If reading Deuteronomy gives you a sense of deja vu, there’s a good reason for that: We’ve heard it all before! Deuteronomy repeats the story of Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers by presenting Moses’ last speeches to the people, which review everything they have been through since leaving Egypt. Moses wants the people to remember, and that’s what Deuteronomy is all about: remembering.
But before we get to the details, let’s review some background information. For a couple of centuries or so, scholars have recognized four sources for the Torah. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers are the product of three of these sources. The two older sources, known as J and E, provide the original material. Folk tales and legends are obviously older materials, as well as some laws and other stories. These older materials were then organized and edited by the third source, known as P, for Priestly. These four books present a particular picture of God and his people. Now we encounter the fourth source: the Deuteronomical, with a perspective all its own. When and where did this author/editor come from? While certain concerns and vocabulary indicate some old material from all parts of Israel, scholars agree that the bulk of the Book of Deuteronomy must have been the scroll that inspired King Josiah to enact certain religious reforms in 622 BCE. That’s because the actions Josiah took echo the commands of Deuteronomy, not the other books (see 2 Kings 22 for details). Some parts of Deuteronomy, especially the end, tell the story and respond to the Exile, indicating that they were added after this time of reform. When and why the Book was written are still debated, but we can see the impact it made.
What makes Deuteronomy different from the other version of this story? Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers ask and answer an important question: How can a holy God be among an unholy people? The problem is presented again and again as Israel fails to hold on to its faith in practical ways. The answer to that question is found in the sacrificial system, done properly by the priests. Life’s blood will cleanse and make the people worthy. Deuteronomy expects more. The people of Israel are meant to be in relationship with God. If they remember their identity, all will be well. Forgetting will be a disaster.
With Deuteronomy, our attention turns inward, to motivations and attitude. While the earlier stories spell out carefully how to do the sacrifices that make up worship, Deuteronomy focuses on why. The sacrifices don’t just bridge the gap between God and his people, they demonstrate who the people are. Stewardship is a focus of Deuteronomy. The people need to remember that they did not achieve success on their own. God’s gifts to them require acknowledgement, gratitude and humility, all of which motivate the sacrificial offering.
This difference can be seen in the 10 Commandments, recorded in both Exodus and Deuteronomy. All the commandments are word-for-word the same, until we get to the observance of the Sabbath. In Exodus, the Sabbath recalls God’s work in creation–the holy God who created everything should be emulated by his holy people, so do as God did, and rest. Deuteronomy instead remembers Israel’s previous reality as slaves, when rest was not possible. The Sabbath then is God’s gift to his people, made possible by his rescue of them from Egypt. In turn, the people of Israel must share this gift with others, including their (foreign) slaves and animals.
Mercy and empathy are marks of the Deuteronomical Law: Outsiders and the poor must be shown mercy and caring because God has done the same for his people. But mercy isn’t always present. The consequences of disobedience are harsh. Most laws demand capital punishment. Why? Again, remembering one’s identity is the point. Since the people of Israel are God’s people, there is room for no other option. Idolatry is a constant threat, especially from the foreigners who have other gods. Such worship will cause Israel to forget the Lord and what he has done. That simply cannot be allowed.
Deuteronomy’s other distinctive feature follows from this exclusivity. In Deuteronomy there are consequences of blessings and curses. While in the earlier story of Genesis, blessing was simply an outcome of God’s calling his people, now blessing is a reward for obedience. Doing the right thing will earn a reward, disobedience will result in punishment, even to future generations. Deuteronomy presents a simple theology of retribution. But is life that simple? Do the good always get what they deserve? Are the poor that way because they are sinners? How can a just God punish future generations, especially if those future generations repent? Deuteronomy may raise these questions in our minds, but the struggle to answer them will be found in future books. We will see the history of Israel told through this theological lens in the next books of the Bible: Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings.
One answer Deuteronomy does make clear, however: God’s people can always start again. In Moses’ last speech, and especially the song he offers, Moses makes this clear. After God’s people have lost everything through disobedience, they can still repent. God will be there for them. The Covenant will not be broken on God’s side, no matter what God’s people will do. Grace will win out.