Deuteronomy 18-34 Twenty Questions

1. What questions do you have about this week’s reading?

2. The Bible takes a very negative view of magic and the occult (Deuteronomy 18:9-13).  Are these practices regarded as “hoaxes”, or is there another reason they are forbidden?

3. What is the test of a prophet? (Deut. 18:21-22)

4. Why is God determined that the cities of refuge should be both accessible and sufficient in number? (Deut. 19:6 and 10)

5. According to the Bible in Deut. 19:16-21, what should happen to one found to be a false witness?

6. What are some reasons that a person might be discharged from going up to battle or war?  (Deut. 20:5-9)

7. What is the penalty for a rebellious son?  (Deut. 21:18-21)

8. How is Deuteronomy 22:8 an early example of the concept of “negligence”?

9. The Bible is sometimes attacked for passages like Deuteronomy 22:28-29 which may offend our modern sensibilities.  Given the context of the culture and surrounding material in chapter 22, why might a provision like this have been included in the Law?

10. What examples of mercy and/or compassion can you find in Deuteronomy 24?

11. What is the connection between Deuteronomy 25:5-10 and the story of Ruth in Ruth 4:1-12?

12. What makes the difference between receiving the blessings of Deuteronomy 28:1-14 rather than suffering the curses of 28:15-68?

13. What is the connection between Deuteronomy 28:49-57 and II Kings 6:24-29 as well as Lamentations 2:20 and 4:10?

14. When in history have we seen the prophetic words of Deuteronomy 30:1-5 fulfilled?

15. How stark is the choice that Moses lays out for the people in Deuteronomy 30:15-20?

16. Who is told to be “strong and courageous” in Deuteronomy 31?

17. What did God give the Israelites in Deuteronomy 31:19-22 to be a witness against them when they sinned?

18. Is Moses optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the people in Deuteronomy 31?

19. Has a hymn or song ever seen you through a tough time or called you back to a place of faithfulness?

20. What challenges would Joshua face in succeeding Moses, who the Bible says was a one-of-a-kind prophet?