Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy is a significant book which is often quoted in the New Testament with 195 citations. It establishes many concepts that have influenced religious thought and life of ancient Israel, Jews and Christians down through the ages. Moses is generally considered the original author, with the final chapters completed by a theocratic officer, possibly Joshua, who recorded both the death and the song of Moses.
The greatest commandment to Jesus and Christians, and the creed of Israel, known as the Shema, are recorded in Deut. 6:4,5. The words are upon the hearts of all of God's people, who are instructed to teach them diligently to their children, and Jesus names this commandment as the first and the greatest in Matthew 22:37.
Another major thought contained within this chapter concerns the covenant relationship between the LORD GOD and His chosen and called people, and the obligation they had to obey His commandments. Both the rewards for obedience and the punishments for disobedience are clearly laid out to His people.
The substance of the three addresses of Moses to God's people as they awaited the final instructions to go over and possess the land God had promised to their fathers is recorded. This exciting and momentous occasion is captured in and forms one of the themes in this fifth book of Moses.