How does Deuteronomy serve as a bridge between the Pentateuch and the historical books?

Answer 1

A:We only need to look at what biblical scholars regard as the history of the Pentateuch and the biblical Books of History to understand the position that the Book of Deuteronomy has in regard to both groups of books.

We all know that the Book of Deuteronomy is one of the five books that form the Pentateuch. In fact the name Deuteronomy means 'Second Law", a reference to laws described here and elsewhere in the Pentateuch. Scholars have also established that the author of Deuteronomy also wote the group of books known as the Deuteronomic History - Joshua, Judges, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings and 2 Kings. Although traditionally regarded as having been written over a period of many centuries by different authors in different times and even different cultures, they actually form a well-integrated set of works that are, in large part, by the same hand. This is the same hand that also wrote the Book of Deuteronomy, making it a bridge between the stories of the Pentateuch and those of the History.

Although Deuteronomy is traditionally regarded as having been written well before the books of history, Deuteronomy 34:10 tells us that this book was actually written long after the establishment of the nation of Israel, when it says, "And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses ..." The books of history follow in the order of the chronology they relate.

Answer 2

Deuteronomy serves as a bridge between the Pentateuch and the historical books by providing a renewal of the covenant with the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. It reviews key laws and instructions given in the preceding books and emphasizes the importance of obedience to God. This sets the tone for the historical books that follow, which detail the Israelites' conquest and settlement of the land in accordance with the covenant.