Message Notes

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY

1. Context

a) Time

The 40th year (Deuteronomy 1:3)

i) 11th month

ii) 1st day of the month

b) Location (Deuteronomy 1:1)

i) On this side of Jordan (wilderness) (Deuteronomy 1:1-2)

ii) In the plain opposite Suph,

iii) Between Paran, Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth and Dizahab

iv) 11 days’ journey from Horeb by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea

2. Content:

Moses’ word to the children of Israel

a) Oral (Deuteronomy 1:1)

b) Written (Deuteronomy 5:22)

3. Features to note: –

a) Historical

b) National

c) Theological

d) Ceremonial

e) Personal

f) Prophetic

4. Explanation of the Law

a) The Law had already been given to the first generation (Exodus 20)

b) It needs to be explained

i) To the next generation

ii) The previous generation had died in the wilderness

iii) It needs to be taught

iv) It needs to be made relevant

v) Its importance must be communicated

5. The Source of this Word

a) The LORD our God spoke to us (Deuteronomy 1:6)

b) God as the Giver of the Law

6. Recipients of the Divine Law

a) The children of Israel (Deuteronomy 1:3)

b) Descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Deuteronomy 1:8)

c) Heirs of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 1:8)