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Dr. Brent A. Strawn: Deuteronomy - Moses Amends the Constitution

Regent College Podcast

Chapters
0:23
Conversation Summary
3:16
Introduction to Brent Strawn
6:52
The Four Audiences of Deuteronomy
12:17
What is a Constitution?
15:56
Deuteronomy Compared with ANE Vassal Treaties
20:02
"Arguably" the Most Important Book in the Torah?
27:29
Rhetoric and Repetition
32:40
Contemporary Relevance: Law, Leadership, and the Social Contract
37:09
Heart Change and Compassion Motivated by the Law
41:07
The Individual and Collective Response
43:49
Deuteronomy 17: The Designated Reader Model
52:02
The Gift of Perspective in Studying Theology and Scripture
53:43
The Expansiveness of God: Images, Metaphors and Conceptual Blends
59:19
Many Images for God
1:03:07
Jesus and Deuteronomy
1:11:35
Pedagogical Approaches: Empathy, Evaluation and Attention
1:16:38
Outro
Regent College Podcast
Dr. Brent A. Strawn: Deuteronomy - Moses Amends the Constitution
Jul 10, 2026 Season 7 Episode 28

Our Summer Forecast continues! In this conversation, Dr. Brent Strawn discusses his extensive background in Old Testament studies, particularly focusing on the book of Deuteronomy. He explores its significance within the Torah, its audiences throughout Israel's history, and its unique structure as a covenant document. Brent emphasizes the rhetorical nature of Deuteronomy, its legal framework, and the importance of repetition in its teachings.  In this conversation, we explore the themes of Deuteronomy, focusing on its role in shaping character, the nature of law and leadership, and the importance of heart change. We discuss the contemporary implications of a thin social contract in relation to law and how Deuteronomy encourages a deeper understanding of law as a covenant. Reflecting on Deuteronomy 17, Brent emphasizes the importance of humble leadership and diligent reading of Scripture for pastors and teachers. We also talk about images in the Song of Moses, and how God presents himself through various metaphors and conceptual blends to demonstrate his incomparability. We also touch on Jesus' relationship with Deuteronomy. Finally, Brent shares his pedagogical approach to scripture reading, advocating for empathy and attention in understanding biblical texts without the distractions of technology.


Brent's Bio

Dr. Brent A. Strawn is D. Moody Smith Distinguished Professor of Old Testament and Professor of Law at Duke University. He has edited over thirty volumes, including the award-winning Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Law (2015), and authored seven books and over three hundred articles, essays, and contributions to reference works. His most recent book, co-authored with Walter Brueggemann, is Unwavering Faithfulness: Pivotal Moments in the Book of Isaiah (Westminster John Knox, 2025). An ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, Dr. Strawn has served as a translator and editor for the Common English Bible (2011) and the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (2022). He’ll be here teaching Deuteronomy: Moses Amends the Constitution from Jul 20-24.


Previous Podcast Appearances

A Skeptic in Scripture (May 2024)

Regent College Podcast

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