Thank you for the interpretative question, “What new situation is addressed in Deuteronomy 12-26? How do the ten commandments provide a structure to the laws of Deuteronomy 12-26?”
As I reflect on this question of the Ten Commandments and its relevance to Deuteronomy 12–26, the Ten Commandments states the overall principles for the Jewish people and Deuteronomy 12–26 states the detail in fulfilling the Ten Commandments.
Here are some thoughts for one’s consideration:
A. The Worship of God in Exodus 20:1–7 is clarified/amplified in Deuteronomy 12–14.
Exodus 20:1–7 declares who the Jewish people are to worship while Deuteronomy 12–14 declares the place of worship. It is not to be any place that the Jewish people wanted but their worship was to be centralized. They are forbidden to worship any of the Canaanites deities and to tear down the Canaanites deities. The Israelites are only to worship YHWH and to bring their sacrifices to the Tabernacle.
B. The Sabbath Rest by in Exodus 20:8–11 is amplified/clarified in Deuteronomy 15–16.
Exodus 20:8–11 declares a Sabbath rest on the seventh day while in Deuteronomy 15–16 declares a national rest day and restoration for Israel. There is the establishment of the Year of Jubilee where the people and the land rested. It is a time period where the Passover is celebrated in joy and in rest from their labor. The Festivals are highlighted during the time period of resting from their labor.
C. The Honoring of Parents in Exodus 20:12 while in Deuteronomy 17–18 declares honoring of those in authorities.
Exodus 20:12 declares that parents are to honor while in Deuteronomy 17–18 declares honoring persons in authority. There is to be respect/honoring of God in the sacrifices that is brought before the LORD, to the judicial court, the King, to the Priests and Levites and to the Prophet. The Israelites are not to dishonor the ones in office or in place of authority.
D. The Prohibition of Murder in Exodus 20:12 while in Deuteronomy 19–21 declares the process of determining guilt and innocent of a person. There is the city of refuge whereby one can flee to until the case is heard by the judge. The loss of life in battle and the unsolved murder case with the inheritance of the son from a loss of life.
E. The Social Regulation in Exodus 2013–18 while in Deuteronomy 22–26 declares and amplifies the Social Regulation. The Jewish people were not to steal but restore a missing animal or possession to a person. It is not finders keepers, losers weepers. It deals with marriage violation beyond just committing adultery as the accusation of being or not being a virgin, rape, and divorce. It has regulations on the rights of servants that is beyond resting on the Sabbath to the caring of the widows and those in needs. The resting and not coveting expands to providing for the poor and needy in their midst with tithes and offerings.
Moses was explaining and expounding on the Ten Commandments and its ramification for the Jewish people if they were to remain in the land. The obedience to the Law will bring blessings and the disobedience of the Law will bring curses (Deut. 27–30).
SUMMARY: The Ten Commandments is expounded to its application as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The Ten Commandments are the foundations of the Jewish Law and practices.
For more perspectives: