Knowra Book of Deuteronomy Book of Deuteronomy The fifth book of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament presents Moses’ final speeches and laws to the Israelites before their entry into Canaan.
Torah : The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, also called the Pentateuch. Deuteronomy closes this five-book collection and recasts its laws and narratives.
Shema : A Jewish declaration of faith beginning with the words “Hear, O Israel,” from Deuteronomy 6:4. It condenses the book’s call to exclusive devotion to God.
Deuteronomistic reform : A religious reform associated in the biblical account with King Josiah’s reign in Judah. The reform’s central sanctuary policy closely resembles Deuteronomy’s worship laws.
Book of Exodus : The second book of the Bible, recounting Israel’s departure from Egypt and the giving of laws at Sinai. It gives an earlier presentation of laws that Deuteronomy retells and adapts.
Moses : A prophet and leader who, in biblical tradition, led the Israelites out of Egypt. The book frames its speeches and laws as Moses’ final address.
Deuteronomic Code : The collection of laws in Deuteronomy 12–26 governing worship, justice, and communal life. These laws put the covenant’s demands into practical form.
Josiah : A king of Judah who, according to 2 Kings, undertook religious reforms in the seventh century BCE. His reform is linked in the biblical narrative to the discovery of a law book.
Book of Leviticus : The third book of the Bible, centered on Israelite ritual, priesthood, and holiness laws. Its legal material offers a distinct comparison with Deuteronomy’s covenant code.
Israelites : The people who, according to the Hebrew Bible, descended from Jacob and formed ancient Israel. They are the audience addressed as they prepare to enter Canaan.
Centralization of worship : The restriction of legitimate public sacrifice to a single authorized sanctuary. Deuteronomy directs sacrifice to the place God chooses, rather than local altars.
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