Deuteronomy

Genesis through Deuteronomy are the foundation of the Bible. They introduce the key promises that show God’s purposes in history and prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ.

Idols represent gods that don’t actually exist, but the demons behind idol worship are real (32:17).

Walk this way! The Bible often describes godly living as “walking” with the Lord (30:16; Ps. 23:4; Eph. 4:1).

Brimstone most likely refers to sulfur. It is a bright yellow, highly combustible mineral that puts out a terrible odor when it burns. Brimstone is abundant in the area around the Dead Sea. During earthquakes hot gases are released from… Read More »Brimstone

At more than 3,000 feet (914 m) high, Mount Ebal is one of the highest points in Samaria.

Shoes and sandals were considered the most humble articles of clothing. They were removed at the doorway before entering a home. People also removed their shoes during periods of mourning. Going barefoot was a sign of poverty and shame (25:9–10).

What was an upper millstone? Israelite women ground their grain in mills made of two circular stones. The grain was placed on the flat lower stone and then crushed as the upper millstone rolled over it. To deprive the miller… Read More »What was an upper millstone?

Why did the Israelites sew tassels on their garments? In the ancient world, tassels were worn by nobles and other high-class people. In Israel they were worn by everyone as a mark of their special status and responsibilities as God’s… Read More »Why did the Israelites sew tassels on their garments?

Inheritance rights. In Israel, the firstborn son received a double share of the inheritance. The firstborn also had more responsibility for the family than other children. The law protected the special rights of the firstborn (21:15–17).

Sheep are mentioned more than any other animal in the Bible. Sheep are dependent on shepherds to protect and care for them.

Threshing is the process of separating kernels of grain (such as barley and wheat) from their stalks. This was done by beating the stalks or by using an ox or a donkey to pull a weighted sled over the harvest.… Read More »Threshing

What is unleavened bread? Leaven is another name for yeast. Because bread made without yeast does not rise, unleavened bread is flat. During the exodus, the Israelites left Egypt so quickly that there was no time for their bread to… Read More »What is unleavened bread?

Death penalty for apostasy? Anyone who urged a fellow Israelite to “go and serve other gods” was to be put to death (13:6–11). While the NT does not prescribe death for such an offense, it gives serious warning to anyone… Read More »Death penalty for apostasy?

God promised his people that they would live long in the land of Israel, if they would love, obey, and serve him (11:9, 21). They failed to do this and were eventually defeated and taken into exile (2 Kings 17;… Read More »Live long in the land of Israel

A sojourner was a person from another country who was living and working in Israel. The Israelites were taught to love and respect the sojourners living among them, for they themselves had been sojourners in Egypt (10:19).

Jesus quoted from the book of Deuteronomy more than any other OT book. He quoted 8:3 when tempted by Satan (Matt. 4:4).

Deuteronomy 6:4 is called the Shema, from the Hebrew word for “hear.” Today many people of the Jewish faith fulfill the commands of 6:8–9 literally: They write Bible verses on pieces of paper, place them in small boxes, and then… Read More »Shema

A book of sermons? Deuteronomy consists of at least three addresses or sermons from Moses to Israel. Moses encourages Israel to obey all the commandments of God.

The Jordan River begins in the foothills of Mount Hermon and empties into the Dead Sea. The Jordan is more than 200 miles (322 km) long—the longest river in Palestine.

Nations fought for control of Gilead (2:36) because an international trade route, known as the King’s Highway, passed through it. The region was also an important area for agriculture. It was especially famous for the “balm of Gilead,” a resin… Read More »Gilead

Was Deuteronomy a treaty? There are many similarities between the book of Deuteronomy and various ancient Near Eastern treaties that date from the time of Moses. When a nation made a treaty with a less powerful nation, the document began… Read More »Was Deuteronomy a treaty?

The Arabah (1:7) refers to the rugged and extremely dry region surrounding and south of the Dead Sea. The Israelites’ travels took them through this area.