The Book of Deuteronomy was written mostly by Moses
some time between 1440 and 1400 B.C.
just before the Israelites entered the promised land.
Moses is facing a generation that did not live through
Israel's slavery in Egypt, their deliverance
through the Red Sea, or the receiving of the law at Mt. Sinai.
Before the people enter Canaan, he delivers a speech
to remind them of God's promises, the importance
of obeying His law, and how the previous generation
failed to do so.
If Israel follows the law, they will fulfill God's
original calling to Abraham—to be an example of God's
love and blessing to all the nations.
In knowing the people's inevitable failure to keep the law,
Moses points to a heart issue that must be addressed.
The same selfish path that led to disobedience in the garden
will continue to prompt the Israelites
to choose their own path over God's
leading to their nation's destruction.
Moses prophesies the coming of another prophet—
the ultimate prophet—on the other side of Israel's
coming exile, by whom their hearts
will be transformed to love and obey God.