Deuteronomy means 2nd Law. One of our group told us that this book was written down 200 years after the Hebrews had moved into Canaan. As it opens Moses is telling his people goodbye. It is rather appropriate that he not go into Canaan with them as his job is done(he is also very old and near death.) He appoints Joshua to lead them
Nearing the land of Canaan they had fought many battles. Moses allays their fears and manages to rally them, in this case, against the Amorites. The people sat murmuring in their tents afraid to battle the Amorites and ignoring God's plan for them to continue their journey and to inhabit the promised land. Deuteronomy is second law because it is a recapitulation of the 10 Commandments in the light of love. Laws were made for man to know God. But man does not obey law for any truer purpose than to love God. Obeying Law in and of itself only is mere pride.
Read Deut 6 4-9 "Hear O Israel.."
Also read 30: 11-14
Deuteronomy was popular as the Psalms in Jesus day. These were the last words of Moses to his people. Again he prefigures Christ here. He exorts his people to trust in God and live by his commandments that they may dwell in peace in a place God prepares for them. Trust is not in human endeavors but in God's love and covenance with man.
One of our members points out that this book was one of 8000 versions written during the Hebrews early days in the land of Canaan. So, at this point I am beginning to not worry so much about 'context' and just enjoy more the unfolding of the revelations to be found. Will be interesting to hear what our biblical scholar says about the last book of our Bible - Revelations - is like. I will read it before I begin the class - only 15 pages and does not matter about order of reading.
Nearing the land of Canaan they had fought many battles. Moses allays their fears and manages to rally them, in this case, against the Amorites. The people sat murmuring in their tents afraid to battle the Amorites and ignoring God's plan for them to continue their journey and to inhabit the promised land. Deuteronomy is second law because it is a recapitulation of the 10 Commandments in the light of love. Laws were made for man to know God. But man does not obey law for any truer purpose than to love God. Obeying Law in and of itself only is mere pride.
Read Deut 6 4-9 "Hear O Israel.."
Also read 30: 11-14
Deuteronomy was popular as the Psalms in Jesus day. These were the last words of Moses to his people. Again he prefigures Christ here. He exorts his people to trust in God and live by his commandments that they may dwell in peace in a place God prepares for them. Trust is not in human endeavors but in God's love and covenance with man.
One of our members points out that this book was one of 8000 versions written during the Hebrews early days in the land of Canaan. So, at this point I am beginning to not worry so much about 'context' and just enjoy more the unfolding of the revelations to be found. Will be interesting to hear what our biblical scholar says about the last book of our Bible - Revelations - is like. I will read it before I begin the class - only 15 pages and does not matter about order of reading.
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