Exegesis Of Deuteronomy 7: 1-11

Biblical Exegesis – Deuteronomy 7:1-11 “A Chosen People”

In the Hebrew Bible, the Book of Deuteronomy is the last volume of the Chumash.

The English derivative comes from the name that the book was given in the Septuagint (Δευτερουόμιου) and in the Vulgate (Deuteronomium). It is based on the inaccurate Septuagint translation of “mishnah ha-torah ha-zot" (Deut. 17:18), which according to traditional Hebrew grammatical rules should mean "a repetition [i.e. a copy] of this law." The Septuagint refers to it thus – τὸ Δευτερουόμιου τοῦτο – as though the expression meant "this repetition of the law." “While the name is a mistranslation, it is not inappropriate; for the book does include . . . a repetition or reformulation of a large part of the laws found in the non-priestly sections of Exodus.” (Craigie, 1976, p. 17)

The title of the book comes from its opening phrase – "Eleh ha-debarim" – which translates into English as "these are the words" (see Deuteronomy 1:1). This turn of phrase borrows from the Ancient Near Eastern Suzerain or Vassal Treaties that existed at the time between rulers of differing status. “These treaties or ‘covenants’ were witnessed by both humans and deities, and were proclaimed by public reading.” (McGinn, 2009)

Garret emphasises the view, previously referred to by McGinn (2009), highlighting the literary format of the writing of Deuteronomy. “Deuteronomy has long been recognised as a Suzerainty treaty form that was used only in the second millennium B.C. Accordingly, there is a strong possibility that an exilic or post-exilic author

could not have even known about the format, in which to author Deuteronomy.” (Garrett, 2003, pp. 85-86)

Following Jewish tradition, passages within the Book of Deuteronomy ha...

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...the Canaanites? Revelation 21:3 indicates that YHWH had chosen the Promised Land for a purpose: "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people." (Rev. 21:3). YHWH chose the land of the Canaanites as the Promised Land, the place upon which his tabernacle would reside with His people. It was to be holy ground, and so had to be purged through blood and fire to ensure that it was fit for such a purpose.

The reason YHWH gives the people to engage in this ‘holy war’ can be found in Deuteronomy 7:6; "For you are a people holy to the Lord your God." In this instance, to be holy meant to be separate. The Israelites were unique and singular owing to their acknowledgement and worship of a monotheistic God. In the context of Deuteronomy, the acknowledgement and keeping of the First Commandment was of paramount importance.