Deuteronomy

Exhortation to obey Yahweh (Deuteronomy 4–11)

David A. Dorsey, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament

1. a
   lessons from Yahweh's awesome acts at Mount Sinai4:1–40exhortation to obey Yahweh and his laws; do not be enticed into idolatry; begins: and now (wəʿattâ); section on blessings and curses (4:25–31); themes: awesome signs etc. that Israel saw (rāʾâ), Israel's love for Yahweh; reminder of what they saw when Yahweh punished sinners at Baal-peor
2. b
   lessons from the first giving of the tablets4:41–5:33remember the first time they were given, with the Ten Commandments; remember Israel's respect for Yahweh at Sinai—and do not lose that respect for Yahweh!
3. c
   don't forget!: lessons from Yahweh's past and future care6:1–25when Yahweh has given you Canaan, do not forget: it was Yahweh who rescued you from Egypt and gave you this land; remember how Yahweh tested you in the wilderness; description of wonderful land of Canaan: houses filled with good things; vineyards and olive groves; warning about when they have eaten and are satisfied; key expression: don't forget (pen-tiškaḥ); begins: exhortation parallel to introduction in 8:1 (6:1–2)
4. d
   CENTER: completely destroy the Canaanites!7:1–26promise of victory; warning against following their ways
5. c′
   don't forget!: lessons from Yahweh's past and future care8:1–20when Yahweh has given you Canaan, do not forget: it was Yahweh who cared for you in the wilderness and gave you this land; remember how you tested Yahweh in the wilderness; description of wonderful land of Canaan: fine houses, vines, and olive oil; warning about when they have eaten and are satisfied; key expression: don't forget (pen-tiškaḥ); begins: exhortation parallel to introduction in 6:1–2 (8:1)
6. b′
   lessons from the second giving of the tablets9:1–10:11remember the second time they were given; remember Israel's sin and disrespect for Yahweh—so that you do not become proud and think Yahweh gave you this land because of your righteousness; you are a stiff-necked people!
7. a′
   lessons from Yahweh's awesome acts in Egypt and wilderness10:12–11:32exhortation to obey Yahweh and his laws; do not be enticed into idolatry; begins: and now (wəʿattâ); section on blessings and curses (11:13–32); themes: awesome signs etc. that Israel saw (rāʾâ), Yahweh's love for Israel; reminder of what they saw when Yahweh punished Dathan and other sinners