Deuteronomy is the fifth and final book of the Torah, or ‘instruction’ in Hebrew. The Torah is attributed to Moses and makes up the first five books of the Bible. The book of Deuteronomy is the last sermon given by Moses before his death. The word ‘Deuteronomy’ comes from a Greek word that means ‘second law.’ Moses will reaffirm all the laws that God has already given, while there are a few additions that God gives to this new generation, hence ‘second law.’ Remember, the previous generation or ‘Exodus’ generation died in the wilderness over a 40-year wandering period as judgement for lack of faith. Now the next generation is being reminded of all God has said and done, and that is where we pick up in Deuteronomy. The big picture is that Israel is to represent God to the nations. God desires a world filled with worshippers who share in His perfect character. This week, pay attention to repeated phrases, especially repeated warnings and the encouragement to remember.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading - Week 17
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell us. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Deuteronomy, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Read Genesis 1:27-28. What was God’s purpose from the beginning of creation for man? Read Exodus 19:4-6. Read Exodus 34:10-16. How was the exodus generation of Israel a faithful or unfaithful representative of God to the nations? Read Deuteronomy 4:5-8. The new generation is continuing as God’s representatives to the nations, however, read Deuteronomy 7:4-5. What is the warning to the new generation?
Read Genesis 15:15,18-21. Read Exodus 3:16-17. Now read Deuteronomy 7:6-9. How was God faithful to what was promised despite Israel’s failures?
The new generation is repeatedly warned and reminded to obey the Lord and listen to Him. Read Deuteronomy 8:11,14, 17-20 and 9:5-6. What is God warning against? According to Deuteronomy 8:2-3, what did God do for the Israelites to combat pride and trusting in their own strength?
Read Deuteronomy 6:5. Read Leviticus 19:18. Read Matthew 22:34-40. What commandments are all the Law built upon?
Read Deuteronomy 12:4-5, 11, 14. Who gets to choose? What does this tell us about how we should approach or worship God?
Read Deuteronomy 13:5-11. How serious is God when His people are enticed away from Him? How is the jealousy of God a good thing, and different than jealousy in us? If God is the ultimate good (and perfect in love, wisdom, justice, grace, mercy), then how is God’s jealousy beneficial for us?
SHARE IT.
So far, we have read through the first 4 books of the Torah, and now starting the fifth book: Deuteronomy. What do you see as the big picture of the Bible so far? What does this matter for your life?
How have you been reminded of Jesus in the first reading of Deuteronomy this week? Has anything reminded you of a place Deuteronomy was quoted in the New Testament?
Read Deuteronomy 8:2. How has God been humbling you? What trial or test has been challenging? Read Deuteronomy 8:3. How are you living on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord? Read Hebrews 12:1-3. How are you looking to Jesus in your trial?
Read Exodus 12:25-26, Deuteronomy 4:9, Deuteronomy 6:7. How was God’s instructions and the deeper meaning of feasts and festivals to be passed on? How are you preparing today to share God’s truth to others?
How are you intentionally remembering today what God has done for you over the course of your life? How are you encouraging others to remember when they are forgetting God’s truths?
FINAL THOUGHT
Over and over again the Israelites are told to remember what God has done, and warned against worshipping something else. They are unable to withstand temptation, and are ultimately unclean. God graciously provided a sacrificial system for an unclean people to be in His presence. Generations later, one would come who would perfectly fulfill the law. Jesus is brought into the wild to be tempted for 40 days and nights without food. This is a direct parallel to Moses receiving the law in Deuteronomy 9:9 for 40 days and nights without food or water. There are other occasions where Moses prayed for the Israelites for 40 days and nights (Deuteronomy 10:10). Jesus quoted Deuteronomy (6:13, 6:16, 8:3) in response to being tempted in the wild. Jesus perfectly withstood temptation all the way to his death on a cross, showing His complete faithfulness to God. Jesus really is our perfect representative in the wild.