Author: Moses
Date: 1405 b.c.
The title of the book of Deuteronomy came from the Greek Septuagint, which referred to it as the “Second Law.” In reality, the book of Deuteronomy is not a second law, but a retelling of God’s Law. The Hebrew title for the book comes from the first words of Deuteronomy 1:1, and literally means “The Words.”
The book of Deuteronomy consists of a series of sermons that Moses preached to the Israelites shortly before they entered the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership. As such, the book might aptly be called “The Preaching Of Moses.”
Purpose: The purpose of Deuteronomy is three-fold: (1) to remind the Israelites of God’s dealings with them (and their failures) in the past, (2) to teach the Israelites how to live, and (3) to prepare them to enter the Promised Land. The book contains repeated warnings against idolatry and wickedness. Moses often challenged the Israelites to choose to live right and receive God’s blessings.
Historical Setting: All of the messages recorded in the book of Deuteronomy were preached to the Israelites as they camped on the plains of Moab, very shortly before Moses’ death.
God led the Israelites out of Egypt, gave them His Law, and led them to Kadesh Barnea. Israel rebelled against God, and He made them remain in the wilderness forty years. The book of Deuteronomy begins on the first day of the eleventh month of the fortieth year (Deut. 1:3). Israel crossed the Jordan River 70 days later – on the tenth day of the first month (Josh. 4:19).