Deutoronomy

Question 1

Why do you think Deuteronomy has been described as the hinge and center of the Pentateuch

Answer 1

x

Question 2

Describe the setting Deuteronomy.

Answer 2

Plains of Moab

- significant because the law was given before they entered into the promised land

Question 3

Why have some associated D with the reign of Josiah?

Answer 3

Deuteronomy 5-26 are key to Josiah’s reforms

Question 4

How does an understanding of the book’s historical setting inform its content?

Answer 4

Reframing of law, based on entrance to promised land. Pending death of
Moses points to a need for reaffirmed beliefs.

Question 5

**What are some of the main theological concerns and emphases of D?

Answer 5

o One People
o One Cultic Center
o One God

Question 6

*In what ways might the book of Deuteronomy or parts of it be thought of as resistance to the Neo-Assyrian empire?

Answer 6

oThe use of the Neo-Assyrian covenant to discuss the relationship between God and Israel asserts that Israel’s authentic status was as vassal not of the king of Assyria, but of Yahweh. To Yahwey alone was allegiance owed, and the punishment of not obeying was more severe than that of the Neo-Assyrians.

Question 7

*In what specific ways, whether in relation to the specific content of laws, the motivation for certain laws, and/or other ways, does the presentation of law in Deuteronomy differ from other collections of law in the Old Testament?

Answer 7

Remember what god did for you and pass that on to others.

Observance of the laws is response to what God had done for the Israelites.

I.e. Treatment of slaves such as when released and why observe the sabbath. Exodus 21 vs Deut 15, exodus 20 show how reflecting what happened in Israel with the legal innovations of Deuteronomy

o Reinterpreting the Law
 Their primary identity as people of God freed from slavery
• ie. Deut. 15:12-17 (Sabbath)
o breaking the cycle of poverty
 Sacrifice is to the benefit of Levites, resident aliens and widows
• Taking care of the people on edge of society
• Deut. 14:27
 Reframing Kingship
• Seen as threat and promise
 Distinct Theology in Deuteronomy
• The Ark
o Not the presence of God, receptacle of Law
• Covenant Renewal
o Circumcision of the heart- submission of will

Question 8

What do these differences suggest about the nature of the law codes in Israel?

Answer 8

o Law in Israel is to be reframed according to a particular context. Law in and of itself is based on a particular context and situation, it therefore needs to be interpreted according to the new context. That is not to say that law needs to be thrown out, but understood properly

Question 9

Describe the Structure of D.

Answer 9

-The Decalogue provides the structure of Deuteronomy’s law - starts with worship of god and ends with right relationship to neighbor.
- Farewell Adresses
• Moses’ 1st
Speech (Journey)
• Moses’ 2nd
Speech (Covenant)
• Moses’ 3rd
Speech (Farewell)

Question 10

Describe the authorship and date of D.

Answer 10

-Traditionally - c. 622, northern exiles form people of the land, kill the king and make Josiah a puppet king and write 5-26,
• based on Josiah’s reign (discovery of book of Law)
Josiah is “puppet king”
• Deut. 1-4 + 29-34 were added later for exilic context
Compositional History
• Fall of North – 722
o Refugees Arrive in South – claiming YHWH
worship alone
• “People of Land” – group influenced by refugees
o Assassinated Ammon (Father of Josiah”