Book Introduction

The name Deuteronomy comes from the Septuagint mistranslation of “copy of the law” to “second law.”  The Hebrew name for this book is the first words of the book.  Which are, “These are the words…”  This seems more appropriate since they were the words of Moses explaining the law.  The book focuses on the law with the emphasis on the people and not the priests. 

The setting for the book is in the plains of Moab.  This was the central rift valley, east of the Jordan and North of the Arnon River.  It was all written in this one place over the course of about one month, beginning in January or February of 1405B.C.  The book doesn’t advance historically.  The book only covers about a month of time.  This is the 40th year in the desert.  Much of the book is Moses’ farewell speeches.

The book reveals a lot about the attributes of God.  It is quoted directly over 40 times in the New Testament and alluded to many more.