3.  Joshua.  Moses’ successor, Ch. 27.

  4.  Feasts and offerings, Chs. 28-30.

  5.  Triumph over Midian, Ch. 31.

  6.  Two and half tribes given land east of Jordan, Ch. 32.

  7.  Wilderness journeys enumerated, Ch. 33.

  8.  Divisions of Canaan and the cities of Refuge, Chs. 34-36.

For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of the different times when God came to the relief of Israel, by providing guidance, protection, food, etc. and from them study God’s wonderful resources in caring for his people. (2) Make a list of the different times and occasions when Israel or any individual sinned or rebelled against God or His leaders, and study the result in each case. (3) Make a list of the miracles of the book and give the facts about each.  Show which were miracles of judgment and which were miracles of mercy. (4) The story of the spies and the results of the mistake made as seen in all the future history of Israel. (5) The story of Balak and Balaam. (6) God’s punishment of disobedient and sinful nations. (7) Doubt as a source of complaint and discontent. (8) The types of Christ and Christian experience:  (a) The Nazarite; (b) Aaron’s Budding Rod, 17:8; Heb 9:4; (c) The Blue Ribband, 15:38; (d) The Red Heifer, 19:2; (e) The Brazen Serpent, 21:9; (f) The cities of refuge, 35:13.

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Chapter V.

Deuteronomy.

Name.  The name comes from the Greek word which means a second or repeated law.  It contains the last words of Moses which were likely delivered during the last seven days of his life.  It is not a mere repetition of the law, but rather an application of the law in view of the new conditions Israel would meet in Canaan, and because of their former disobedience.

Purpose.  To lead Israel to obedience and to warn them against disobedience.  The spirit and aim of the law is explained in such a way as to present both encouragement and warning.

Contents.  It consists of three addresses of Moses, given on the plains of Moab at the close of the wilderness wanderings of Israel, in which he gives large sections of the law formerly given, together with additions necessary to meet the new conditions.  There is also the appointment of Joshua as Moses’ successor and the farewell song of blessing of Moses and the record of his death.

Style.  The style is warmer and more oratorical than that of former books.  Its tone is more spiritual and ethical and its appeal is “to know God,” “love God” and “obey God.”

Occasion and Necessity of the Book. (1) A crisis had come in the life of Israel.  The life of the people was to be changed from that of wandering in the wilderness to that of residence in cities and villages and from dependence upon heavenly manna to the cultivation of the fields.  Peace and righteousness would depend upon a strict observance of the laws. (2) A new religion of Canaan against which they must be put on guard.  The most seductive forms of idolatry would be met everywhere and there would be great danger of yielding to it.