Genesis Through Joshua- Dueteronomy: Overview

The Extrinsic Agents
1) Critical Viewpoints:
Some say that there are old legal traditions that form the book of Deuteronomy (proto-Deuteronomy). It was composed by defecting Levites moving to Judah. These Levites brought with them laws. The proto-Deuteronomy was composed for Josiah’s reforms. The book is apparently found in 2 Kings 22. They claim that the people composed it in the days of Josiah.

The conservative view argues for Mosaic Authorship.

2) Mosaic Authorship
The book contains sermons and events that Moses witnessed. (1:1)
Did Moses pen every word in the book? Chapter 34:1-12 features the death of Moses. From a plain reading of the text with have a portion written after the death of Moses. The sermons of the book are authentic Mosaic sermons. The sermons were taken and published after his death.

3) Date of Final Composition
The book was composed after the time in Moab and before the death of Moses.
The book has a focus on Joshua as a leader of God’s people.

The Redemptive Historical Observations
Israel was at Sinai. They went through the wilderness and are now standing at Moab reading to conquer the land. Deuteronomy tells the people to reflect on the past and recommit to prepare for the future.

Literary Structure
The first second and third address
Pre-amble
Historical Prologue
Stipulations of the covenant
Blessing, cursings and ratification of the covenant
Succession of the covenant

Meaning
1) The Original Application
The book was written to instruct the Bible to follow Joshua’s leadership and continue in the Mosaic covenant.

2) Today’s Application
The Church should look back to the Mosaic covenant as authoritative for today. We must believe in the continuation of the covenant. There is a continuation in Christ.
The book calls of renewal under new circumstances. We must re-affirm these structures under Christ in our new covenant circumstance.

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