These are the words that Moses spoke: Although the book of Deuteronomy follows the pattern of a covenant or treaty document, it is mainly a series of speeches. Moses delivered these speeches to the whole assembly of Israel.
Arabah: This is a common word usually translated as “wilderness” or “desert.” In general, the Arabah refers to the Great Rift Valley. This valley stretches from the Sea of Galilee south to the Red Sea, also called the Gulf of Aqaba. In this passage, the word refers to the dry land near the lower Jordan River, just north of the Dead Sea.