The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible. It is part of the Torah or Pentateuch. Deuteronomy consists of Moses‘ final speeches to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. It contains laws, commandments, and exhortations. Though written centuries before Jesus’ birth, Deuteronomy foreshadows Christ in many ways. This article explores how Jesus is seen in Deuteronomy. We will analyze key themes, prophecies, and typologies that point to Jesus.
Moses as a Type of Christ
Moses is a central figure in Deuteronomy. He is the leader of Israel, the lawgiver, and the prophet. In many ways, Moses is a type of Christ. A typology is a person or event in the Old Testament that prefigures a person or event in the New Testament. Moses’ life and ministry foreshadow Jesus’ life and ministry.
Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Jesus leads us out of slavery to sin. Moses gave the law on Mount Sinai. Jesus gives the new law of love and grace. Moses interceded for the people when they sinned. Jesus is our mediator and intercessor before God. Moses performed miracles, such as parting the Red Sea. Jesus performed greater miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead.
Deuteronomy 18:15-19 is a key prophecy about the coming of a prophet like Moses. This passage says, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.” This prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus. Peter and Stephen both refer to this prophecy in Acts (Acts 3:22-23, Acts 7:37). Jesus is the greater prophet like Moses, who speaks God’s words and brings salvation.
See Also: When Did Moses Receive the Ten Commandments?
The Law and Jesus
Deuteronomy is a book of laws. It contains many commandments that the Israelites were to follow. Jesus said that he came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). The law in Deuteronomy points to Jesus in several ways.
First, the sacrificial system in Deuteronomy foreshadows Jesus’ sacrifice. The Israelites were commanded to offer sacrifices for their sins. These sacrifices were a temporary covering for sin. Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice who takes away the sin of the world. The blood of animals could not fully atone for sin. Only the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, can cleanse us from all sin (Hebrews 10:1-10).
Second, the moral laws in Deuteronomy reflect the character of God. Jesus perfectly embodied these laws. He lived a sinless life and perfectly obeyed God’s commandments. Jesus summarized the law in two great commandments: love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). The laws in Deuteronomy are fulfilled in Jesus’ life and teaching.
Third, the covenant in Deuteronomy points to the new covenant in Jesus. Deuteronomy emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel. This covenant was based on obedience to God’s law. Jesus established a new covenant through his death and resurrection. This new covenant is based on grace and faith in Jesus. The old covenant required obedience to the law. The new covenant requires faith in Jesus’ finished work.
Blessings and Curses
Deuteronomy contains blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience to God’s law. These blessings and curses also point to Jesus.
Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience. The blessings include prosperity, health, and victory over enemies. The curses include poverty, disease, and defeat. These blessings and curses demonstrate the consequences of following or rejecting God’s law.
Jesus took the curse of the law upon himself. Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” Jesus bore the punishment for our disobedience on the cross. Through his sacrifice, we receive the blessings of the new covenant. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
The Promised Land and Rest
The Promised Land is a central theme in Deuteronomy. It represents God’s promise to Israel. The land was a place of rest and blessing. However, the Promised Land also points to a greater spiritual reality. It foreshadows the eternal rest and blessing we have in Christ.
The Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land parallels our spiritual journey. Just as they were delivered from slavery in Egypt, we are delivered from sin through Jesus. Just as they wandered in the wilderness, we face trials and temptations. Just as they entered the Promised Land, we look forward to our eternal rest with God.
Hebrews 4:1-11 explains this connection. It speaks of a “Sabbath rest” for the people of God. This rest is not just a physical place but a spiritual reality. Jesus offers us rest from our labors and burdens (Matthew 11:28-30). In Christ, we find true rest and peace.
The Shema and Jesus
The Shema is a central declaration of faith in Deuteronomy. It is found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” The Shema is a declaration of monotheism and a call to love God fully.
Jesus affirmed the importance of the Shema. When asked about the greatest commandment, he quoted the Shema (Mark 12:29-30). Jesus taught that loving God and loving others are the greatest commandments. In doing so, he reinforced the central message of Deuteronomy.
