Introduction
2. Exhortation to love Yahweh ch. 6
John Walton suggested that chapters 6-26 expand the Decalogue with the intent of addressing the spirit of the law. [Note: John H. Walton, "Deuteronomy: An Exposition of the Spirit of the Law," Grace Theological Journal 8:2 (Fall 1987):213-25.] He believed the structure of the book supports his contention that the writer chose exemplary cases. Moses intended to clarify the attitudes implied by the Ten Commandments rather than only giving specific commands on a variety of subjects. This writer identified four major issues that he believed the Decalogue addresses and around which chapters 6 through 26 seem organized. He saw the structure of this section as follows.
| Major issues | Godward | Manward |
| AUTHORITY | Commandment 1 (expounded in chs. 6-11) | Commandment 5 (expounded in Deuteronomy 16:18 to Deuteronomy 18:22) |
| DIGNITY | Commandment 2 (expounded in ch. 12) | Commandments 6, 7 & 8 (expounded in chs. 19-21; Deuteronomy 22:1 to Deuteronomy 23:14; and Deuteronomy 23:15 to Deuteronomy 24:7 respectively) |
| COMMITMENT | Commandment 3 (expounded in Deuteronomy 13:1 to Deuteronomy 14:21) | Commandment 9 (expounded in Deuteronomy 24:8-16) |
| RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES | Commandment 4 (expounded in Deuteronomy 14:22 to Deuteronomy 16:17) | Commandment 10 (expounded in Deuteronomy 24:19 to Deuteronomy 26:15) |
Walton’s basic thesis appears sound, but some of his conclusions seem questionable to me.
"Before the principles, that is, the general stipulations, of the covenant are spelled out, Moses devotes a great deal of attention to describing their nature and how they are to be applied and transmitted. Thus once more the strictly ’legal’ or technical parts of the document are set within a hortatory framework as part of a major Mosaic address." [Note: Merrill, Deuteronomy, p. 160.]
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