2019-10-8

Deuteronomy 1:1-46

People often fear the reading and studying of Deuteronomy. However, I would like to appeal to you that Deuteronomy is more than just history, laws, blessings, curses, etc. The entire book of Deuteronomy has a structure very similar to a suzerain-vassal treaty in the Ancient Near Eastern culture. This type of treaty is usually a contractual agreement between two kingdoms, one with higher power (suzerain) and one who might be in need (vassal). Deuteronomy is structured specifically similarly to the treaty style of the Hittite culture, with six major parts: the preamble (1:1-6), historical prologue (1:7-3:29), stipulation (4:1-25:17, 26:16-19), deposit in the temple and public reading (26:1-15, 31:9-13), witnesses (29:1-29, 30:1-31:8), and blessings and curses (27:9-28:68, 31:14-29). Unlike traditional treaties, Deuteronomy was not a contractual agreement between two nation-states, but between Yahweh (suzerain) and the Israelite (vassal).

Chapter 1 lies comfortably in the preamble and historical prologue of the treaty structure. Through Moses’ mouth, God opened this treaty by reminding the Israelites how He brought the people out of Egypt. The brief history of God’s provision and protection will continue through chapter 3. By showing God’s power, grace, and presence since bringing the Israelites out of Egypt, God asks the Israelites to follow His commands. Through following God’s commands, God will bless the Israelites contractually according to the blessings listed in Deuteronomy. However, curses will incur as well if disobedient ensued.

Critical Thinking Questions

Through trials and hardships from leaving Egypt, God showed His power to the Israelites. How might you have experienced God’s power through your own trials and hardships?

Knowing Deuteronomy may have been written as a treaty, how have that change your perspective of reading Deuteronomy? How might have that change your perspective on God’s promises?

— Isaac