Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy is the fifth and final book of the Law, traditionally attributed to Moses, and it consists almost entirely of Moses' farewell speeches to the Israelites. The setting is the plains of Moab, just across the Jordan River from the Promised Land. The generation that left Egypt has died in the wilderness; Moses is preparing the new generation to enter Canaan without him.

The book is structured as three long speeches, plus an appendix. In the first speech, Moses reviews the journey from Sinai to the present moment, reminding the Israelites how God has led them and where they have failed. The second speech is the longest part of the book. In it, Moses restates the Law: the Ten Commandments, the central command to love God with all the heart, the laws governing worship, kings, courts, war, and daily life.

The third speech is a covenant ceremony. Moses lays out the blessings that will follow obedience and the curses that will follow disobedience, and calls heaven and earth to witness Israel's choice.

The closing chapters contain the Song of Moses and his final blessing on each of the twelve tribes. The book ends with Moses climbing Mount Nebo, looking out across the Promised Land he will not enter, and dying there. Joshua takes over as leader.