 |  |
From another angle, the avenger of blood may be regarded as symbolizing the law,
from whom the man-slayer was not freed until the death of the High Priest.
Chapter 36: brings this book to a close with the added statement already
considered regarding the case of the inheritance passing to the daughter of a family.
Marriage within the tribe is the only restriction; freedom of choice is allowed within
these limits. This may well be taken as an illustration of the vexed question of the
freedom of choice among moral agents. Man must of necessity be free; otherwise he
ceases to be either moral or responsible. His freedom, however, is not absolute but
relative; for God's will shall with certainty be accomplished. Freedom of choice is not
permitted to spoil the inheritance or ourselves or of others, for this inheritance has much
to do with the great purpose of the ages. We ask the reader to observe that we use the
words, "freedom of choice" and not "freedom of will'. Who among us can say "I will"
and not feel how much he is bound by circumstances?
With this survey we conclude our study of the book of pilgrimage; and look forward
with interest to the restatement which is contained in the book of Deuteronomy.
Fundamentals of Dispensational Truth.
(Second Series).
Deuteronomy.
#1.
Structure of the Book.
pp. 234 - 238
We have now reached the fifth book of Moses, called in our version Deuteronomy.
The name given by the Hebrews is usually taken from the opening sentence: Elleh
debarim, "These be the words". The title Deuteronomy was taken by our translators from
the Vulgate Deuteronomium, which in turn was taken from the Septuagint, where, in
Deut. 17: 18, the words, "A copy of this law" (Hebrew: Mishneh Hat-Torah) are
translated by Deuteronomium, meaning, "A repetition of the law". This title indicates
very clearly the general purpose of the book, which is devoted mainly to a rehearsal of
the law upon the threshold of the land of promise. Of all the suggested outlines and
subdivisions that we have examined, none seems to keep so close to the actual
subject-matter as that given in The Companion Bible.
The literary structure given in The Companion Bible is as follows:--
A | 1: 1-5. Introduction.
B | C | 1: 6 - 32: 47. The Tribes. Their administration.
D | 32: 48-52. Moses. His death announced.
B | C | 33: 1-29. The Tribes. Their blessing.
D | 34: 1-7. Moses. His death accomplished.
A | 34: 8-12. Conclusion.