He then proceeded to re-tell God’s laws that will preserve their unique culture and national identity as God’s treasured possession. The Jews became guardians of God’s laws and eventually became known as the “people of the book.” Perhaps it can be said that the Jews’ devotion to the scriptures saved them from being wiped out completely from the face of the earth.
In Israel’s history, the reading and teaching of the book of Deuteronomy brought mighty revivals resulting to great blessings of salvation, favor and success. Examples were in the days of Ezra/Nehemiah (Nehemiah 8-9), King Josiah (2 Kings 22:23/2 Chronicles 34), King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:9-10) and King Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:6, 2 Chronicles 29-31 especially 2 Chronicles 31:3-4).
Deuteronomy comes from two Greek words ‘deutero’ meaning ‘second’ and ‘nomos’ meaning ‘law.’ It literally means ‘second law.’ It’s not another law but a reiteration of the law.
Its importance stemmed from Moses’ address to the second-generation Israelites since Egypt times. Everyone in the previous generation died in the unforgiving desert except for the faithful and believing Joshua and Caleb. These second-generation Israelites were either too young or still unborn when the exodus took place. Moses had a real feeling for them and taught them God’s laws "again" in order to ensure their success in the promised land.
In the Hebrew bible, the book of Deuteronomy is called D’varim. It means ‘words.’ This name was taken from the second Hebrew word out of the first line of the book. Why is this? The Jews usually titled the Old Testament books according to the first essential word in the book. For example, Genesis is “B’resheet” in the Hebrew Bible. This book starts with “in the beginning,” which when translated is the single first word “B’resheet.” The book of Deuteronomy launches with “These are the words.” (source: http://www.gci.org/bible/torah/deut)
Moses at this time was already 120 years old and nearing his death. He wanted the children of Israel to consider the lessons of history and keep God’s words in their hearts. Moses emphasized to them that their success and their very lives depended on this book.
Deuteronomy 32:45-47
When he had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them, “Take to heart all the words of my testimony against you today, so that you can use them in charging your children to be careful to obey all the words of this Torah (book of the law). For this is not a trivial matter for you; on the contrary, it is your life! Through it, you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess. (CJB)
In the same way, I believe we will do well to heed the words of this book by diligently obeying them according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Although this book was written for the Israelites, we can also apply its precepts in our lives. Through faith in Christ, the blessings spelled out in this book are also available to us. (Galatians chapter 3 especially verses 8, 9, 14 and 29)
What God does to Israel, He will do the same to those who obey His laws whether an individual or a nation.
Personally, I look forward to experiencing revival and fresh reverence for God’s words as I re-write this book. “For this is not a trivial matter for [us]; on the contrary, it is [our] life!”
May God Almighty bless His handiwork and glorify His holy name in our lives, in Jesus’ mighty Name, amen:)
(re-writing Deuteronomy 002)
(re-writing Deuteronomy 002)
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