Deuteronomy Matters

You might not know this, but that last book of the Pentateuch, you know the one with a really long name that might be hard for some to spell, sets the tone for the rest of the Old Testament. I’m speaking of the Book of Deuteronomy, or the “Gospel According to Moses,” as some have so named it. In a nutshell, Deuteronomy is the Cliff Notes version of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers.  However, just because it is a summary-like book of what was already revealed in Exodus through Numbers does not mean it is somehow less significant. In fact, I would argue quite the opposite. Here are ten of the (my) best reasons why Deuteronomy needs to be elevated in the eyes of many Christians.

1. After the Psalms, it is the second-most-quoted OT book by Jesus.
With over 300 quotations and allusions to the Old Testament by Jesus, we would expect Psalms, well-loved by all, to be at the top of the list, but few would expect Deuteronomy to be the second. Many would have gotten this question wrong at a Bible trivia game.  Every Bible book is important (see 2 Tim. 3:16), but for some reason, Jesus elevated Deuteronomy to second place on the list of His most-quoted OT books. Next time you read the book, keep this in mind and read it through a Jesus lens.

2. Christ used Deuteronomy quotations exclusively when tempted by Satan.
Deuteronomy does not seem like a go-to book for responses to temptation, but Jesus has fixed that misconception. All three of Jesus’ rebuttals to Satan’s temptations come from Deuteronomy. Jesus quoted from this book during a momentous event in His life in the Gospels; maybe we should pay more attention to the book as well.  
Matt 4:4; Luke 4:4 = Deut.8:3
Matt 4:7; Luke 4:12 = Deut 6:16
Matt 4:10; Luke 4:8 = Deut. 6:13

3. A second rendition of the Ten Commandments is found in Deuteronomy.
At the foot of Mount Sinai, in the pages of the Book of Exodus, is not the only place we find the Ten Commandments; they are also found in Deuteronomy 5. In addition, did you know that the section following the Ten Commandments (Deut. 6-26) is actually an exposition of the Ten Commandments? They are clarified and explained in more detail so that God’s children would know how to obey them.  

4. Deuteronomy is actually a 3-part sermon series by Moses.
As the old generation of Israel has passed off the scene during the wilderness wanderings, a new generation, unfamiliar with God’s requirements are about to enter the Promised Land. Moses needs to explain God’s requirements to the new generation, so what might the sermon series title be? “Second Chances,” “On the East Side of the Jordan,” or maybe, “Wilderness Wanderings 102?” Perhaps, crafting a sermon series title for Deuteronomy, the next time you read it, might be a fun exercise for a small group.

5. Deuteronomy provides guidance for kings (i.e. leaders).
Long before the people of Israel ever elected a king, Moses provided guidance and instruction for those future kings (leaders) in Deuteronomy 17:14-20.  While some of the guidelines are out of date, like don’t acquire too many horses (unless you own a ranch), the principles behind them are significant for leaders of all generations, Jewish or Gentile.
 
6. The time frame for the events of the book takes only one month.
In only one month, Moses conveyed all of Deuteronomy to a new generation. How hard this must have been to concisely summarize all of what God had revealed in Exodus through Numbers (not forgetting Genesis either), trying to capture the spirit of the law, and not every word – like Jesus would later teach in Matthew 5-7 (also Paul in 2 Cor.3:6). Do you see it? Maybe Jesus quoted Deuteronomy so often because it summarized the spirit of the law rather than its letter.

7. The keyword of the book is “remember.”
As the new generation was about to embark on the next part of Israel’s journey into nationhood (i.e. possession of a land), Moses wanted to ensure they did not forget who they were and Who they served. He wanted to remind them of four lessons: God’s faithfulness, holiness, blessings, and cursings. In a very similar way, every pastor is also called to be a “reminder” of God’s Word to his congregation, like Moses was to the nation of Israel.

8. The Shema is in the book of Deuteronomy.
What is the Shema? Shema, in Hebrew, means “hear,” and it begins the most important prayer in Jewish life (Deut. 6:4-9). You might recognize the first few verses of the prayer: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” (Deut. 6:4-5). The Shema was significant enough for Jesus to use it as an answer to the “greatest commandment” question in Mark 12:28-30.

9. A famous Messianic promise is found in Deuteronomy 18:15-19.
When Moses died, God promised He would provide a replacement, like Moses, whom God would raise up from among His people. The institution of the prophetic office officially began with Moses, and more prophets would follow, but Moses seems to hint at a future Prophet of Messianic rank. In the NT book of Acts, there are two very clear references: Peter in Acts 3:22-23 and Stephen in Acts 7:37, both applying this Deuteronomy passages to Jesus

10. Deuteronomy might be the inspiration Christ used for the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7).
Not every scholar agrees on this last reason, so it is a bit of a teaser that needs some more research. To me, however, the plausibility of this connection is significant enough to include it as a point. Maybe there are a few students of God’s Word who could make this their next Bible study?