Deuteronomy

Law · Old Testament · Traditionally Moses, with modern scholars identifying later Deuteronomistic writers · Late 7th century BCE (with traditional dating in the 15th or 13th century BCE)

Deuteronomy is structured as a series of farewell speeches delivered by Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab before they enter the Promised Land. It recounts Israel's history, restates the covenant law for a new generation, and outlines the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience. The book ends with the transfer of leadership to Joshua and the death of Moses.

34 chapters

• 1Deuteronomy 1Moses begins his address by recounting Israel's journey from Horeb, their rebellion at Kadesh Barnea, and their subsequent defeat.
• 2Deuteronomy 2Moses recounts Israel's wilderness wanderings, their peaceful passage by kindred nations, and their decisive victory over King Sihon of Heshbon.
• 3Deuteronomy 3Moses recalls defeating King Og, dividing the Transjordan lands, and God denying his request to cross the Jordan River.
• 4Deuteronomy 4Moses exhorts Israel to obey God's law, warns against idolatry, recalls the Sinai revelation, and establishes three cities of refuge.
• 5Deuteronomy 5Moses restates the Ten Commandments, reminds Israel of their covenant at Horeb, and recalls his appointment as their mediator.
• 6Deuteronomy 6Moses commands Israel to love God single-mindedly, teach His commandments to their children, and remember their redemption from Egypt.
• 7Deuteronomy 7Moses commands Israel to completely destroy the Canaanite nations, avoid intermarriage, and rely on God's faithful covenant and power.
• 8Deuteronomy 8Moses exhorts Israel to remember God's wilderness provision and warns them against pride and forgetting Him in their future prosperity.
• 9Deuteronomy 9Moses reminds Israel that they possess the land because of Canaanite wickedness, not their own righteousness, recalling their past rebellions.
• 10Deuteronomy 10Moses describes the rewriting of the stone tablets and commands Israel to fear God, love foreigners, and circumcise their hearts.
• 11Deuteronomy 11Moses exhorts Israel to obey God’s commandments to secure blessings in the Promised Land and avoid the curses of disobedience.
• 12Deuteronomy 12Israel is commanded to destroy pagan high places and worship God exclusively at a single chosen sanctuary, following specific dietary laws.
• 13Deuteronomy 13Moses commands Israel to execute anyone, including family members or entire cities, who entices the community to worship foreign gods.
• 14Deuteronomy 14God forbids pagan mourning customs, defines clean and unclean animals, and mandates tithes for the Levites, orphans, and widows.
• 15Deuteronomy 15Moses details laws for the seven-year release of debts, the freeing of Hebrew slaves, and the consecration of firstborn animals.
• 16Deuteronomy 16Israel is commanded to observe three annual pilgrimage feasts, establish righteous judges, and avoid pagan worship practices.
• 17Deuteronomy 17Laws address unblemished sacrifices, judicial procedures for idolatry, a supreme tribunal, and restrictions and duties for Israel's future kings.
• 18Deuteronomy 18Regulations cover priestly provisions, prohibitions against pagan divination, and the promise of a future prophet whose words must be tested.
• 19Deuteronomy 19Moses outlines the establishment of cities of refuge, land boundaries, requirements for multiple witnesses, and punishment for false testimony.
• 20Deuteronomy 20Rules for warfare detail military exemptions, procedures for besieging foreign cities, and instructions to preserve fruitful trees during conflict.
• 21Deuteronomy 21Laws are given concerning unsolved murders, captive wives, inheritance rights of firstborn sons, rebellious children, and the burial of executed criminals.
• 22Deuteronomy 22This chapter details regulations for lost property, agricultural and clothing mixtures, safety measures, and various laws addressing sexual conduct and marriage.
• 23Deuteronomy 23Rules govern exclusion from the assembly, military camp cleanliness, runaway slaves, interest on loans, keeping vows, and eating from neighbors' crops.
• 24Deuteronomy 24Laws address divorce, newlyweds, security pledges, kidnapping, leprosy, fair wages, individual accountability for sin, and leaving harvest gleanings for the poor.
• 25Deuteronomy 25Laws govern limits on physical punishment, levirate marriage, honest weights and measures, and the command to destroy the memory of Amalek.
• 26Deuteronomy 26Israel is commanded to offer firstfruits, declare God's deliverance from Egypt, and commit to keeping His holy covenant.
• 27Deuteronomy 27Moses commands Israel to write the law on stone monuments at Mount Ebal and recites curses for specific covenant violations.
• 28Deuteronomy 28Moses details the extensive blessings for obeying God's commandments and the severe curses, plagues, and exile resulting from disobedience.
• 29Deuteronomy 29Moses renews God's covenant with Israel in Moab, recalling past wonders and warning of complete destruction if they turn to idolatry.
• 30Deuteronomy 30God promises restoration for repentant exiles, declaring His commandment accessible, and urges Israel to choose life by obeying Him.
• 31Deuteronomy 31Moses commissions Joshua as his successor, delivers the written law to the priests, and prepares Israel for his imminent death.
• 32Deuteronomy 32Moses recites a song detailing Israel's unfaithfulness and God's justice, then receives final instructions to ascend Mount Nebo.
• 33Deuteronomy 33Before his death, Moses pronounces prophetic blessings upon each of the tribes of Israel, praising God's protection.
• 34Deuteronomy 34Moses views the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, dies, and is mourned, leaving Joshua to lead Israel.