Book of Deuteronomy — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 34 · Written by: Moses · Approximate date: c. 1406 BC · Theme: Covenant Renewal
Summary of the Book of Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy records Moses' farewell address to Israel before entering Canaan, recalling their history and renewing the covenant with a passionate call to love and obey Jehovah with the whole heart.
Why the Book of Deuteronomy Matters Today
Deuteronomy contains the Shema — 'Jehovah our God is one Jehovah' (Deuteronomy 6:4) — which Jesus identified as the greatest commandment. Moses' farewell warnings about prosperity making Israel forget Jehovah (Deuteronomy 8:10–14) speak directly to materially comfortable Witnesses today. The book also predicts a 'prophet like Moses' (Deuteronomy 18:15–18), a key Messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ and referenced in early Christian preaching (Acts 3:22). For personal study, Deuteronomy is one of the richest books for understanding what wholehearted devotion to Jehovah looks like in practical, daily life.
Key Verses in Deuteronomy
- Deut 6:4–5
- Deut 28:1–2
- Deut 30:19
Notable Passages in Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy 6:4–5
The Shema — 'Jehovah our God is one Jehovah' — is the cornerstone of Israel's monotheistic faith and Jesus' own summary of the greatest commandment.
Deuteronomy 28:1–2
Jehovah's promise of abundant blessing upon full obedience demonstrates the direct connection between covenant faithfulness and divine favor.
Deuteronomy 30:19
Jehovah's call to 'choose life' places before every person the personal responsibility to align their will with Jehovah's standards.
Study Questions for Deuteronomy
As you read the book of Deuteronomy, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- Why did Moses emphasize that Israel should love Jehovah 'with all your heart and all your soul and all your vital force' (6:5), and how does this apply today?
- What does Deuteronomy 18:15–18 say about a prophet like Moses, and how was this prophecy fulfilled by Jesus Christ?
- What warnings did Moses give about the dangers of prosperity making Israel forget Jehovah, and how do those warnings apply to us today?
- How does Moses' farewell song (Deuteronomy 32) describe Jehovah's qualities, and what lessons can we draw from it?
- What does Moses' covenant renewal ceremony teach about the importance of regular reminders and personal recommitment to Jehovah's laws?
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy
- Who wrote the book of Deuteronomy?
- Moses wrote Deuteronomy around 1473 BCE on the plains of Moab. Joshua likely added the closing account of Moses' death in chapter 34.
- When was the book of Deuteronomy written?
- Deuteronomy was written approximately 1473 BCE in the final months before Israel crossed the Jordan into Canaan, covering about two months of farewell discourses by Moses.
- What is the main theme of Deuteronomy?
- Deuteronomy is Moses' impassioned call for Israel to love Jehovah with the whole heart and to remain loyal to the covenant. It restates the Law and warns of the consequences of forgetting Jehovah after entering the Promised Land.
How to Study Deuteronomy with JW Study
Track your progress through all 34 chapters of Deuteronomy in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include Deuteronomy
The book of Deuteronomy is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Read all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today
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