Deuteronomy

• DatesSpeeches about 1406 BC on the early date; some scholars date the book to the 7th century BC (debated)
• GenreLaw (the Pentateuch)
• AuthorshipAnonymous; traditionally Moses
• TimelineExodus & Sinai
• Key textsDeuteronomy 6; Deuteronomy 28; Deuteronomy 30; Deuteronomy 34
• Read the textDeuteronomy in the World English Bible
• Covered in classSession 2

What the sources say, and how sure we are

• The text says

  Deuteronomy presents itself as Moses’ words to Israel east of the Jordan, and says he wrote down this law. The account of his death in chapter 34 must have been added by someone else.Deut 1:1; Deut 31:9; Deut 31:24; Deut 34

• Outside evidence

  Deuteronomy’s structure of preamble, history, laws, blessings and curses resembles ancient treaties. Some scholars compare Hittite treaties of the second millennium BC, which would fit Moses’ time. Others compare Assyrian vassal treaties of the seventh century BC.

• Debated

  Many scholars connect the “book of the law” found in the temple under King Josiah in 621 BC with an early form of Deuteronomy, and date its writing to that period. Others hold that Moses is the author of the speeches and that the book was in existence much earlier.2 Kgs 22:8–13

• Christian conclusion

  Jesus answers Satan three times with Deuteronomy and names Deuteronomy 6:5 as the greatest commandment.Matt 4:1–11; Deut 6:5; Matt 22:37–38