Deuteronomy 4: Moses uses the history he gave in the first three chapters to explain to the next generation why they must follow the rules and regulations that God set forth in exodus and leviticus. Moses reminds them of what happens when you don’t follow these rules/regulations: the generation that left Egypt are all dead and even he will not enter the promised land. He reminds them that God is the only true God and he is the only true God in heaven and on earth.
9/4 Reading (Deuteronomy 1-3; Acts 22)
Deuteronomy 1-3: I decided to combine these three here since it is all the same narrative. Moses gives a synopsis of their 40 year journey in these three chapters. This is his first of three speeches in this book. Nice little summary here and it ends with Moses reminding everyone that he too will not be allowed to enter the promised land.
Introduction to Deuteronomy
Introduction to Deuteronomy: I’m always fascinated by the introduction section to each book. Even if I don’t have much to say about what I’ve read, I still find it very interesting. The NRSV study bible provides extensive detail about each book in the introduction. Discussion of authorship, date, and historical context always intrigue me. It makes me want to read more about each book in the Bible. Just to better understand all of this stuff is really interesting to me. For example, it’s really interesting that the structure and messages in Deuteronomy match other historical documents from other cultures, such as the Vassal Treaty of Esarhaddon (672 bce) (p. 248).