Deuteronomy describes the end of the desert wanderings of the Hebrew people and it provides a record of Moses' last words, underscoring the law, before his death.

In chapters 4-11, Moses emphasizes the necessity of absolute allegiance to God.

In chapter 6 verses 4-5, we find one of the most famous verses in the Old Testament, known in Hebrew as the shema: Hear, O Israel. The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

These famous words are echoed in Matthew 23:37, Mark 12:30, and Luke 10:27.

Much of Deuteronomy contains laws instructing Israel and its leaders in righteousness and providing the basis upon which Israel's kings are to be judged.

Sadly, Israel failed to follow the precepts set forth in Deuteronomy to be a righteous nation, and as a result, Israel took upon itself the curses described in hapters 27-29.

The blessing and curses for obedience and disobedience are a final warning by Moses to the people not to stray from obeying God.

Chapters 31-34 describe the change of leadership from Moses to Joshua that followed Moses' death.

The law as presented in Deuteronomy differ from Exodus. The fourth commandment to keep the Sabbath is a bit different in Deuteronomy 5 than in Exodus 20.

In Deuteronomy 20:10-20, God gives the Israelites instructions for the conquest of the land of Canaan. If the city accepts the terms set forth, then its inhabitants are to become slaves to the Israelites. Or, if they resist, then the inhabitants must be killed. Such strong terms may be difficult to understand and accept; yet we must embrace the fact that God is sovereign and His divine will is not to be resisted.