Outline of Deuteronomy

I had known of a structure in Deuteronomy but before now never considered what form it took.  The three commentaries I own focusing on this book all state that the layout is very similar to Suzerain covenants known among the Hittites.  Roughly, it looks like this:

	1.	Preamble (1:1-1:5)
	2.	Prologue and History (1:6-4:42)
	3.	Stipulations a.  General Stipulations (4:43-11:32) b.  Specific Stipulations (12:1-26:15) c.  Affirmation of Stipulations (26:16-26:19)
	4.	Promised Outcome a.  Curses for Disobedience (27:1-26) b.  Blessings for Obedience (28:1-29:1)
	5.	Confirming the Covenant (29:2-30:20)
	6.	Implementing the Covenant (31:1-34:12)

This structure adds depth to the study.  We do not have here just a retelling of what had been given at Sinai but a formalized bond between parties.  This makes sense as there are only three people still living who were adults at the time that the Law was given—Moses, Joshua, and Caleb.  All the others had died in the wilderness.  Presumably, the Levites had been faithful in teaching the people during their 40 years of wandering, but now that the Hebrews were on the verge of entering, a restated covenant was presented with an expectation of formal agreement.