Deuteronomy: Summary & Key Themes

The Book of Deuteronomy at a glance, before you read it.

Written by	Moses (traditional)
Written for	the new generation of Israel
Type	Law
Chapters	34
Position	Book 5 of 66 · book 5 of the Old Testament

Summary

On the plains of Moab, Moses repeats and explains God’s law before Israel enters the land, calling them to love the LORD with all their heart and to choose life. It ends with Moses’ death.

Main themes

covenant renewal
love and obedience
remembering

Key verse

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Deuteronomy 6:5 (KJV)

How to read Deuteronomy

Try one chapter a day: 34 days to finish. Ask three questions as you go: what did this mean to the first readers, what does it show about God, and what does it ask of me?

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