Part One: Moses first Sermon What has God Done for Israel (1:1 4:43) I. The Preamble of the Covenant.. 1:1-5

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1 Lesson 1 The book of Deuteronomy is the last book of the Pentateuch. The title itself means the second law. J, Vernon McGee claims the theme of this book is Love and Obey. This book repeats much of the history and of the laws contained in the three foregoing books: Moses delivered it to Israel a little before his death, both by word of mouth, that it might affect, and by writing, that it might abide. The men of that generation to which the law was first given were all dead, and a new generation had sprung up, to whom God would have it repeated by Moses himself, now that they were going to possess the land of Canaan. The wonderful love of God to his church is set forth in this book; how he ever preserved his church for his own mercies sake, and would still have his name called upon among them. Such are the general outlines of this book, the whole of which shows Moses' love for Israel, and marks him an eminent type of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew Henry Concise Part One: Moses first Sermon What has God Done for Israel (1:1 4:43) I. The Preamble of the Covenant.. 1:1-5 (1)How was the promised land described by Moses? II.The review of God s Acts for Israel 1:6 4:43 From Mount Sinai to Kadesh.. 1: How were the judges to be selected? Page 1 of 3

2 2. What instructions were given to the Judges? Lesson 1 At Kadesh..1: What happened at Kadesh Barnea? 4. What was the reaction of the people? 5. What was the penalty for their reaction? 6. Who would get to go to the promised land? From Kadesh to Moab. 2: To whom did God give the land of Mount Seir? 8. To whom did God give the land of Moab? The land of the people of Ammon? Conquest of East Jordan... 2:24-3:22 9. Who was Sihon? 10. Who was Og? Page 2 of 3

3 Transition of Leadership.. 3: Why was Moses not allowed to enter the promised land? Lesson Who was to take the place of Moses? Summary of the covenant...4: What warning was given in Deut. 4:1-4? 14. What warning was given in Deut. 4:15-24? 15. What will happen if these warnings are not heeded (4:26-31)? 16. What cities east of the Jordan were set aside for a special purpose? What was the purpose? Page 3 of 3

4 Lesson 2 Part Two: Moses Second Sermon: "What God Expects of Israel" (4:44-26:19) I. The Introduction to the Law of God... 4:44-49 A. Where was Moses when he gave his second speech? II. The Exposition of the Decalogue...5:1-11:32 A. The Covenant of the Great King.. 5: In verse 5:1, what were four things Moses told Israel to do? 2. What was the reaction of Israel when hearing the voice of God? 3. What was the message of Moses in verses 5:32-33? B. The Command to Teach the Law.....6: What was the "greatest" commandment? (V 6:5) Compare this and Leviticus 19:18 with Mark 12: The verses 6:4-9 were interpreted in a physical way. What is a a. Mezuzah? b. Phylactery? 6. What is the warning in verses 6:10-19? Page 1 of 5

5 Lesson 2 7. What question are they prepared for? (vv 6:20-25) What are the 4 parts of the answer? C. The Command to Conquer Canaan....7: What were the seven nations to be cast out of the promised land? 9. How was Israel to treat these people and their influence? 10. God promises them victory but is it a swift victory (7:21-22)? 11. Is God being unfair to the other nations such the Amorites (see 430 years earlier in Gen15:16)? D. The Command to Remember the Lord...8: In verse 8:3 we are told that man does not live by bread alone but..? 13. What is the miracle described in 8:4? 14. God promises to bless them if they are obedient, but what will happen if they are not obedient? E. The Commands About Self-Righteousness 9:1-10: Why does Moses revisit all of the times Israel rebelled against the lord? F. The Commands Regarding Blessings and Cursings..10:12-11: What does "the Lord your God require of you"? Page 2 of 5

6 17. What distinction, if any, is there between God's statutes, judgments and commandments? Lesson What was the difference between the land of Egypt and the promised land? 19. How were the Israelites to impart God's word to their children? 20. A blessing or a curse: which would Israel receive? 21. J. Vernon McGee wrote There are great spiritual blessings today which you are going to miss if you are not obedient to him. Do you believe this? (John 14:15-21) 22. What is the major issue that God (through Moses) is pleading against? Page 3 of 5

