What are the main theological concerns within the Book of Deuteronomy?

Authors Avatar
The book of Deuteronomy is one of the most important and extensive books within the Old Testament. Its content is diverse and explicit, focussing specifically on the introduction of an apparently new and radical theology. One of its primary aims was not, as many OT books had done previously, to initiate and educate a minority of the Israelite people, rather its aim was to teach and manifest the theology of the nation to the nation1; and promulgate a comprehensible religion proposing unrivalled belief in and devotion to YHWH.

Of the theological concerns within the book of Deuteronomy, the doctrine of God is easily the most important, and is explicitly referred to throughout the book. The Deuteronomic writers were trying to initiate the people to a new line of thought, to destroy the superstitious and magical elements present within Israel2. That there were many rival sects within Israel at that time was of great importance for the foundation of Deuteronomic theology. It tried to clearly express the nation's belief in one God, in order to curb the encroaching sects and cults. Chapter 6:5 explicitly asserts that there is in Israel one single God, namely YHWH, and that the Israelites are now part of a monotheistic nation3. From this God emanates power and love, a manifestation of the uniqueness of the God of the Israelites. Various scholars have noted that this was the first assertion of 'practical monotheism' within the Bible. In proposing that the people were now governed by a single God, the Deuteronomists then proceeded to emphasize the superiority of their God with regard to the Gods that were worshipped by the surrounding nations4. The superiority of YHWH necessarily supposed that the Israelites were obliged to obey him, thus re-affirming the Ten Commandments given to Moses by YHWH on Mt.Horeb. YHWH's position was portrayed to the Israelites as one of supreme power, but also one of abounding love and compassion towards his followers. This in turn allowed Deuteronomy to make reference to the punishments applicable to those who did not believe in the God of the Israelites (7:1-5). Such punishments were seen to be wholly necessary for those who turned against YHWH and refused to obey him5.

The refutation of polytheistic beliefs within Deuteronomy naturally led to the rejection of any symbol or object being erected by the people in the place of YHWH (5:8; 4:1-40). The Deuteronomists assumed that YHWH would never fully reveal himself to the Israelites and therefore refuted the formulation of images on the earth that were erected and worshipped as YHWH. Such icons and images were seen to 'impugn the sovereignty of God', representative of a re-working of the unknowable image of God into a specific form to suit the needs of the Israelites6. Such actions were seen as blasphemous by the Deuteronomists, as well as blatantly disregarding the Ten Commandments (5:6-21).

At this point it may be worthwhile to note that Deuteronomy, in the face of the myriad of rival polytheistic sects and cults within the vicinity, developed a rather harsh attitude towards those who were attracted to such cults (12:2; 13:1-5, 6-10; 12:12-18 etc.)7. The theology surrounding YHWH and his insistence on obedience was seemingly formulated with theses sects in mind. The hostility apparent in some parts of the Book (7:1ff, Ch13) was therefore seemingly conditioned by the possible dissolution of Israel through increased interest in other religions. Deuteronomy therefore undertook the task of promulgating belief in YHWH and a monotheistic religion, disowning rival cults and threatening the Israelites with extreme punishment and anguish (again 7:1ff and Ch13). The Israelites were expected to follow YHWH and no other God.
Join now!


Deuteronomic theology then proceeded to re-formulate the previous theology that was promulgated by the Priestly (P) tradition. P had asserted that YHWH dwelled within the sanctuaries of Israel, and that he was present at the sanctuary at all times8. There are many anthropomorphic references to YHWH throughout P, and many references to the immediate presence of YHWH within the sanctuaries (Num.17:28)9. Deuteronomy refuted such declarations, proposing a more abstract theology. Deuteronomy specifically denied the presence of YHWH as a being within numerous sanctuaries throughout Israel, maintaining that there was only one place in Israel where he was to ...

This is a preview of the whole essay