ABSTRACT
The Book of Deuteronomy is a restatement of the entire constitution in a more systematic fashion, modified to provide for the edah in its new land. Indeed, the entire book is presented as a constitution that embodies and restates the original covenant. It is hard to know precisely how Deuteronomy served as the constitution of ancient Israel, how it was interpreted and applied. The Bible also discusses the rediscovery of what seems to have been Deuteronomy in the days of Josiah and how Josiah, after reading the book, ordered that its provisions, at least with regard to the Jewish calendar and Jewish worship, be enforced. The constitution is presented as necessary to sustain the very life of the Israelites and their claim to the land that God has given them. The people and their rulers had to know their constitution, had to learn and be familiar with its text and contents.
