Deuteronomy Overview and Outline

AUTHOR: Moses

DATE: 1410 B.C.

The Hebrew title of this book is taken from the opening phrase Eleh ha-devarim, “These are the words…” The English title “Deuteronomy” comes from the Greek deuteronomion meaning “second law,”  or “a copy of this law” in Deuteronomy 17:18. 

Deuteronomy elaborates on Israel’s responsibilities as God’s covenant people. Many of the laws of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers are repeated in Deuteronomy.

The book records Moses’s words during the final months of his life in the plains of Moab before the nation’s entrance into the Promised Land. Joshua would soon lead the people into a land in which they would face war, temptations, and a new way of life. These people had not personally experienced God’s deliverance at the Red Sea or the giving of the law at Sinai, so Moses reminded them of God’s power and His laws.

It’s understood that Moses could not have written the account of his death in chapter 34. But that does not deny Moses’ authorship for the rest of the book because it was customary to add an obituary to the final work of a great man. Therefore, it is presumed that someone (perhaps Joshua) would have added the obituary to Moses’ last writings.

The book may be considered a constitution for the nation of Israel in the land. It begins with a preamble (1:1-5) and a historical prologue (1:6-4:49). It then offers provisions (5:1-26:19), consequences for disobedience, and blessings for faithful obedience (27:1-30:20). Finally, it closes with arrangements for the continuation of the covenant (31:1-33:29).

Important Passages

Deuteronomy 5:6-21 (the Ten Commandments); 6:4-9 (the Shema, “Hear, O Israel”); 13:1-5 (on false prophets); 18:9-15 (on false diviners); 29:1-30:20 (the Palestinian covenant).

Jesus quoted from this book to refute the devil (Matt. 4:1-11) and to summarize the law (Matt. 22:37). Of the 27 books of the New Testament, 17 books contain quotes from Deuteronomy.

G. Commands Concerning Leaders, 16:18-18:22

1. Judges, Deut 16:18-17:13
2. Kings, Deut 17:14-20
3. Levites, Deut 18:1-8
4. False Diviners, 18:9-14
5. Messiah, 18:15-19
6. Prophets, 18:20-22

H. Commands Concerning Human Relationships, 19:1-26:19

1. The cities of refuge, 19:1-13
2. The boundary mark, Deut 19:14
3. Witnesses, 19:15-21
4. Warfare, 20:1-20
5. Manslaughter, 21:1-9
6. Marriage and family life, 21:10-22:30
7. The assembly, 23:1-18
8. Protection for the weak, 23:19-25:19
9. First Fruits, 26:1-19

IV. Ratification of Israel’s Covenant, 27:1-30:20

A. Prerequisite Ceremonies, 27:1-26
B. Promise of Blessings, 28:1-14
C. Promise of Curses, 28:15-68
D. Provisions of the Palestinian Covenant, 29:1-30:20

V. Conclusion, 31:1-34:12

A. Charges Related to Moses, 31:1-29
B. Song of Moses, Deut 31:30-32:47
C. Testament of Moses, 32:48-33:29
D. Death of Moses, 34:1-12

Videos and Charts Used By Permission of the Bible Project