Warren D. Carter

Vienna Int’l Chapel

13.April.03

What Does God Want from Us ?

Deuteronomy – Purpose

Theological: The book of Deuteronomy is clearly spiritual, but is also deeply theological. It is an intensely warm interpretation and application of the nature of our relationship to God. He reveals His intent for His people by way of establishing a covenantal treaty. Additional concepts of the holiness of God, His rule over history, worship, and the notion of “the people of God” are each emphasized and discussed in some detail – e.g., what it means to belong to the Lord, or be His treasured inheritance, or be redeemed from bondage, or see His promises fulfilled in our midst.

Societal: Essentially, Deuteronomy is a national constitution of sorts – it includes a series of laws but it is not a law code. Rather, it is intended to be used as a basis for on-going religious education and instruction in the emerging nation of Israel. It is a comprehensive attempt to reform, communicate, and propagate the fundamental nature of the Jewish faith by means of a program of religious education that covered everyone – from kings to children. Consequently, it is a work of extraordinary literary coherence, poetic beauty and majesty, and political sophistication.

Perhaps more importantly, this book establishes the foundation for all subsequent revelation regarding the believer’s way of life that is acceptable to God. The Lord wanted to make sure that the people would never doubt the high moral and spiritual standards that He required. Not inconsequently, there is also a significant influence over the rule of law that has grown up in Western civilizations – esp. pertaining to the rights of man in a society that is free from coercion – that stems from the character of God and His disposition toward man as evidenced in Deuteronomy.

Covenantal: Deuteronomy follows the pattern of suzerain- or vassal-treaties dating from 2000 b.c. in the Near East. When a king or ruler made a treaty with a conquered country, he would offer its people: protection, care, and occasionally relationship. There were often nine sections.

a. a preamble and introduction of the king

b. a historical record of the king’s dealings with the people/ subjects

c. a general requirement for a pledge of allegiance

d. specific requirements outlining how the subjects are to demonstrate their allegiance

e. a provision for the safekeeping of the treaty, often in a holy place or sanctuary of the people

f. arrangements for periodic public readings of the covenant

g. stipulations for the potential updating of the specific requirements, as might be necessary

h. a section for divine witnesses to the agreement

i. consequences – the blessings and curses that would follow obedience and disobedience

Pastoral: While Deuteronomy generally follows this vassal treaty form, it is much warmer, personal, exhortational, and expositional in nature. It is more like a sermon, where Moses is trying to impress God’s Word upon the hearts of the Israelites – God’s chosen people. He so wanted the people to enact or validate (or renew?) their covenant with God, that was originally made at Sinai … to make a fresh commitment to God – so that they could enter the Promised Land and enjoy blessed lives in fellowship with Him. But that commitment was not to a sterile set of laws, but to a life of real spiritual depth and richness – motivated by a loving knowledge of the God of the Universe … willingly responding to the call of the Lord.

Dt purpose - What Does God Want from Us

29.3.03