As indicated by the web page title, the focus of this website is primarily on Isaiah. However, Deuteronomy provides important context for the study of Isaiah in many ways. Particularly important from a structural perspective are the use of the words “near” and “far” in Deuteronomy. The webpages under the Scriptures tab are focused primarily on tracing the development of the thematic use of the words “near” and “far.”
The structure of Deuteronomy is important as it leads to an understanding of the importance of the words “near” and “far” both in Deuteronomy and in Isaiah. The use of the word “saying” in Deuteronomy also provides important context for Isaiah 45 – 48. The words “near” and “far” are used in Deuteronomy 12 – 14, and Deuteronomy 30:11-14.
I am convinced of the structural use of “near and “far” in Deuteronomy because of the use of “far” close to the center of a structure in Deuteronomy 12, and the return to these words in the large fold-over pattern of Deuteronomy 11:26 – 30:20. This website therefore provides some background information on the structure of Deuteronomy. However, simply reading Deuteronomy 12 and Deuteronomy 30:11-14, is what most readers should first do.
Deuteronomy 12 (also known as the Altar Law) appears to be a primary source of some of the Menorah-Tree structures found in the scriptures, because of the connection to land regions. Deuteronomy 12 is chiastic or is in a Menorah pattern as designated by Duane L. Christensen in his World Biblical Commentary, Volume 6A. (Many patterns are denoted as Menorah patterns in that commentary however, and so further scholar investigation is recommended before stating it is a Menorah-Tree and connecting it with later patterns, without any uncertainty.)
The figure at right (or below) shows the connection to land regions presented as a Menorah, as that arrangement is proposed to be very helpful for understanding the six-woe pattern in Isaiah 28 – 33. Isaiah 28 – 33 is however, in a branch paired arrangement.
This figure has essentially the same stanza divisions as indicated by Christensen, with some slight differences.
For further information on why the passage of Deuteronomy 11:26 - 30:20 is particularly important to understand in preparation for Isaiah, press the link button below to view or download a two-page paper with a helpful chart.
Did you know there is a recognized break between Deuteronomy 11:25 and 11:26?
Knowing little things like this can help you read and understand Deuteronomy!
A few topics are covered in Deuteronomy to help be better prepared for Isaiah. The overall structure of Deuteronomy has bearing for several reasons including that it shows that Deuteronomy 30 can be considered as a concluding chapter to much of the Law, although not the last chapter in all of Deuteronomy.
Basic Arrangement of Deuteronomy
The structure of Deuteronomy is complex. In general, there are three main theories for the structure of Deuteronomy: 1) the discourse or speeches idea, 2) ideas stemming from a comparison to other ancient writings called Suzerain Vassal Treaties, and 3) ideas built up from chiastic and other structures in the book. Basic information on the first two ideas can be found in the Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible. References on those are provided in a forthcoming book.
In a couple of the downloadable Bible studies, an emphasis is placed on a break or transition between Deuteronomy 11:25 and 11:26. Please understand that viewing an otherwise unmarked location as a transition can be helpful to readers of Deuteronomy. Also, the studies help highlight the importance of the words “near” and “far,” and the context of those words in Deuteronomy and the rest of the Torah.
More information on the structure of Deuteronomy may be added later.
For now, go to slides for pastors