Lesson Five: Deuteronomy
“But from there you will seek HaShem your G-d, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to HaShem your G-d and obey His voice (for HaShem your G-d is a merciful G-d), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them.”
Deuteronomy 4:29-31
Introduction to Deuteronomy
- Deuteronomy is often quoted in the Apostolic Scriptures. Paul uses it much, as does Yeshua.
- It handily undoes the common theologies called “Dispensationalism” and “Supercessionism” – both which attempt to explain the Word given to Israel (Dispensationalism) and the eternal Covenant give to Israel (Supercessionism).
- Deuteronomy is called “Devarim” [Words]. It is seen as the “second giving” of the Law. This is a mistaken notion as it treats HaShem’s instructions as temporal rather than eternal.
- Deuteronomy details blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience – and it contains a covenant which does not replace the Sinai Covenant, but is concurrent with it (Deut 29:10)
A Holy Identity
- Deut 4:1-8: The Torah, HaShem’s instructions are not given as a mechanism for salvation – it is given so that HaShem’s people can be identified as His.
- John 17:13-21: Sanctified [set apart] by HaShem’s Word – thereby a testimony to G-d’s wisdom and grace.
A True Prophet
- Deut 13:1-5: The first test of a prophet is not signs and wonders. One who leads away from obedience to G-d’s commandments is a false prophet.
- Deut 18:10-14: A true prophet is not merely “wonder worker.”
- Deut 18:15-20: The promise that Messiah would be a Prophet. Not just any prophet, but “like Moses” – the Apostles used this passage to prove the Messiahship of Yeshua. If Yeshua had come to turn people away from obedience to G-d’s instructions, He would have been a false prophet.
The Promise of a New Covenant – Where He Would Dwell With Us Forever
- Deut:30:1-6: The last half of Deuteronomy details blessings for obedience, and curses for disobedience. It also is a prophecy of how Israel would disobey G-d – but Deut 30 promises that HaShem will bring them back – and circumcise their hearts.
- Deut 30:10-16: Love and obedience are tied together. Like 1John 5:2-3, obedience to G-d is never a burden, nor is it impossible. It is near, in our mouth, to do it. Paul uses this very passage to discuss the future repentance of Israel.
- Deut 30 is the promise that G-d’s plan of redemption would continue through Israel.
Summary
- The pattern of redemption is complete. A Seed. From Shem’s line. From Avraham’s line, from Jacob’s. Somehow related to this Dwelling Place on earth – the Tabernacle.
- The Tabernacle, a dwelling place where G-d would dwell among His people
- The “Seed,” and now a “Prophet like Moses.”
- All that remains is elucidation. From Deuteronomy 34:12 on, there is nothing new – only further illumination and detail.
Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live, and go in and possess the land which HaShem G-d of your fathers is giving you. You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of HaShem your G-d which I command you.
Deuteronomy 4:1-2