Structure and Rhetorical Aim of Deut 4:32-40: Blending of Historical, Universal, Sensorial and Relational Motifs

Abstract

Various scholars view Deuteronomy 4:32-40 as the climax of Moses' first speech. While the passage has received considerable attention on the literary-critical front and in terms of its theology, the structure of the passage has not received as much scholarly attention, possibly because the structure seems quite simple (Deut 4:32-35, 36-39, 40). The question, however, that has not been adequately addressed is: why does Deut 4:36-39 repeat Deut 4:32-35 in part and what can be deduced from this repetition? The article attempts to answer this question by investigating the occurrence of four primary themes found in the text, namely historical, universal, sensorial and relational themes, each made up of various motifs. It is argued that the blending of these motifs indicates a deliberate development in the structure of the passage. The article concludes by reflecting on the multifaceted rhetorical aim of the text in light of its structure.