7 Lesson 2 A mezuzah (Hebrew: מ זוּז ה "doorpost") (plural: mezuzot זוּזוֹת) ((מ is a piece of parchment (often contained in a decorative case) inscribed with specified Hebrew verses from the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21). These verses comprise the Jewish prayer "Shema Yisrael", beginning with the phrase: "Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is One" A mezuzah is affixed to the doorframe in Jewish homes to fulfill the mitzvah (Biblical commandment) to inscribe the words of the Shema "on the doorposts of your house" (Deuteronomy 6:9). Some interpret Jewish law to require a mezuzah on every doorway in the home apart from bathrooms, and closets too small to qualify as rooms; [1] others view it as necessary only to place one in the front doorway. The parchment is prepared by a qualified scribe (a "sofer stam") who has undergone many years of meticulous training, and the verses are written in black indelible ink with a special quill pen. The parchment is then rolled up and placed inside the case. Tefillin (sometimes transliterated as tefilin), (Hebrew:,(תפילין pronounced /ˈtfɪlɨn/ in Askhenazic Hebrew and English, [tfiˈlin] in Israeli Hebrew, also called phylacteries (pronounced /fɪˈlæktəriz/, from Ancient Greek phylacterion, form of phylássein, φυλάσσειν meaning "to guard, protect"), are a set of small cubic leather boxes painted black, containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah, with leather straps dyed black on one side, and worn by observant Jews during weekday morning prayers. Although "tefillin" is technically the plural form (the singular being "tefillah"), it is loosely used as a singular as well. [1] The hand-tefillin, or shel yad, is placed on the upper arm, and the strap wrapped around the arm, hand and fingers; while the head-tefillin, or shel rosh, is placed above the forehead, with the strap going around the head and over the shoulders. The Torah commands that they should be worn to serve as a "sign" and "remembrance" that God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt. The source texts for tefillin in the Torah are obscure in literal meaning. For example, the following verse from the Shema states: "And you shall bind them as a sign upon your arm, and they shall be as totafot between your eyes." [2] Page 4 of 5

8 Lesson 2 The verse does not designate what specifically to bind upon your arm, and the definition of totafot is not obvious the only other appearances of this word are in identical contexts (Ex.13:16 & Deut.11:18). But the authoritative oral tradition (Oral Torah) explains that it is these scriptural passages themselves (including the Shema) that are to be bound to the body in the form of tefillin. It is thus the Oral Torah that provides the details of the construction and application of tefillin Page 5 of 5

9 The Exposition of the Ceremonial Laws (12:1-16:17) 1. How were they to treat the inhabitants of the land of Canaan? (12:1-4) Lesson 3 2. Where were they to worship the Lord? (12:5-14) 3. What was the law concerning the eating of meat? (12:15-28) 4. How does this compare with Leviticus 17:1-8? 5. What were some of the practices these other nations used to worship their gods? (12:29-32) 6. What was the message in verses 13:1-3? 7. Why does God allow such deceivers to exist among his people? (13:3-5) 8. What is the penalty for a relative who would lead an Israelite to worship other gods? (13:6-11) 9. What was to be done to the one who followed other gods? (13:12-18) 10. What sin was involved in cutting your hair "for the dead"? (Note: this is really a command to abstain from pagan burial customs) (I Thessalonians 4:13) 1

10 11. What was the rule concerning land animals that could be eaten? Lesson What was the rule concerning sea creatures that could be eaten? 13. Observant Jews today will not eat meat and milk at the same meal and cannot have a kosher cheeseburger. Why? 14. Explain the laws concerning the tithe. 14: What is the purpose of tithing? (14:23b) 16. What was the third year tithe? (14: 28-29) Text copied from David Guzik's Commentaries on the Bible B. The command of the tithe. 1. (22-23) The command to tithe. a. You shall truly tithe: The word truly is important; since the tithe described a giving of ten percent, God commanded that it really be ten percent. One might easily imagine Israelites discovering ways to give God less than truly ten percent. b. All the increase of your grain: Seemingly, this means the grain left over after the seed-grain was taken out. This means that the tithe was assessed on the income, not on the total assets. 2

11 Lesson 3 c. You shall eat before the Lord: When the tithe was delivered to the tabernacle (and later, to the temple), a portion of the tithe was enjoyed in a ceremonial meal "with" the Lord. The remainder was given to the priest. d. That you may learn to fear the Lord your God always: This was the purpose of tithing; to build an honor and reverence for God. The paraphrase in the Living Bible puts it plainly: The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives (Deuteronomy 14:23b, Living Bible). 2. (24-27) "Long-distance" tithing. a. Since the tithe was to be brought to one place for the whole nation, some would be farther than others. And, if someone was far away, they would find it difficult to transport the grain and livestock the tithe required. b. So, they could exchange their tithe for money, and then use the money to tithe with when they came to the tabernacle (and later, the temple). c. God is a common-sense God; He does not place unreasonable demands on His people. He made a way for them to more "conveniently" tithe. 3. (28-29) The third-year tithe. a. Some have said this speaks of another tithe (sometimes called the "poor tithe") to be brought every three years, but since it speaks of the tithe, and since it also goes to the Levite and not just to the poor, it is best to understand that this is not an additional tithe, but a command that once every three years the tithe also be available to the poor, not just to the Levite. i. As Kalland points out, "The Jewish rabbis have usually held that there were three tithes: (1) for the priests and Levites, (2) for the communal meals, (3) every third year for the nonlanded (i.e., the Levites, aliens, fatherless, and widows)." Kalland goes on to object to this rabbinic approach, and accurately observes, "So all the designations of tithes speak of one basic tithe to be put to various uses." b. That the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do: God will bless the giving heart. Ask anyone who gives as the Bible instructs them to give - they are blessed. 3

