Deuteronomy
Moses' final sermons — remember, obey, and choose life
Overview
Deuteronomy records Moses' farewell addresses to the second generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they cross into Canaan. It is essentially a renewal of the Sinai covenant, with Moses reminding the people of everything God has done and commanding them to remain faithful.
The heart of Deuteronomy is the Shema: 'Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength' (6:4-5). Jesus quoted this as the greatest commandment. The book constantly calls Israel to remember God's past faithfulness and to teach their children.
Moses concludes by delivering a prophetic song, pronouncing blessings and warnings (chapters 27-30), and appointing Joshua as his successor. He climbs Mount Nebo for a final view of the Promised Land and dies there. The book ends with the poignant tribute: 'No prophet has risen in Israel like Moses.'
Key Themes
- Remember and TeachIsrael must actively remember God's acts and pass that knowledge to the next generation.
- Love and LoyaltyObedience flows from love, not fear — God desires Israel's wholehearted devotion.
- Blessings and WarningsObedience brings blessing; disobedience brings curse — the choice belongs to Israel.
- Choose LifeThe great call of Deuteronomy: 'I have set before you life and death... choose life' (30:19).
Famous Verses
- Deuteronomy 6:4-5“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.”
- Deuteronomy 8:3“Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
- Deuteronomy 29:29“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever.”
- Deuteronomy 30:19“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
Sunday School Discussion Questions
- Why does Moses keep repeating 'remember' throughout Deuteronomy? How do we actively cultivate memory of God's faithfulness?
- How can families today implement Deuteronomy 6:6-9 — teaching God's commands at home, in the car, and at bedtime?
- What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength? What does that look like practically?
- Moses warns Israel repeatedly about the dangers of prosperity — forgetting God when life is comfortable. How does that warning apply today?
- Deuteronomy ends with Moses dying before entering the Promised Land. What does his life teach us about faithfulness even when we don't see the full reward?
Study Notes
Deuteronomy is the most-quoted book in the New Testament after Psalms and Isaiah. Jesus quotes it three times when resisting Satan's temptations in the wilderness. The book's covenant structure follows ancient Near Eastern vassal treaties, confirming its historical authenticity. Deuteronomy contains the clearest OT description of a coming Prophet like Moses (18:15), fulfilled by Jesus.