Lesson One

OVERVIEW

What Is Deuteronomy?

Bible teachers agree that it is important to do an overview of a book before studying it in detail. Because Deuteronomy is a long book, you might plan two weeks for the overview. This will give you plenty of time to absorb the "How to Use This Study" section on pages 7–10, the introduction on pages 13–17, and this first lesson. Many people find Deuteronomy intimidating at first glance, but it soon becomes manageable if taken gently at first. If you are studying with a group, see the "For the group" section on pages 25–27.

First impressions

If you have read the introduction on pages 13–17, you have some idea of what is in Deuteronomy. Still, there is no substitute for reading the book quickly yourself. If you spend ninety minutes doing this, you will have a much better sense of how particular passages fit into the whole work.

Use the chart on page 16 as a guide to the book's structure. The chart shows various ways of dividing Deuteronomy:

1. The far left column divides the book into the sections of a treaty to emphasize that this is the Sovereign Lord's covenant with Israel.

2. The center column shows where Moses begins and ends his three speeches. Notice that the first speech contains part of the basic requirements as well as the prologue.

3. The far right column suggests titles for each chapter of the book. Later in this study, you will make up your own titles.

For this overview, don't feel you must read every word of the book. In the upcoming questions, some important passages are suggested, but you need not limit yourself to these. The more effort you give to overview, the better prepared you will be for detailed study. Prayerfully consider the amount of the time you can devote to this.

The study guide allows space to answer questions, but if you want more room for further thoughts, optional questions, discussion notes, prayer requests, and plans for application, you can get a small notebook.

Most of the places named in Deuteronomy are on one of the maps on pages 17, 31, and 36.

1. Deuteronomy 1:1–3:29 is like the historical prologue in a treaty (see #1 on page 14); in it, Moses describes the Sovereign's unearned kindness toward His subjects.

a. Read at least 1:1,19-46; 2:14-15,24-25,31-37. Of what events does Moses remind Israel?

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b. What can we learn about the Lord from these events?

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2. In chapters 4–11, Moses states the basic things the Lord expects of Israel under the covenant.

a. Read two or three of these passages: 4:1-8,3235; 5:1-21; 6:4-9,20-25; 7:7-11; 9:4-6. What are some of the Lord's basic expectations? Notice the words that describe the covenant relationship between God and Israel (love, choose ...) and those that describe God's expectations (love, serve ...).

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b. What impressions of the Lord does this section give you?

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3. The basic requirements of 4:1–11:32 are elaborated into specific laws in 12:1–26:19. Read a few of the laws, such as 15:12-18; 16:9-12,1822; 19:15. (The chart on page 16, the subtitles in your Bible, and the optional lessons on pages 163–214 may help you find topics that interest you.)

a. What kinds of matters do the laws cover?

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b. What do you observe about God (His justice, priorities, values, and so on)?

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4. Chapters 27–34 include a ceremony for renewing the covenant with each generation, a final exhortation to obey, and some things that happened when Moses transferred leadership to Joshua.

Read at least 30:19-20; 31:24-32:7; 33:1-4. Notice on page 16 how these chapters fit into the treaty. What do you observe about God's character and the old covenant?

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5. From the introduction and your first reading, what would you say Deuteronomy is about? Summarize it in a sentence, or give the book your own title.

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6. a. In your first reading of Deuteronomy, did you find anything you would like to commit to memory or apply? If so, what one truth would you like to concentrate on this week?

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b. How can you apply this truth in your life? Try to think of at least one specific way.

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7. As you skimmed Deuteronomy, you may have come across statements you'd like clarified or questions you'd like answered as you go deeper into this study. While your thoughts are still fresh, jot down your questions here to serve as personal objectives for your investigation of this book.

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For the group

This "For the group" section and the ones in later lessons suggest ways of structuring your discussions. Feel free to select and adapt what suits your group.

Get acquainted. Because Deuteronomy is a long book, group members might appreciate two weeks to do the overview. If so, you can take a whole meeting to cover the following:

1. Ask the group to read "How to Use This Study" on pages 7–10 at home, but go over any important or difficult aspects as a group. Explain anything you think might be unfamiliar to the group. Let people...