This morning (12/3/19), I was reading Doug Wilson's Tuesday letters to the editor posts (HERE) and came across THIS interesting resource on Leviticus and Deuteronomy discussing the Decalogue and covenant as a literary structuring device of Leviticus in its lay out and Deuteronomy in its sermon-esque commentary.
This pointed out the importance of 5 in covenant making.
1. God’s transcendence
2. New order and hierarchy
3. Stipulations
4. Sanctions (blessings and curses)
5. Succession arrangements
The Decalogue can be broken into 2 sets of 5 with the each complementing the other.
I. God is transcendant
II . God is immanent
III. God's name should not be taken lightly
IV. God's rest should not be forsaken
V. God's authorities are good
VI. Do not play God and murder
VII. Do not forsake the one immediate to you (spouse) and commit adultery
VIII. Do not take lightly that which does not belong to you
IX. Do not witness falsely against God's provision
X. Do not disinherit or despise your neighbor
Here is how the author framed it:
1. Initiation, announcement, transcendence, life and death, covenantal idolatry.
2. Restructuring, order, hierarchy, liturgical idolatry, protection of the bride.
3. Distribution of a grant, incorporation, property, law, generally, as maintenance of the grant
4. Implementation, blessings and curses, witnesses, sabbath judgments.
5. Succession, artistic enhancements, respect for stewards, covetousness.
Outlining the sermon structure of Deuteronomy as such:
Covenant/Re-creation Pattern in Deuteronomy
Taking Hold–Transcendence – Initiation, 1:1-5
Historical Overview – Breakdown and Renewal of Order, 1:6-4:43
Stipulations – Given with view to the coming Distribution of the Land, 4:44-26:19
Sanctions – Witnesses, 27-30
Succession – Rest – Enhancements– Continuity, 31-34
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