READ IT! - Introduction to Deuteronomy 1-3

Introduction to Deuteronomy

The name Deuteronomy comes from a Greek mistranslation of the Hebrew name of the book. The Hebrew name means “A copy of this law.” The Greek “Deuteronomy” means “Second Law.”

In the New Testament, Jesus quotes Deuteronomy more than any other Old Testament book.

The Suzerain-Vassal Treaty

The structure of Deuteronomy as a whole is laid out in the way ancient peoples documented their legal agreements between one party and another. Deuteronomy fits neatly into the structure of what is known as a “Suzerain-Vassal Treaty.” In the Ancient Near East, the Suzerain was the greater ruling party and the vassal/vassals were the lesser party/parties who were subject to the Suzerain. Agreements between the two parties followed specific procedures.

Elements of a Vassal Treaty

1. Preamble: Identifies the parties of the treaty (Deut. 1:1)

2. Historical Prologue: Describes past relationship between the parties (Deut. 1:2-11:32)

3. Stipulations/Obligations: Assumed by both parties (Deut. 12:1-26:15)

4. Deposit and periodic Reading: (Deut. 10:1-5; 31:9-13, 24-26)

5. Witnesses: Usually gods, but heaven and earth here (Deut. 4:26; 30:19; 31:28), and oaths sworn before them (Deut. 26: 16-19; 29:10-29)

6. List of Blessings/Curses: For obedience or disobedience to stipulations (Deut. 27:1-28:68)

Chapter 1

The first major portion of Deuteronomy is made up of Moses retelling the history of Israel after they left Egypt. 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."

Chapter 2

The words of Moses: 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.

Chapter 3

The words of Moses: 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.