The revised edition of the 'Word Biblical Commentary' on 'Deuteronomy 1-11' now also expanded to include chapters 12-21:9.

For centuries the book of Deuteronomy has been studied as a compilation of three sermons followed by three appendices.

In his penetrating new study Duane Christensen states that 'Deuteronomy is best explained as a didactic poem, composed to be recited publicly to music in ancient Israel within a liturgical setting.'

As such, the book can become a window allowing the modern reader to observe the poetical and musical traditions of early Hebrew worshippers.

Christensen's fresh look at this ancient book immerses the reader in a probing analysis of the literary, theological and social issues in the world of Moses' day.

This revised edition now includes commentary on the first part of Deuteronomy's legal code and completely revises and updates the commentary on chapters 1-11 with discussion of the most current research. Especially innovative is this edition's use of evidence from the synagogue's traditional cycle of Torah readings to reveal the structure of the whole book of Deuteronomy.