Deuteronomy facts for kids

Deuteronomy is an important book in the Bible. It is the last of the five books written by Moses. This book tells the story of Moses, the Israelites, and their journey with God. It is also part of the Torah, which is a central text in Judaism. The original Hebrew name for the book is Dbariym, which means 'people of the Word.'

Moses Speaks to the Israelites

The book of Deuteronomy starts with words spoken by Moses. He spoke to the Israelites in the wilderness, which was east of the Jordan River. Moses reminded them that they had often been rebellious towards God. Because of this, God made them travel for a long time. This part of the story happens in their fortieth year of traveling.

Lessons from the Journey

Moses explained everything that had happened during their long journey. He reminded them about times they had disobeyed God. He also gave them God's Law, which teaches them what they should and should not do. These laws were given to Moses directly by God. You can learn more about some of these laws in the Ten Commandments.

The Law warns people not to worship other gods. It clearly states that all Israelites must obey God alone. Moses also warned them against worshipping idols. He commanded them to treat the poor, foreigners, and orphans with kindness. Moses promised that if the Israelites obeyed God, they would be successful and happy. However, he also predicted that future generations might suffer if they disobeyed. But he also said that one day, the Israelites would return to God.

The Law Written Down

God told Moses to write down the Law on stone tablets. This was so the Israelites would always remember it. After this, Moses officially made Joshua, son of Nun, the new leader of the Israelites. God also gave Moses a special song to sing. Moses was asked to teach this song to the Israelites. The song would help them remember how they had sometimes gone against God.

The End of Moses' Life

Moses was very old, 120 years old, at this time. He knew he was going to die because God had told him. So, before he passed away, he gave a special blessing to all twelve tribes of Israel.

Moses Sees the Promised Land

Finally, God asked Moses to climb Mount Nebo. From the top of the mountain, God showed Moses all the land He was giving to Israel. Moses and his brother Aaron had disobeyed God earlier. Because of this, Moses was not allowed to enter the promised land himself. He could only see it from afar.

Moses died on Mount Nebo. The Israelites mourned for him for thirty days. After this time, Joshua began to lead Israel, following God's commands.

Different Versions of Deuteronomy

You can find the book of Deuteronomy in many different versions and translations.

• Jewish translations
• Christian translations
  • Deuteronomy at Wikisource (Authorized King James Version)

Images for kids

• 

  Moses receiving the Law (top) and reading the Law to the Israelites (bottom)

• 

  Moses viewing the Promised Land, Deuteronomy 34:1–5 (James Tissot)

• 

  The Book of Deuteronomy, Debarim. Hebrew with translation into Judeo-Arabic, transcribed in Hebrew letters. From Livorno, 1894 CE. Moroccan Jewish Museum, Casablanca.

See also

In Spanish: Deuteronomio para niños