The Book of Deuteronomy
The Second Law
The Book of Deuteronomy is the "Gospel of the Old Testament." Consisting of three final sermons by Moses, it is a passionate plea to the new generation of Israelites to Remember God's fidelity and Choose life. It takes the external laws of The Book of Exodus and points them toward the Heart. For Catholics, The Book of Deuteronomy reveals that the Law and Love are inseparable—the Law is the description of how a heart that loves God behaves.
I. The Shema: The Heart of the Matter
The book is built around the Shema (Chapter 6): "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord." It commands us to love God with our whole heart, soul, and strength. Jesus identified this as the "First and Greatest Commandment." It emphasizes that religious observance must be rooted in a personal, passionate commitment to God.
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole strength." (Deuteronomy 6:5) Read in Context →
II. The Duty of Remembrance
A recurring theme is: "Take heed, and beware lest thou forget the Lord." Deuteronomy warns that prosperity can lead to spiritual amnesia. This is a vital lesson for the modern Catholic—the necessity of the Liturgical Year and the daily Examen to keep the memory of God's work alive in our hearts through the clutter of work and ego.
III. Choice: The Two Ways
In Chapter 30, Moses sets before the people a choice: "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing." This theology of choice is foundational to the New Testament's call to conversion. Our actions have consequences, and every day is an opportunity to re-choose the path of life through obedience to God's Word.
"Choose therefore life, that both thou and thy seed may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19) Read in Context →
IV. A Prophet Like Moses
Moses promises in Chapter 18: "The Lord thy God will raise up to thee a PROPHET of thy nation... him thou shalt hear." The early Church (Acts 3) saw this as the definitive prophecy of Jesus Christ. As Moses gave the Old Law, Christ gives the New Law; as Moses spoke with God face to face, Christ is the Word of God made flesh.
V. Deuteronomy: Jesus' Own Study Guide
It is significant that when Jesus was tempted in the desert, he answered every temptation of the Devil using quotes from Deuteronomy. It was clearly a book close to His heart. It reminds us that "Man lives not by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God."
Spiritual Tip: Read Deuteronomy 30 as a meditation on the gift of 'Free Will'. Your choices matter eternally—choose Christ today with all your heart.
VI. Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called 'Deuteronomy'?
The name means 'Second Law'. It is not a different law, but a restating and application of the Sinai Covenant to the generation about to enter the land.
Why did Moses have to die before entering the land?
Moses' death symbolizes that the Law (the Torah) can lead us to the edge of the promise, but only 'Joshua' (the Hebrew name for Jesus) can lead us across the Jordan into the true inheritance.