Deuteronomy

Of the books of the Pentateuch, the book of Deuteronomy is the fifth and last in chronological order, after Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and the book of Numbers. In this Old Testament book, the biblical characters Moses, Joshua and Caleb, lead the people as they prepare to enter Canaan. Read on to learn Moses’s last words to the people and 7 key Bible passages from Deuteronomy!

What is the Story of Deuteronomy?

What does Deuteronomy mean?

Deuteronomy is a Greek word meaning “second law.” The first words of the book are: “These are the words Moses spoke to all Israel in the wilderness east of the Jordan—that is, in the Arabah—opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth and Dizahab.” (Deuteronomy 1:1). In this 34-chapter book, we find the last speech Moses gave before his death and before the people entered Canaan, led by Joshua.

Don't forget:

In this book, Moses reminds the people of everything their ancestors went though when they were in the desert due to their disobedience. He asked those who listened to never turn away from God, but to apply all the laws that the Lord gave them in order to be blessed and to live happily in the country of Canaan, where they were about to enter.

7 Bible Passages from the Book of Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy 4

“For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.” (Deuteronomy 4:31)

Deuteronomy 6

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

Deuteronomy 8

“You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18)

Deuteronomy 18

“The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the Lord your God has not permitted you to do so. The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.” (Deuteronomy 8:14-15)

Deuteronomy 28

“The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.” (Deuteronomy 28:13)

Deuteronomy 30

“See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.” (Deuteronomy 30:15-16)

Deuteronomy 34

“Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.” (Deuteronomy 34:7)