Introduction

The title of the book. In the Hebrew text the fifth book of Moses is called:

1) “Elle-haddabarim” (“These are the words”), or in abbreviated form: “Debarim,” — corresponding to the opening words of the book; alongside this, in the language of the rabbis:

2) “Mishneh ha-Torah” (“Repetition of the Law”), — by the character of its content;

3) “Sefer tokahot” (“Book of Reproofs”), for the same reason.

The character of the book’s content is indicated by its titles in the translations as well: Greek, Latin, Slavonic, Russian. In the Greek Bible the fifth book of Moses bears the name “Deuteronomion” (“Deuteronomy”), in the Latin: “Deuteronomium” (“Deuteronomy”), and in the Slavonic and Russian: “Vtorozakonie” (Deuteronomy).

Its content. The dominant content of the book of Deuteronomy is a reproduction of the historical and legislative material of the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers (with the inclusion, in places, of certain new legislative provisions). The purpose of this reproduction is to refresh in the memory of the young Hebrew generation the instructive moments of divine providence toward the chosen people and the laws given to them. The same instructive purpose is also served by the prophetic speeches of rebuke and exhortation placed at the conclusion of Deuteronomy. On the whole, Deuteronomy represents the detailed deathbed testament of a wise and experienced leader, endowed with inspiration from above, to the young and unstable Hebrew people.

The time and place of the delivery of the speeches of Deuteronomy are noted in the opening verses of the first chapter of the book.