What did Moses write down as commanded by God?

The book of Deuteronomy is a critical part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah. It serves as a reiteration of the Law for the Israelites, delivered by Moses. The name "Deuteronomy" itself means "second law," reflecting its purpose as a restatement and elaboration of the laws given earlier in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. As Moses approached the end of his life, he was commanded by God to write down the law and other important instructions to ensure that the Israelites would remember and follow God's commandments as they entered the Promised Land.

In Deuteronomy 31:9, it is explicitly stated, "So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the Levitical priests, who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to all the elders of Israel." This verse succinctly captures the essence of what Moses was commanded to write: the law. However, to fully appreciate the scope and significance of what Moses wrote, we must delve deeper into the content and purpose of these writings.

The Law and Its Purpose

The "law" that Moses wrote down includes a comprehensive set of commandments, statutes, and ordinances designed to guide the Israelites in their covenant relationship with God. This law encompassed various aspects of life, including moral, ceremonial, and civil regulations. The purpose of these laws was multifaceted:

1. Moral Guidance: The laws provided a moral framework for the Israelites, emphasizing justice, mercy, and righteousness. Key components of this moral guidance include the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:6-21), which serve as the foundational ethical code for the Israelite community.

2. Ceremonial Observances: The laws also detailed the religious practices and rituals that the Israelites were to follow. This included instructions for sacrifices, festivals, and other forms of worship that were essential for maintaining their covenant relationship with God. For example, Deuteronomy 16 outlines the observance of Passover, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles.

3. Civil Regulations: The laws provided guidelines for the social and civil organization of the Israelite community. These regulations addressed issues such as property rights, justice in legal matters, and the treatment of foreigners and the poor. Deuteronomy 24, for instance, includes laws about marriage, loans, and justice for the oppressed.

The Covenant Renewal

A significant portion of what Moses wrote down involved the renewal of the covenant between God and the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 29:1, we read, "These are the terms of the covenant the Lord commanded Moses to make with the Israelites in Moab, in addition to the covenant he had made with them at Horeb." This covenant renewal was crucial because it reaffirmed the Israelites' commitment to God and His laws as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

In Deuteronomy 27 and 28, Moses instructed the Israelites to set up large stones coated with plaster upon crossing the Jordan River and to write the words of the law on them. This act served as a physical and symbolic reminder of their covenant with God. Additionally, Moses outlined the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, emphasizing the consequences of their choices (Deuteronomy 28).

The Song of Moses

Another significant component that Moses was commanded to write down is the Song of Moses, found in Deuteronomy 32. God instructed Moses to teach this song to the Israelites as a witness against them (Deuteronomy 31:19). The song serves as a poetic summary of God's faithfulness, the Israelites' rebellion, and the consequences of their actions. It is both a reminder of God's justice and a call to repentance.

The Song of Moses begins with an invocation to heaven and earth to listen (Deuteronomy 32:1-3), and it proceeds to recount God's care and provision for Israel (Deuteronomy 32:4-14). It then transitions to a lament over Israel's unfaithfulness and the resulting judgment (Deuteronomy 32:15-25). The song concludes with a promise of God's ultimate vindication and restoration of His people (Deuteronomy 32:26-43).

The Book of the Law

Moses' writings, collectively referred to as the "Book of the Law" or "Book of the Covenant," were intended to be a lasting witness for future generations. In Deuteronomy 31:24-26, we read, "After Moses finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord: 'Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God. There it will remain as a witness against you.'" This placement beside the ark signified the law's enduring significance and its role as a divine standard for the community.

The Role of Deuteronomy in Later Scripture

The writings of Moses in Deuteronomy had a profound impact on the subsequent history and literature of Israel. The themes and laws of Deuteronomy are echoed throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the prophetic books. For example, the call to love God with all one's heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5) is a recurring theme in the prophetic exhortations to faithfulness (e.g., Jeremiah 29:13).

Moreover, Deuteronomy's emphasis on covenant loyalty and social justice influenced the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament writers. Jesus quoted Deuteronomy during His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), and He affirmed the central commandment to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40).

Conclusion

In summary, Moses wrote down a comprehensive body of laws, instructions, and covenantal terms as commanded by God. These writings, encapsulated in the Book of Deuteronomy, served to guide the Israelites in their relationship with God and each other. They included moral, ceremonial, and civil regulations, a renewal of the covenant, the Song of Moses, and were intended to be a lasting witness for future generations. As such, Deuteronomy holds a pivotal place in the biblical canon, shaping the faith and practice of God's people throughout history.