Book of Deuteronomy Summary: Meaning and Key Lessons

Verses to read

• “You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.”

  Deuteronomy 6:5

• “Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid, nor be scared of them; for Yahweh your God is he who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”

  Deuteronomy 31:6

Moses Remembers the Past

In the beginning of the book, Moses looks back at the last forty years. He reminds the people how God rescued them from being slaves in Egypt. He talks about how they traveled through the hot, dry desert.

Moses also mentions the times the people disobeyed God. He tells these stories so the new generation will not make the same mistakes. He wants them to see that God is always faithful, even when people are not.

The Greatest Commandment

Moses gives the people many rules about how to live and worship. One part is very famous. It is called the Shema. It tells the people that there is only one true God.

He says the most important rule is to love God with everything you have. Moses tells parents to teach this to their children every day. They should talk about God’s love at home and while they walk along the road.

Blessings and Curses

Moses explains that the people have a big choice to make. If they listen to God and follow His ways, they will be blessed. This means they will have plenty of food, peace, and safety in their new land.

However, if they turn away and worship fake gods, they will face hard times. Moses warns them that disobedience leads to sadness. He begs them to choose life by choosing to follow God.

The Death of Moses

At the end of the book, Moses finishes his work. He picks a new leader named Joshua to take his place. Moses climbs a high mountain to look at the beautiful land God promised to give the people.

Moses dies on that mountain at the age of 120. The Bible says he was a great prophet who knew God face to face. The book ends with the people ready to cross the river and start their new life.

Common questions

Who wrote the Book of Deuteronomy?

Most of the book was written by Moses. The very end, which describes Moses’ death, was likely finished by Joshua or another leader.

What does the word Deuteronomy mean?

It comes from Greek words that mean 'second law.' It refers to the repeating of the law for the people before they entered the Promised Land.

Why is this book important for Christians?

Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy more than almost any other book. It teaches us that God wants our hearts, not just our outward obedience.

What is the Promised Land?

The Promised Land is the country of Canaan. God promised to give this land to Abraham and his children many years before.