Moses' farewell speeches (Deuteronomy)
Deuteronomy 1–33; Matthew 22:37–38
On the plains of Moab, Moses retold Israel's story, restated the Law for the new generation, and urged them to love God and choose life.
Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God. Yahweh is one. You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.
Deuteronomy 6:4–5 (World English Bible)
Deuteronomy means “second law.” In a series of speeches Moses reminded the children of the Exodus generation what God had done, renewed the covenant, set out blessings and curses, wrote down the Law and gave it to the priests, and taught Israel a song and a final blessing for each tribe.
Jesus quoted Deuteronomy often, including in all three of his answers to Satan in the wilderness, and he called the command below the greatest commandment.
Places
Dating notes
The first day of the 11th month of the 40th year (Deuteronomy 1:3). Ussher's Annals print the fifth day and compute the Julian date as 20 February; since his 40th year runs from autumn 1452, this falls in 1451 BC.