12 Lesson 3 i. The New Testament nowhere specifically commands tithing, but it certainly does speak of it in a positive light, if it is done with a right heart (Luke 11:42). ii. It is also important to understand that tithing is not a principle dependent on the Mosaic law; as Hebrews 7:5-9 explains, tithing was practiced and honored by God before the law of Moses. iii. What the New Testament does speak with great clarity on is the principle of giving; that giving should be regular, planned, proportional, and private (1 Corinthians 16:1-4); that it must be generous, freely given, and cheerful (2 Corinthians 9). iv. Since the New Testament doesn't emphasize tithing, one might not be strict on it for Christians (though some Christians do argue against tithing on the basis of self-interest); but since giving is to be proportional, we should be giving some percentage - and ten percent is a good benchmark - and starting place! For some to give ten percent is nowhere near enough; for others, at their present time, five percent may be a massive step of faith. v. If our question is, "how little can I give and still be pleasing to God?" our heart isn't in the right place at all. We should have the attitude of some early Christians, who essentially said: "We're not under the tithe - we can give more!" Giving and financial management is a spiritual issue, not just a financial one (Luke 16:11) 17. How were they to treat the poor in the land? (15:1-11) 18. What were the laws regarding slaves? (!5:12-18) 19. What was the law concerning firstborn animals? (15:19-23) 4

13 Lesson 4 1. Review the ordinances related to the keeping of: a. the Passover (16: 1-8) b. the Feast of Weeks, (16:9-12) c. the Feast of Tabernacles (16:13-17). B. The Exposition of the Civil Laws (16:18-20:20) 1. What laws were given to insure proper judicial judgment in the land (16:18-22)? 2. How was the death penalty to be administered (17:1-7)? 3. What was the penalty for disobedience to the judgment of the priests (17:8-13)? 4. What regulations were given concerning kings and their conduct (17:14)? Page 1 of 3

14 Lesson 4 5. What financial compensation did the priests receive? Why (18:1-8)? 6. What "abominations" of the land were they to avoid (18:9-14)? 7. Describe the prophet who was to come after Moses (18:15-22). 8. What were the laws concerning the cities of refuge (19:1-14)? 9. What were the laws concerning witnesses in criminal trials (19:15-21)? 10. What laws were given concerning who were to wage war (20: 1-9)? 11. What laws were given concerning how they were to wage war (20:10-20)? C. The Exposition of the Social Laws (21:1-26:19) 1. What regulations were given for cases of an unsolved murder (21:1-9)? Page 2 of 3

15 Lesson 4 2. What laws were given concerning females captured in time of war (21:10-14)? 3. What laws were given concerning firstborn inheritance rights (21: 15-17)? 4. What was to be done with a rebellious son (21:18-21)? 5. What is meant by the law about hanging (21:22-23)? 6. Read 22:1-5. What is prohibited in Deut. 22:5? Is this a sin today? 7. What special laws concerning sexual morality were given (22:13-30)?

16 Lesson 5 1. What groups of people were to be excluded from the assembly (23: 1-7)? 2. What is said about uncleanness in the camp (23:9-14)? 3. What law was given concerning the charging of interest (23: 15-20)? 4. What is said about vows to God (23:21-24)? Are vows or oaths permitted for a Christian today (Matt 5:34-37)? 5. What law was given concerning divorce 24:1-5)? 6. What law was given concerning newlyweds? Why (24:5)? A happy wife is the foundation for a happy home; a bitter or contentious wife makes for a miserable home. A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike (Proverbs 27:15). Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman. (Proverbs 21:9). Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman (Proverbs 21:19). 7. What law was given concerning Kidnapping and Leprosy (24:7-9)? Page 1 of 3

17 Lesson 5 8. What laws were given to maintain dignity and help the poor (24:10-22)? 9. What law was given concerning a man whose brother died without leaving an heir (25:1-10)? 10. What were the Miscellaneous Laws (25:11-16) 11. What instructions were given concerning the Amalekites (25:17-19)? 12. What was the law concerning the firstfruits of the field (26:1-15? 13. In what way were the people of Israel a "special" people (26:16-19)? PARTTHREE:MOSES'THIRDSERMON: "WHAT GOD WILL DO FOR ISRAEL" (27:1 34:12) I. THE RATIFICATION OF THE COVENANT IN CANAAN (27:1-28:68) A. Erection of the Altar (27:1-8) 1. What was the purpose of the altar that was to be built by the Jordan River? Page 2 of 3

