The title comes from Deuteronomy 17:18 which should be translated "a copy of this law". The word itself implies a "second" law giving but this is inaccurate unless the code under which Abraham operated can be regarded as the first "law".

The book concerns the discourses given by Moses late in his life at the time immediately before the Israelites entered the promised land. The discourses were given on the plains of Moab.

The theme running throughout is that God will continue to honour His covenant. Moses calls the people to obedience and reminds them that God brought them out of Egypt, guided them and provided for them whilst they journeyed in the desert. He counsels them to be careful not to follow the pagan ways of the people of the surrounding countries.

They are given further laws and statutes to assist them in their daily life. The are told of the blessings that will come through obedience (28:1 -14) and the cursings that will come through sin (28:15 - 68).

Another aspect of this book which is important concerns prophecy. The words of 18:15 concerning a future great prophet were applied by Peter (Acts 3:22) and Stephen (Acts 7:37) to Jesus. Jesus himself made reference to the book through the words "It is written ... " or, "You have heard that it has been said ... " (Matthew 5:21 etc) which demonstrates the importance that he placed on the Old Testament scriptures, even if he began to fulfil them as the bringer of the new covenant. His insistence that he came to fulfil the law rather than destroy is clearly given in Matthew 5:17 - 20.

Paul places the law in perspective for us in Romans 15:4. It was written for "our instruction ... that we might have hope."