Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses, an idea supported by Deuteronomy 31:9: “Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests…and unto all the elders of Israel.”
Date: Approximately 1400 BC.
In Ten Words or Less: Moses reminds the Israelites of their history and God’s laws.
Details: With a name meaning “second law,” Deuteronomy records Moses’ final words as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. Forty years have passed since God handed down His laws on Mount Sinai, and the entire generation that experienced that momentous event has died. So Moses reminds the new generation both of God’s commands and of their national history as they ready their entry into Canaan. The invasion will occur under Joshua, as Moses will only see the Promised Land from Mount Nebo. “So Moses the servant of the Lord died there. … And he [God] buried him in a valley in the land of Moab…but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day” (34:5-6). Moses was 120 years old.
From Know Your Bible, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.
