Deuteronomy, the word means "second law," is a repetition of the Law given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, recorded in the Book of Exodus.
Why did God repeat himself?
Thirty-eight years later, at a different place and time, as they were on the brink of entering the promised land, Moses enunciated the Law to a new generation--with a new task and a new perspective. The same Law, but now re-interpreted to a people about to undertake the greatest challenge of their lives.
Why do we repeat ourselves to others? Perhaps because they haven't yet come to a full understanding of what was said the first time. It is also true, as a French philosopher once observed, it is one of the functions the human mind to forget. So the re-emphasis, the reminder, and a rededication to these first principles becomes not only helpful, but necessary.
Thus bold Moses said:
"And now, O Israel, give heed to the statutes and the ordinances which I teach you, and do them, that you may live, and go and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, gives you." Deuteronomy Ch. 4, vs. 1.
Do we need to hear that again?
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