‘Deuteronomy’ is a misnomer, it means ‘the second law’. The name is taken from Deuteronomy 17:18 where the expression really means having a copy of the law. Deuteronomy is therefore not a second, different, law but a renewal of the covenant made on Mount Sinai. For a people on the brink of entering their promised land Deuteronomy confirmed God’s gracious promises as they prepared for new horizons and adventures:

Allan Harman shows the covenant structure of Deuteronomy throughout its 5 key sections

• Historical introduction (1:1 to 4:49)
• The Foundation of the Covenant Relationship (5:1 to 31)
• The Exposition of Ten Commandments (6:1 to 26:15)
• The Re-affirmation of the Covenant (27:1 to 30:20)
• The Continuation of the Covenant (31:1 to 34:12)

Allan Harman has recently retired from the posts of Principal and Professor of Old Testament at the Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne Australia. He has taught graduate courses at Ontario Theological Seminary, Toronto and Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson.