Episode Details

December 10, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

In this opening lecture for a new quarter-long class held in the auditorium, the instructor provides a lively, topical overview of the book of Deuteronomy. Rather than proceeding chapter-by-chapter, the course will draw out lasting lessons and themes from Deuteronomy; this episode sets the stage by answering the basic who, what, when, where, how, and why questions and by sharing several trivia-style facts to engage students.

The episode covers authorship and audience (Moses as the primary speaker, with the final chapter likely recorded by another; addressed to the generation raised in the wilderness on the plains of Moab), dating (placed roughly between 1446 and 1406 BC in many traditions), and the meaning of the title (from the Greek Septuagint meaning a “second” giving of the law). The instructor also explains Deuteronomy’s place as the fifth book of the Pentateuch/Torah and notes practical manuscript facts—34 chapters, 959 verses, chapter 28 as the longest, chapter 34 as the shortest, first-word and last-word markers—and how frequently Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy.

Major themes highlighted include the Shema and the call to love God with all heart, soul, and strength; a second reiteration of the law; warnings against idolatry; guidance for kingship; God’s faithfulness in provision; commands to remember and obey; and the covenantal structure of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The instructor emphasizes Moses passing leadership to Joshua as a crucial narrative moment and points to Deuteronomy 18:18 as an early messianic promise pointing beyond the law.

The lecture also sets out how the Old Testament, and Deuteronomy specifically, functions for Christians today: as example and instruction (1 Corinthians 10:6), as Scripture profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16–17), and as a means of revealing sin and pointing to the need for Christ (Romans and Galatians references). The instructor explains that while Christians are under the new covenant, studying the law helps us understand sin, God’s plan, and the coming of the Messiah.

Format and tone: the class promises an interactive, accessible approach with occasional trivia, classroom discussion, and successive sessions that focus more narrowly on key topics such as idolatry, covenant obedience, blessings and curses, and the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. There are no outside guests—this episode is led by the course instructor with student participation—ending on an upbeat note as the group prepares for deeper study in later sessions.

Duration 36:14