The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth and final book of the Pentateuch. The original name given to this book was “These are the words” which was taken from the first verse (Deut. 1:1). The name Deuteronomy is made up of two Greek words “deuteros” and “nomos” mean “Second Law” when put together. The reasoning behind the name Deuteronomy is due to Moses repeating the Law to the new generation as they approached the Promised Land.
The generation that was brought out of Egypt was dead. The new generation was now ready to take possession of the Promised Land. For that reason Moses recounted the previous generation’s exploits and failures (Num. 1-3). Their failures would serve as a reminder to the new generation. God remained faithful despite the previous generation’s unfaithfulness. Therefore, the purpose of Deuteronomy is to call the new generation to faithfulness.
Furthermore, Israel’s faithfulness was contingent upon their obedience to the Law. Moses didn’t give them a new Law, or an updated Law, rather the new generation was given the original Law. It wasn’t the Law that failed the previous generation; it was the previous generation that failed to obey the Law (Heb. 3:16-19). Their obedience to the Law needed to be mixed with faith (Heb. 4:2). Their lack of faith led to their failure to take possession of the Promised Land. The Lord, and Moses, weren’t going to allow another generation to die in the wilderness, thus the Law is given a second time.
We see this same principle applied in the New Testament. The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:1-2). The success of the Church is dependent upon teaching the next generation the Word of God. If we fail to teach them the Bible, then we can’t be surprised if they perpetually wander the wilderness of the world.
We should be thankful for those who have taught us the Word of God. I’m thankful for faithful pastors who have preached the Bible to me. I’m grateful for Sunday School teachers who patiently taught the Bible to me. I’m indebted to leaders who have invested in my life and ministry. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am.