Page 114 - Pentateuch - Student Textbook

After a brief introduction (4:41-49), a second address begins, “Moses summoned all Israel (5:1).” He
repeats to this new generation the Ten Commandments (5:2-21). These are the General Treaty
Stipulations and function like a table of contents or a computer pull-down tab for the bulk of the book.
Moses also explains the original circumstances – the fire and other outward signs of God’s presence that
so terrified the nation (5:22-33). The emphasis is on the uniqueness or holiness of the covenant. A new
generation is present, yet God has not changed. His laws are eternal. He issues no revisions, even
though some specifics are adapted to the new situation of entering the land. The chief change is the
anticipated death of Moses. As he speaks to the nation, he begins using the words “your God” instead of
his usual “our God.” Moses won’t make the trip.
121

In the early days of Christianity, the Ten Commandments were recognized as the foundation for all the
rest of the laws. Many experts do not accept the
covenant treaty view of the organization of
Deuteronomy. Because parts of the book seem
obscure and difficult to fit into the scheme, they
reject the “table of contents” explanation. Despite
the general rejection, many still see the Ten
Commandments as “a seed that sprouts and grows
and eventually yields its beautiful flowers” 122 The
various holiness instructions in the Pentateuch,
designed to give life beauty and power, flow from
the Ten Commandments.

Fig. 74: Dead Sea Scrolls - Ten Commandments The third part of the typical treaty contains specific
treaty stipulations. This is the bulk of the book from
chapter six through twenty-six. God gives instruction to Israel, laws that will distinguish them from other
nations, laws that will reflect their love of him. “These are the decrees and laws the LORD your God
directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess (6:1).”
Throughout the section we find reminders of the need for obedience. “See that you do all I command
you; do not add to it or take away from it (12:32).” Future kings are to write out a copy of the law for
personal use (17:18-20). The last paragraph in the section reminds the nation, “Carefully observe them
with all your heart and with all your soul (26:16).” The result would be “praise, fame and honor high
above all the nations he has made (26:19).” Truly they would be a unique, holy people.

As we have noted the form of a vassal treaty already in Deuteronomy, we must note the structure of
this section. God is using a 1400 B.C. form to communicate to his people, but he does not allow the
human form to change his content. The structure of this section can be laid out in sub-sections reflecting
the Ten Commandments as already given by God to Israel.

Commandment Content Passage
1 5:6-7 worship of God 6:1-11:32
2 5:8-10 idolatry 12:1-31
3 5:11 misuse of the name of the Lord, 13:1-14:21
4 5:12-15 Sabbath 14:22-16:17
5 5:16 authority (honor) 16:18-18:22

121 Hamilton, Handbook. 393
122 Daniel I. Block, Deuteronomy (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012),169.

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