Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. Part of the Pentateuch, it presents a series of sermons attributed to Moses, given to the Israelites on the plains of Moab as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan. Its central aim is covenant renewal: it restates the law, calls for allegiance to Yahweh, and outlines obligations for the new generation.

The book has three broad parts: a historical prologue recounting the journey from Egypt and the wilderness; a restatement and expansion of the law, including the Decalogue in Deuteronomy 5, and further legal and ethical material (such as worship centralized in one place, social justice, and duties of leaders); and a concluding section of blessings and curses, followed by instructions for future generations and a renewal of the covenant. Notable passages include the Shema in 6:4–9, which declares the oneness of God, and exhortations to love God with heart, soul, and strength.

Authorship and date are traditional rather than strictly historical. Classical sources attribute the work to Moses, but modern scholarship generally assigns the core to late monarchic or early post-exilic editors influenced by the Deuteronomistic history. Its theological emphasis on obedience, covenant faithfulness, and the centralization of worship shaped later biblical theology and law, and it has significantly influenced Jewish and Christian thought.

In the canon, Deuteronomy functions as a foundational text for law, liturgy, and ethical instruction. The narrative ends with Moses’ death in Moab and the description of his burial, location of which is not specified.