"Wellspring of the Word"

 

 ‘Deuteronomy’: The Center of the Old Testament.

 A pastor emeritus and professor of Scripture offers valuable insights on the subject in an article in the Korean Catholic Times, drawing on his experience and studies.

From the Book of Genesis to the Book of Malachi, every single book of the Bible is, of course, important. This is because each possesses its own unique character and value— much in the same way that every limb of our body is precious. Nevertheless, just as the four Gospels—which directly recount the words and deeds of Jesus—hold the utmost importance within the New Testament, so too can Deuteronomy be regarded as the "center of the Old Testament."

Deuteronomy serves as a historical record, recounting the various events that transpired following the Exodus from Egypt; yet it is also a biblical text that imbues that history with its own distinct theological significance. 

Deuteronomic theology exerted a profound influence—both in terms of authorship and theological-historical perspective—upon the subsequent books of the Bible: Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings. Furthermore, Deuteronomic theology is widely believed to have significantly shaped the theological outlook of numerous prophets, including Jeremiah.

Deuteronomy systematically outlines the virtues and conduct expected of God's people. For this reason, it is frequently cited in the New Testament and contributed significantly to the formation of the early Christian community.

In response to the three temptations by the devil (cf. Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13), Jesus repelled the temptations on all three occasions by quoting from the Book of Deuteronomy: “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4; cf. Deuteronomy 8:3). “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test” (Matthew 4:7; cf. Deuteronomy 6:16). “You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him only shall you serve” (Matthew 4:10; cf. Deuteronomy 6:13).

Even when a teacher of the law asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus answered by quoting from Deuteronomy: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37; cf. Deuteronomy 6:5).

I have vivid memories from my student days in Germany, when the primary requirement for selection as a visiting student for a short-term stay in Jerusalem was to recite—in Hebrew—Israel’s traditional confession of faith (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4–7), which begins with the words “Hear, O Israel” (*Shema Yisrael*). “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Keep in your heart these words that I command you today” (Deuteronomy 6:4–6). This serves as both the starting point and the very center of how the people of Israel think and act.

The author of the Acts of the Apostles also cites Deuteronomy to convey that Jesus is the true prophet who fulfills the prophetic ministry of Moses. “Moses said: ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people...’” (Acts 3:22; cf. Deuteronomy 18:15)

Paul, too, quotes Deuteronomy without hesitation: “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart.” (Romans 10:8; cf. Deuteronomy 30:14)

Deuteronomy reveals the secret to becoming wealthy—both as individuals and as a nation: “You will lend to many nations but will not have to borrow from any; you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you.” (Deuteronomy 15:6) Provided, that is, that we live according to the Lord’s will and His word (His statutes)! (cf. Deuteronomy 15:5) The choice, then, is now up to us, isn’t it?