The covenant is the main theological idea in Deuteronomy and perhaps in the whole Old Testament. A covenant was a legal agreement between two or more parties. Each side accepted clear and binding responsibilities. In other words, both sides agreed to keep certain promises.
The covenant at Sinai gave written form to this relationship between the Lord and Israel (Exodus 20–23). In Deuteronomy, Moses explained and expanded this covenant for a new generation. This generation was about to enter, conquer, and live in the promised land.
The Ten Commandments (literally the ten words, “decalogue”) are at the center of the covenant. Because of their importance, they are sometimes treated as equal to the covenant itself.
The first four commandments guide Israel’s relationship with God. The last six commandments guide relationships between people.
two tablets of stone: In the ancient world, people made copies of legal documents for all parties involved. Covenant documents followed this same pattern.
God’s copy was written on two stone tablets. The tablets were placed inside the ark of the covenant in the sanctuary (see Exodus 25:16, 21; 31:18; 40:20; compare Deuteronomy 31:26). Israel’s copy was written in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy (Exodus 20:1–17; Deuteronomy 5:6–21).