QR code Bible Pathways

go to previous book

Deuteronomy study guide

go to next book

Preparation Participants should read the following portions prior to the study session.
Deuteronomy 1:1 - 1:9 Moses begins to review the history of Israel
Deuteronomy 4:41 - 4:49 Moses begins to review the laws
Deuteronomy 27: 1-13 Moses begins to speak of the future
Deuteronomy 34 The death and burial of Moses
Orientation Deuteronomy is book #5 of 39 in the Old Testament. It is considered a book of Law. For more information see the Bible Overview page.
Synopsis While some see the Old Testament laws as burdensome and restrictive, Deuteronomy teaches God's laws are for our own good, to keep us close to Him. The book consists of three 'sermons' by Moses. The first (1:1 - 4:43) is historical in which he reviews the history of God's dealings with Israel. The second (4:44 - 26:19) is legal in which he reviews the ten commandments, ceremonial laws, civil laws, and social laws. The third (27-34) is prophetic in which he tells Israel's future. The book ends with Moses' death at the age of 120.
Major Characters Moses, giving his farewell speeches after leading Israel for 40 years
Joshua, appointed by God to succeed Moses (1:38)
Major Events Cities of Refuge are set up (4:41)
Ten Commandments reviewed with great detail (5)
Emphasis on teaching the laws to your children, and devices for remembering the Ten Commandments are introduced (6:1-10)
Death and burial of Moses (34)
Activities 1. Outline the content of the book.
2. Review the map showing Israel's travels to this point.
3. Read the account of Jesus' temptation by Satan (Matthew 4 or Luke 4), and look up the quotations from Deuteronomy that Jesus makes.
Connections The New Testament contains more than 80 quotations from Deuteronomy. During His temptation (Matthew 4 and Luke 4), Jesus responded to Satan with four scriptures - three of them from Deuteronomy (8:3, 6:16, 6:13). When asked to name the most important commandment in the Law (see Mark 12:28), Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:5.

Revised Mar 1 2013


Home > Bible Pathways home page This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. click for license