001 - Deuteronômio, portal da Obra Historiográfica Deuteronomista

Summary

In this lecture, Professor Cláudio Martins explores the profound relationship between the book of Deuteronomy and the historical books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, known as the Deuteronomistic History. He explains how Deuteronomy not only concludes the Torah but also introduces key theological themes that shape Israel's history, such as the centralization of worship in Jerusalem, the Shema's monotheism, and the importance of covenant obedience. These principles are explored through Israel's successes and failures in the historical books, with a focus on how their obedience or disobedience to God's commandments directly impacts their fate in the land.

Takeaways

• 😀 Deuteronomy both concludes the Pentateuch and introduces the 'Deuteronomistic History' (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings), which follows its theological principles.
• 😀 The 'Deuteronomistic History' refers to the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, written from a perspective rooted in the theology of Deuteronomy.
• 😀 Deuteronomy establishes the centralization of worship in Jerusalem, emphasizing that the only legitimate place of worship for God is where He chooses, which later becomes Jerusalem.
• 😀 The Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:4, is a key monotheistic declaration in Israel’s faith, stating that God is one and there is no other.
• 😀 The book of Deuteronomy stresses that Israel’s obedience to God’s commandments is directly tied to their prosperity and possession of the land.
• 😀 Throughout the historical books, Israel's disobedience leads to their defeat and eventual exile, demonstrating the consequences of breaking the covenant with God.
• 😀 The loss of Israel's land and the destruction of the temple are portrayed as consequences of disobedience, fulfilling the warnings laid out in Deuteronomy.
• 😀 Deuteronomy introduces the theological idea that Israel must obey God's commandments to remain in the land He promised to their ancestors.
• 😀 The 'Deuteronomistic History' is marked by cycles of sin, punishment, repentance, and salvation, highlighting Israel's spiritual decline over time.
• 😀 The books of Samuel and Kings illustrate how Israel's relationship with God deteriorated as they increasingly turned to idol worship and deviated from Deuteronomy’s teachings.

Q & A

What is the primary function of Deuteronomy in the context of the Hebrew Bible?

Deuteronomy serves two key functions: it completes the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) and acts as an introduction to the following books of the Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings), often referred to as the Deuteronomistic History.

How does Deuteronomy relate to the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings?

Deuteronomy provides the theological framework for the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, offering principles that guide the evaluation of Israel's history in these books, especially in relation to their faithfulness to God's commandments.

What is meant by the 'Deuteronomistic History'?

The Deuteronomistic History refers to a collection of books, including Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, which share a theological perspective rooted in the teachings of Deuteronomy. These books interpret Israel's history in light of their covenant with God.

What does the term 'Former Prophets' refer to in the Jewish tradition?

In the Jewish tradition, the 'Former Prophets' refers to the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings. These books are considered to be historical narratives rather than prophetic writings, but they are still included under the prophetic section in the Hebrew Bible.

Why is Deuteronomy considered a 'gateway' to the historical books that follow?

Deuteronomy is considered a 'gateway' because it introduces theological themes and principles, such as the centralization of worship and the importance of obedience to God's commandments, which are essential to understanding the narratives in the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings.

What is the significance of the Shema in the teachings of Deuteronomy?

The Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:4, is a foundational declaration of monotheism. It emphasizes that there is only one God, and Israel must love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. This principle of monotheism is central to the Deuteronomistic History and the faith of Israel.

How does the concept of obedience to God's commandments play out in the Deuteronomistic History?

Obedience to God's commandments is crucial in the Deuteronomistic History. Israel's success and prosperity are tied to their faithfulness to God, while disobedience leads to punishment, defeat, and ultimately exile, as seen in the narratives of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings.

How is the idea of centralizing worship in Jerusalem introduced in Deuteronomy?

Deuteronomy establishes that Israel should worship God only in the place He chooses, which will later be identified as Jerusalem. This principle of centralizing worship in Jerusalem is reinforced in the Deuteronomistic History, especially during the reforms under kings like Josiah.

What role does the covenant play in the Deuteronomistic History?

The covenant is central to the Deuteronomistic History. The books portray Israel's relationship with God as one of mutual commitment: Israel must obey God's commandments in return for His blessings, while breaking the covenant leads to punishment, including exile and loss of the land.

How does the book of Deuteronomy influence the narrative of Israel's loss of the land?

Deuteronomy provides the theological explanation for Israel's loss of the land. It emphasizes that the land was a gift from God, but disobedience to His commandments and the breaking of the covenant resulted in Israel losing the land, a theme that is explored throughout the Deuteronomistic History, especially in the books of Kings.