Name - The title of this fifth book of Pentateuch, written by Moses, is from the Greek term which
signifies a second or repeated law. The book contains the final words of Moses, delivered most
probably during the last seven days of his life. This message of Moses was given to Israel in view
of the impending entrance to their covenanted possession, a possession for which the nation had
striven through forty years of wilderness wanderings. Although the Decalogue is repeated, and
other distinct phases of Mosaic legislation found in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers are
reasserted, these addresses of Moses consist of an application of the Law, with elucidations and
additional instructions.
Authorship - Although modern criticism maintains that Deuteronomy is of later origin than the
previous four books, the unity of the Pentateuch is generally admitted. The fact that Moses was
its author is distinctly declared (31:19), and the New Testament expressly states that it is the work
of Moses (Matt. 19:7,8; Mark 10:2-9; Acts 3:22; 7:37). The style is more emotional and
oratorical than the other four books, and its tone is more spiritual and ethical; but this does not
argue against Mosaic authorship. These facts are due to the circumstances, occasion, and
purpose of the utterances recorded. The account of the death of Moses, of course, was added by
another hand, but this does not discredit the Mosaic authorship of the balance of the
material.
Occasion and Purpose - The crisis facing Israel in the occupation of idolatrous and corrupted
Canaan was quite certainly the occasion of these addresses of Moses. Supreme emphasis upon
the inflexible and exacting nature of God's Law constituted the purpose. The key in the whole
series of instruction is found in chapters 28 to 30:9.
Outline - Moses' farewell message is usually divided on the basis of three addresses; but,
topically, seven divisions are better: I. Summary of Israel's History in the Wilderness (1:1-3:29)
II. A Restatement of the Law with Exhortations and Warnings (4:1-11:32) III. Sundry Laws and
Instructions with Warnings and Predictions (12:1-27:26) IV. Significant Prophecies
Summarizing the History of Israel to the Second Advent of Christ Embracing the Notable
Covenant (28:1-30:20) V. Farewell Counsels to Priests, Levites, and Joshua (31) VI. The Song
of Moses and the Pronouncements of Blessings on the Twelve Tribes (32-33) VII. Death of
Moses (34)
