Chs. 1–11 contain a review of the history of Israel intermixed with an introduction to the Law. A good reminder of what we've read so far, and also some very interesting teaching about the nature and purpose of the Law and the coming conquest.
A very important passage is 6.4–9. Known to Jews as the Shema, it is an ever-present reminder to be faithful to the one true God. It has the same significance for Christians, reinforced by Jesus' teaching that this is the greatest commandment (Mt 21.37).
Chs. 12–26 is the Law proper. According to Kaiser this long section is structured according to the Ten Commandments, an interesting even if not totally convincing suggestion. The table below shows the correspondence (Catholic enumeration):
| 12.1–31 | First (idolatry) |
| 13.1—14.27 | Second (blasphemy) |
| 14.28—16.17 | Third (Sabbath) |
| 16.18—18.22 | Fourth (honor thy father and mother) |
| 19.1—22.8 | Fifth (murder) |
| 22.9—23.18 | Sixth (adultery) |
| 23.19—24.7 | Seventh (theft) |
| 24.8—25.4 | Eighth (false witness) |
| 25.5–16 | Ninth and tenth (coveteousness) |
We find a prophecy of Christ in 18.15 and 18 (cf. Acts 3.22–23; 7.37).
Chs. 27—30 contain the blessings and curses attached to the covenant. Mt. Gerizim became the holy mountain of the Samaritans (Jn 4.20).
Here we find connections with the new covenant: 30.6 promises a circumcision of the heart (cf. Rom 2.29; Jer 31.33; Deut 10.16; Acts 7.51; Col 2.11), which has to do with the obedience given by the Spirit. 30.11–14 is referenced by Paul (Rom 10.6–9); though his interpretation is not totally clear, it does call into question the caricature of the Law as a set of unattainable requirements.