How Study Deuteronomy

General Instructions.

• 1. For the book's historical context, read Numbers 21:21-22:1; 36:13; Deuteronomy 1:1-5.

     1. 1. Record the author, date, and geographical setting of the book on the Structure of Deuteronomy char.

        2. When you study Deuteronomy, watch for any verses that confirm Moses' authorship. Although the last chapter tells of Moses' death, this doesn't negate the fact that Moses wrote the rest of the book. The last chapter would be an appropriate postscript after his death.

  2. Read Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:1-14 and keep these verses in mind as you study.

• • • 1.   As you study each chapter, note in the margin of your Bible (under the symbol ∆) insights you glean about the character of God and the ways He deals with His children and with unbelievers.

      2. Also note in the margin any specific instructions or admonitions that are to be followed in respect to God-for example, "Fear Him."

      3. Record in the margin any "Lessons for Life" you learn from the text under the heading "LFL."

• 3. There are insightful lessons to be learned from Moses' life about leadership and about our relationship to God. As you study Deuteronomy, note these in your notebook. When you record your insights, make sure you note book, chapter, and verse from which they came. "Lessons for the life of Moses"

  4. Double-underline all geographical locations in green, and look them up on a map to see where the events took place.

Chapter 1-3

    Moses rehearses what happened from the time they left Horeb (Mount Sinai) until they camped in the valley opposite Beth-peor at the foot of Mount Nebo (Pisgah).

• 1. As you read these three chapter:

     1. 1.   Ask the "5 W's and a H." Watch what happens in each chapter, where it happens and to whom, why it happens, and what the consequences or results are. Also note how to things are accomplished.

        2. Mark every reference to time and every use of then so you can see the sequence of events.

  2. In a distinctive way mark these key words and their synonyms: covenant, fear, heart, command (commanded), and listen. Write these on an index card to use as a bookmark while studying Deuteronomy.

  3. Choose the theme of each chapter and record on Structure of Deuteronomy.

Chapter 4-11

    Moses instructs the children of Israel regarding what they are to do when they enter the land.

• 1. Read this segment chapter by chapter, keeping in mind the "5W's and an H." Words such as when, then, watch, hear, listen, beware, and you shall therefore will come to your attention. When you see the word "when," look and see if "then" eventually follows it. If so, circle each word and connect them with a line.

  2. Mark the following key words when you come to them in the text: observe (keep, do), love, remember, commandment (status), nations, blessing, and curse.   

  3. Record the main points of each chapter in the margin or number them in the text.

  4. Record the chapter themes as you did previously. 

Chapter 12-26

    Moses gives the people the statutes and the judgments they are to observe.

• 1. Make sure you mark every occurrence of the phrase you shall purge (remove) the evil. Also mark the words life and death. Mark every reference to the feasts.

  2. As you read these chapters, note in the margin of the text what the people are to do and why.

  3. Record the theme of the chapters on Structure of Deuteronomy.

Chapter 27-30

    Moses tells the people about the necessity of the obedience and that if they obey they will be blessed, but if they disobey they will be cursed.

• 1. Carefully mark the words on your key words list. Underline every reference to the Lord will. Think about what your observe from marking the text.

  2. As you read these chapters, keep asking the "5 W's and an H." Note who Moses speaks to, who he's making a covenant with, and who or what will be affected by their obedience or disobedience. Also note everything that will happen if they obey or disobey.

  3. Don't forget to note what your learn about God from these chapters and to record the theme of each chapter.

Chapter 31-34

    This segment contains Moses' parting words, song, and blessing, as well as the account of his death.

• 1. Mark the key repeated words listed on your index card.

  2. As Moses sings his song, in chapter 32, he recounts Israel's relationship to God and God's dealings with them. Jeshurun in 32>15 is a reference to Israel.

     1. 1. Pay attention to what you learn about Israel. Observe what leads to Israel's downfall and what the consequences are. 

        2. Remember that although Moses begged God to change His mind and allow him to enter the promised land, God said no. Keep this in mind as you read these chapters and see Moses' heart and hear his words in respect to God. Take note of all you learn about God from these significant chapters. List what you learn about "the Rock" in your notebook.

  3. Observe what Moses says will happen after  his death and note this in the margin.

  4. When you study chapter 33, mark the name of each of the tribes of Israel and carefully observe how they  are described and what is said about each one of them. Underline every occurrence of they shall (NIV he) in 33:10.

  5. Complete Structure of Deuteronomy.

Key Words in the NIV and KJV

Key doctrines in Deuteronomy

1. The Promised Land of Israel (1:8; 6:10; 9:5; 29:13; 30:20; 34:4; Gen 12:7; 15:5; 22:17; Ex 33;1; Lev 18;24; Num 14:23; 34:1-15; Josh 24:13; Ps 105:44; Titus 3:5)

   1. The Lord's faithfulness to give Israel victory over its enemies (2:24-3:11; 29:2, 7, 8; Num 21:13, 33, 34; Josh 1:7; 10:8; Judg 1:1-4; 1King 2:3; Ps 18:43; Rom 8:37; 1Cor 15:54-57; 1 John 5:4) 

   2. Israel's rebellion against the Lord (1:26-46; 9:7-10:11; Ex 14:11; Num 14:1-4, Ezra 4:19; Ps 106:24; Jer 5:6; Ezek 18:31; Dan 9:24; 2 Thess 2:2; Jude 1:11, 15)

   3. The scattering of Israel as judgment from God (4:25-31; 29:22-30:10; 31:26-29; Lev 26:33; 1Kin 14:15; Neh 1:8; Ps 106:25-27; Eccles 3:5; Jer 9:15, 16; Amos 9:8)

   4. Holiness of God and His people - God declares Israel His chosen people (7:6-11; 8:6, 11, 18; 10:12, 16, 17; 11:13; 13:3, 4; 14:1, 2; Ex 19:5-6; Prov 10:22; Amos 3:2; Mic 6:8; Matt 22:37; Rom 12:1; 1Tim 1:5; 1Pet 2:9)

Worksheets

Studies on Deuteronomy