Jesus also revealed the fullness of the Shema. He showed that the one true God is a Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Shema’s declaration of God’s oneness finds its fulfillment in the revelation of the triune God. Jesus, as God the Son, is part of this divine unity.
The Tabernacle and Jesus
Deuteronomy includes instructions about the tabernacle, the place of worship for Israel. The tabernacle was where God’s presence dwelled among his people. It was a place of sacrifice and atonement. The tabernacle points to Jesus in several ways.
First, the tabernacle was a temporary dwelling. It foreshadowed Jesus, who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14). Jesus is God dwelling among us in human form. He is Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Second, the tabernacle was a place of sacrifice. The sacrifices offered there pointed to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. Jesus is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). His sacrifice is the fulfillment of the tabernacle’s purpose.
Third, the tabernacle was a place of God’s presence. Jesus is the true presence of God. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Through Jesus, we have access to the Father. He is the mediator of a new covenant, bringing us into God’s presence.
The Bronze Serpent
Deuteronomy 21:4-9 recounts the story of the bronze serpent. When the Israelites sinned, God sent venomous snakes among them. Many were bitten and died. The people repented, and God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it on a pole. Those who looked at the bronze serpent were healed.
Jesus referred to this story in John 3:14-15. He said, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” The bronze serpent is a type of Christ. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the bronze serpent, we are healed by looking to Jesus. Jesus was lifted up on the cross, and through his sacrifice, we receive eternal life.
The Rock and Water
Deuteronomy 8:15 and 32:4 speak of God as the rock. In the wilderness, God provided water from a rock to quench the Israelites’ thirst. This rock also points to Jesus.
In 1 Corinthians 10:4, Paul writes that the rock in the wilderness was Christ. Jesus is our spiritual rock. He is the source of living water. In John 4:10-14, Jesus offers the Samaritan woman living water. This living water is the Holy Spirit, who quenches our spiritual thirst.
Jesus is the rock on which we build our lives. He is our foundation and source of strength. Just as the Israelites depended on the rock for water, we depend on Jesus for spiritual nourishment and life.
The Cities of Refuge
Deuteronomy 19:1-13 describes the cities of refuge. These were places where someone who committed manslaughter could flee for safety. They provided protection until a fair trial could be held. The cities of refuge point to Jesus as our refuge.
Jesus is our refuge from the wrath of God. We are guilty of sin and deserving of judgment. But Jesus offers us refuge. Through faith in him, we are protected from God’s wrath. Jesus is our safe place, our protector, and our defender.
Hebrews 6:18-20 speaks of fleeing to Jesus for refuge. He is our hope and anchor. In him, we find safety and security. The cities of refuge illustrate Jesus’ role as our protector and savior.
The Prophet Like Moses
Deuteronomy 18:15-19 is a key prophecy about a prophet like Moses. This prophecy points directly to Jesus. Moses was a great prophet
, but Jesus is the greater prophet. He is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.
Jesus fulfills this prophecy in several ways. Like Moses, he speaks God’s words. He performs miracles and leads God’s people. But Jesus surpasses Moses. He brings a new covenant and eternal salvation. Jesus is the final and greatest prophet.
Peter and Stephen both refer to this prophecy in Acts (Acts 3:22-23, Acts 7:37). They identify Jesus as the prophet like Moses. This prophecy in Deuteronomy points us to Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy is rich with themes, prophecies, and typologies that point to Jesus. Moses’ life and ministry foreshadow Jesus’ greater work. The law, sacrificial system, and covenant in Deuteronomy are fulfilled in Jesus. The blessings and curses demonstrate the consequences of obedience and disobedience, which Jesus addresses through his sacrifice. The Promised Land points to our eternal rest in Christ. The Shema, tabernacle, bronze serpent, rock, and cities of refuge all illustrate aspects of Jesus’ person and work.
As we study Deuteronomy, we see that it is not just a book of ancient laws and history. It is a book that reveals Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s promises. Through Deuteronomy, we gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ mission and our relationship with him. The book invites us to see Jesus in its pages and to trust in him as our Savior and Lord.