The Value of Deuteronomy
1. Deuteronomy is vital to understanding the other books in the TaNaKh. This book sets the agenda
and criteria for the books that follow in the TaNaKh. It became a spiritual rallying point that reaffirmed the fundamental principles which Moshe had long ago insisted on – loyalty to YHVH and the rejection of false gods. It was an endeavor to realize in practice the ideals of the prophets, particularly Hosea and Isaiah, to transform the Judah demoralized by Manasseh into the holy nation pictured in Isaiah’s vision and to awaken in it that devotion to ADONAI and love for the people which Hosea had declared to be the first of human duties.
2. Deuteronomy should bring spiritual renewal. Deuteronomy can be the catalyst for spiritual growth and renewal of our lives today. It happened in King Josiah’s day (see the commentary on Jeremiah, to see link click Ai – Josiah Ruled For 31 Years from 640 to 609 BC). In the king’s eighteenth year, while the Temple was being repaired, the scroll of Deuteronomy was found by Hilkiah, the high priest, beneath an accumulation of rubbish. He handed it to Shaphan the scribe, who in turn read it to the king. Immediately, Josiah realized that curses were inevitable if the people disobeyed God’s Word. This in itself was a significant insight. Because the Torah had been lost and forgotten, the people thought YHVH’s covenant was only gracious and they were in no way affected by their response to it. Josiah’s reaction to Deuteronomy was emphatic: Go, inquire of ADONAI for me, for the people and for all Judah, about the words of this scroll that was found. For great is the wrath of ADONAI that is kindled against us, since our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do everything written here that concerns us (Second Kings 22:13). The result was that ADONAI gave peace to Judah, and Josiah restored true worship in the Land.
It is my prayer that the study of Deuteronomy will bring spiritual renewal within your life. Deuteronomy is a call for all of us to:
a. Review the past dealings of God in our lives. The word remember is used continually by Moshe, especially in reference to the deliverance from Egypt. The phrase: Hear, O Isra’el heard four times in Deuteronomy (5:1 6:4, 9:1 and 20:3), and each time these words called the people to consider something very serious, something that would challenge the very survival of their nation. Personal revival can also happen in our lives if we heed Moses’ call to look, listen and obey.
b. Ratify our loyalty to ADONAI. The theme of Deuteronomy could be, “Don’t forget God.” A society that tends to go chasing after false gods needs Deuteronomy’s emphasis on worship of the LORD and Him alone (see Bl – Have No Other Gods).
c. Rethink the consequences of the bad choices we have made. In fact, these consequences are personal as well as collective. Blessings follow obedience; but curses follow disobedience. Renewal comes into our lives when we feel and express repentance. This only happens when we understand and accept our responsibility: If we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His Word is not in us (First John 1:8-10).
d. Realize the potential of our lives as believers in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Before us lies a land flowing with milk and honey (6:3). ADONAI desires for us to possess the Land. His faithfulness makes it a possibility; our obedience can make it a reality.6
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