Deuteronomy Archives

Introduction and Recounting the Journey (Deuteronomy 1)

Many consider this to be the single most important book in the Old Testament. Why is that? We begin by considering ten reasons why this book is so important for Christians to study today. After establishing the context for Deuteronomy, we explore the first chapter, where Moses recounts the journey from Mt. Sinai to the time at Kadesh Barnea

Introduction and Recounting the Journey (Deuteronomy 1) View Lesson

Encounters with Five Nations (Deuteronomy 2-3)

The Israelites must pass through the lands of five other nations in succession on their way to Canaan. We find valuable lessons for us in each encounter. However, there are troubling passages to wrestle with as well. How could a good and loving God “harden” the spirit of Sihon, and then tell His people to

Encounters with Five Nations (Deuteronomy 2-3) View Lesson

Do Not Add or Subtract (Deuteronomy 4)

Moses tells God's people to neither add to nor subtract from God's commands. Nothing could be simpler, right? Actually, this was a problem for Israel and continues to be a problem for God's people today. Many Christians set aside (subtract) difficult or unpopular Biblical commands. However, other well-meaning Christians add requirements (extrabiblical rules) to what

Do Not Add or Subtract (Deuteronomy 4) View Lesson

The Ten Commandments - Part 1 of 2 (Deuteronomy 5:1-15)

Moses now recounts the story of the Lord initially giving the Ten Commandments. We consider the spiritual wreckage caused by the violation of the second commandment, not to make images of God. We also consider whether Christians should keep the Sabbath, or is there something else the Sabbath points to for those who follow Jesus? Teaching Notes Deuteronomy

The Ten Commandments - Part 1 of 2 (Deuteronomy 5:1-15) View Lesson

The Ten Commandments - Part 2 of 2 (Deuteronomy 5:16-22)

In this lesson we focus on some of the more difficult and counter-cultural commandments: honoring our parents, being truthful always (no false witness or deceit), and not lusting after our neighbor's spouse or possessions. In the Ten Commandments, we see that God has always been deeply concerned about sins of the heart. Teaching Notes Deuteronomy

The Ten Commandments - Part 2 of 2 (Deuteronomy 5:16-22) View Lesson

The Fear of God (Deuteronomy 5:23-33)

In Deuteronomy 5, the Lord descends on Mount Sinai, speaking to the people from the midst of fire, completely terrifying them. Was fear a good motivation for God to use? Did Jesus use the fear of God to motivate His followers? This lesson makes the case that the healthy fear of God has always been foundational

The Fear of God (Deuteronomy 5:23-33) View Lesson

The Greatest Commandment (Deuteronomy 6)

Here we are introduced to what Jesus would later call "the greatest commandment": to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. As we will see, it is a much higher calling than simply being religious and avoiding major sin! This text also provides key instruction on training our children, not putting God

The Greatest Commandment (Deuteronomy 6) View Lesson

Do Not Intermarry (Deuteronomy 7)

In this chapter, Moses warns God's people not to make covenants or intermarry with those who live in the land they are about to inherit. Here, we see a picture of what it means to be holy, set apart for God's special purposes, and the promised blessings to those who live holy lives. This lesson addresses Christians marrying

Do Not Intermarry (Deuteronomy 7) View Lesson

Not By Bread Alone (Deuteronomy 8)

In this chapter we are introduced to three timeless themes. First, God tests people with affliction to see what is in their hearts. He did it to Israel in the Wilderness; we should expect Him to test His people today. Second, the Lord reveals why He fed Israel with manna: that His people (then and

Not By Bread Alone (Deuteronomy 8) View Lesson