18 2.What was to be written on the stones? Lesson 5 B. Admonition to Obey the Law (27:9-10) C. Proclamation of the Cursed (27:11-26) 1. Who was to read the "curses" to the people? 2. How were the people to respond to the curses? D. Warnings of the Covenant (28:1-68) 1. Give a summary of the blessings of obedience. 2. Give a summary of the curses of disobedience. 3. What was the ultimate curse of disobedience? Page 3 of 3

19 Lesson 6 II. THE INSTITUTION OF THE PALESTINIAN COVENANT (29:1-30:20) A. The Covenant Is Based on the Power of God (29:1-9) 1. When was the covenant made between God and the Israelites in Horeb (29:1)? 2. What did Moses remind the people of (29:2-4)? 3. What blessings did they receive in the wilderness (29:5-9)? B. Parties of the Covenant (29:10-15) 1. What oath was made on this occasion? 2. Who were the parties of this covenant? C. Warnings of the Covenant (29:16-30:10) 1. If anyone turns away from the Lord, they may say I have peace but what is wrong about that (29:16-20)? Page 1 of 6

20 Lesson 6 2. What is the purpose for the judgment against the covenant-breaker (29:21-28) 3. What is the meaning in verse 29:29? 4. After the curse was set, what blessing was promised to the one who would return to God (30:1-10)? D. Ratification of the Palestinian Covenant (30:11-20) 1. Why should Israel be capable of keeping the covenant (30:11-14)? 2. What choice was set before the people (30:15-18)? 3. Who were the "witnesses" of this covenant (30:19-20)? III. THE TRANSITION OF THE COVENANT MEDIATOR (31:1-34:12) A. Moses Charges Joshua and Israel (31:1-13) 1. Moses is now 120 and God has chosen Joshua to be leader of the Nation. What does that teach about God s plan and the importance of an individual (31:1-2)? Page 2 of 6

21 Lesson 6 2. What did Moses tell the nation to assure them everything would be okay, even though he would not be with them when they cross the Jordan (31:3-6)? 3. What encouragement did Moses give unto Joshua (31:7-8)? 4. What charge was given to the priests (31:9-13)? B. God Charges Israel (31:14-21) 1. What prediction was made concerning the nation? 2. How was Moses to make them aware of these things? C. The Book of the Law Is Deposited (31:22-30) 1. What did Moses teach the people of Israel? 2. What was to be done with the "Book of the Law"? Was this book a book as we have today? 3. Note: the text says Moses finished here! What about the last 3 chapters? Page 3 of 6

22 D. The Song of Moses (32:1-47) Lesson 6 1. Moses is asking for whose attention (32:1-4)? 2. What accusation does Moses make against Israel (32:5-6)? 3. What does Moses say about God s faithfulness to Israel (32:7-14)? 4. Jeshurum literally means the upright one ; who is it referring to (32:15-18)? 5. What is the "Rock" Moses keeps speaking of in this chapter (e.g.32:18)? 4. What is God s reaction to Israel s behavior (32:19-27)? 5. In verses 32:28-43, God states his case and makes a plea to Israel. What is that plea? 4. What would cause the Gentiles to rejoice? E. The Death of Moses (32:48-34:12) 1. Where was Moses told to go to prepare for death (32:48-50)? 2. Why was Moses not allowed into the promised land (32:51-52)? Page 4 of 6

23 Lesson 6 3. Moses s blessing is similar in effect to Jacob s upon his 12 sons. Describe the final blessings Moses gave to the people. Reuben- Judah- Levi- Benjamin- Joseph- Zebulun and Issachar- Gad- Dan- Naphtali- Asher- Israel - Page 5 of 6

24 Lesson 6 4. Today we know Mount Nebo and Pisgah as two separate mountain peaks, but in Moses day the same names were probably given to the same summit. Pisgah is the higher of the two and it is probably from here that Moses saw the promised land. What was Moses able to see from the top of Pisgah? 5. Where was Moses buried? 6. How is Moses described in the final verses of this book (34:5)? The Psalm 90 is placed at the end of Deuteronomy as a final comment on Moses' life (read note in Chronological Bible ) A. THE ETERNITY OF GOD, THE FRAILTY OF MAN. (90:1-6) 1. How does man/woman's life compare to eternity? B. SUBMISSION TO DIVINE CHASTISEMENTS. (90:7-11) 1. Why do we "live our lives beneath your wrath"? C. PRAYER FOR MERCY AND GRACE. (90:12-17) 1. What does the Psalmist want to be taught? 2. What does the Psalmist seek to balance the former griefs? Page 6 of 6