Historical context of Deuteronomy

Who wrote Deuteronomy, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

Moses

Date written

c. 1406 BC

Original audience

The new generation entering the Promised Land.

Genre

Law / Sermon

Testament

Old Testament

Chapters

34

Background and setting

Delivered on the plains of Moab as Israel stood ready to cross the Jordan, it renews the Sinai covenant for a new generation.

Why it matters today

Understanding the world Deuteronomy was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of Deuteronomy or jump into chapter 1.