mind (10:17), He provides for basic needs (15:4), He appoints leaders (18:15-20).

He loved them and did all these things for them. Yes, He got angry, yes he was frustrated, yes he wanted to kill them at times, but He chose them, He loved them and He had made a promise. He doesn't break promises. (7:7-8, 9:22-29)

6. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

In 9:4-6 we see an illustration of His grace. It is not because we are good that He chose to give us freedom, we are far from it! The Israelites deserved death, and some of them got that, but He continued to cling to His promise because He loves.

When reading back in Leviticus I had a revelation of how beautiful His laws are, and it again hit me while reading Deuteronomy. This was all part of His redemptive plan. To place laws and commands to set us apart, to make us holy and righteous. We see that it's impossible to please God; we're human, we make mistakes (as evidenced by the Israelites), but His grace continued to abound though there were consequences along the way. The Israelites needed a high priest to intercede for them, something needed to be killed in order to make them clean, they could not access God on their own, but how beautiful to lean on Him! And then He give us Jesus! Wow! He knows we can't live up to all of the holiness, it's impossible. So, in His love and mercy He gives us the means by which to approach Him.