Deuteronomy
The Second Law: 5 Messages to Remind God's People to Remain Faithful
Old Testament · Pentateuch
Summary
Israel is at the Jordan, in Moab, ready to enter Canaan. Moses' forty years of leadership are drawing to a close. Moses, knowing he is about to die, delivers a final message of warning to God's people. He uses the experiences of the previous generation to teach the younger generation the dangers of unbelief and rebellion. He demonstrates the importance of maintaining a proper relationship with God who has chosen them in love as His own people, and of obeying His commands. If they obey Him, He will bless them. If they rebel, He will judge them. He is concerned that the covenant people remain faithful to God so as not to surrender to the contaminating influence of the Canaanites.
Outline
Historical Prologue
Chapters 1:1-5First Message: Historical review of God's dealings with Israel
Chapters 1:6-4:43| From Horeb to the rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea | 1:6-46 |
| Forty year wilderness wandering | 2:1-16 |
| Victorious approach to the land | 2:17-3:29 |
| Consequent warnings to Israel | 4:1-40 |
| Appointment of cities of refuge | 4:41-43 |
Second Message: Reconfirmation of Mosaic covenant
Chapters 4:44-26:19| A review of the commandments God has given to His people | 4:44-49 | |
| Exhortations to obedience | 5-11 | |
| Review of the covenant | 5-6 | |
| Command to destroy heathen influence | 7 | |
| Command based on God's grace | 8-11 | |
| Summary of statutes and ordinances | 12-26 | Commandments emphasizing religious significance - 12-18 Commandments emphasizing civil significance - 19-26:15 Commandment requiring general obedience - 26:16-19 |