The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible, or the last book of the Pentateuch. Deuteronomy literally means "Second Law." This title conveys its nature and purpose. In other words, this book is a repetition of the law that was given to Moses and his people on Mount Sinai. It is also a completion and explanation of that law. Besides that, this book also continues on from previous events that happened in the first four books of the Bible. It helps to bring to focus and interpret the messages that are in the first four books.
             In Greek, Deuteronomy means "a copy of this law in a book." In Hebrew, its name comes from the phrase, "these are the words."
             The Book of Deuteronomy was written centuries after the Israelites had lived on the Land of Promise. Moses is believed to be the author. If he is the author, it was written around thirteenth century B.C. Joshua was most likely (although it is not certain) the author who concluded the book with the event of Moses's death. Moses relates all events that happen in this book with a spiritual lesson. He takes the laws that the Lord gave His people nearly forty years before the time that the writings of this book took place and adapts it to the people and events of that time.
             A main characteristic that sets the book of Deuteronomy apart from the other books of the Bible is its "vigorous oratorical style." (The Holy Bible 147) In other words, it is a style which involves much thought coming from the author.
             The events in this book took place within no more than forty days. The events occurred mainly in only three places. They were "in the plains of Moab, between the end of the wandering of the desert (which lasted forty years), and the crossing of the Jordan River." (Deuteronomy)
             The purpose of the book of Deuteronomy is to show the change in leadership from Moses to Joshua. It was also written to be a witness of God's relationship with the people of Israel.
             Deuteronom...