Deuteronomy 31
Deuteronomy 31:1-8: Solemn Warnings; Joshua Encouraged As Moses prepares to leave the Israelites, he gives them final words of encouragement and assurance. His time as their leader is ending because God has commanded him not to cross into the Promised Land. Moses, however, is deeply concerned about the people’s future and their faithfulness to God. He reminds them of God’s presence, promises, and power. He also publicly commissions Joshua as their new leader, offering him encouragement and reassurance as he takes on the responsibility of guiding the people into Canaan (Deuteronomy 31:1-8 a).v. 1-2: Moses tells the people that he can no longer serve as their leader. He is 120 years old and has been commanded by God not to cross the Jordan River. Moses recognizes that his time of service is complete and willingly accepts God’s will (Deuteronomy 31:1-2; Psalm 90:10 b). – v. 3: Moses assures the people that although he will not go with them, the LORD will lead them into the Promised Land. God will go ahead of them to defeat their enemies, and Joshua will guide them as their new leader (Deuteronomy 31:3; Numbers 27:18 c). v. 4-5: Moses reminds them of their past victories over Sihon and Og, which were evidence of God’s power and faithfulness. He assures them that God will help them destroy the nations in Canaan and fulfill His promises. The people are instructed to follow God's commands and trust Him to give them victory (Deuteronomy 31:4-5; Deuteronomy 7:2, 12:2 d). – v. 6: Moses tells the people to be strong and courageous because God will never leave them or forsake them. With God leading them, they have no reason to fear their enemies. This promise of God’s constant presence is also applied to all believers in Hebrews 13:5 e . v. 7: In the presence of all Israel, Moses charges Joshua to be strong and courageous. Joshua’s leadership is affirmed publicly so that the people will respect him and follow his example of faith and bravery. Moses reminds Joshua of God’s promise to help him lead the people and give them the land of Canaan . v. 8: Moses encourages Joshua further, assuring him of God’s constant presence. He reminds Joshua that God will go before him, be with him, and never abandon him. Because of this, Joshua has every reason to face his mission with confidence and courage .Summary: Moses leaves the Israelites with reminders of God’s faithfulness and a call to trust Him fully. He encourages both the people and Joshua to rely on God’s presence and power as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. With God on their side, they have no reason to fear and every reason to be courageous. This message applies to all believers: God’s presence brings strength, courage, and assurance of victory. Through Him, we can confidently face the challenges ahead. Deuteronomy 31:9-13: The Reading of the Law In this section, Moses makes sure that God’s law will be remembered and followed by future generations. He writes down the law and gives it to the priests and elders, so it can be preserved and taught. Moses also commands that the law be read publicly to all the people every seven years, during the year of release at the Feast of Tabernacles. This public reading is meant to help everyone—men, women, children, and foreigners—learn to fear God and obey His commands (Deuteronomy 31:9-13 f).v. 9: Moses writes down the law, possibly including all five books of Moses or at least the book of Deuteronomy. He gives the law to the priests, who are the sons of Levi, and to the elders of Israel. This ensures that the law will be preserved and passed on to future generations (Deuteronomy 31:9; John 1:17 g). v. 10-11: Moses commands that the law be read aloud to all Israel every seventh year, during the year of release and at the Feast of Tabernacles. This is a special time when everyone is free from work and can gather to hear God’s word. The law is to be read by a leader, such as the king or another appointed person (Deuteronomy 31:10-11; Joshua 8:34-35 h; 2 Chronicles 34:30; Nehemiah 8:3 i). – v. 12: The law must be read to everyone—men, women, children, and foreigners living among them. This shows that God wants all people to know His word and learn to respect and obey Him . v. 13: The purpose of this public reading is to teach the next generation to fear God and keep His commandments. Even children who do not know the law yet should hear it, so they can learn to follow God as they grow up . Deuteronomy 31:14-21: Apostasy Foretold In this passage, God calls both Moses and Joshua to the tabernacle to receive important instructions. Moses is told once again that he will soon die. God reveals that after Moses’ death, the Israelites will break the covenant by turning to other gods and worshiping idols. Because of this, God will become angry and allow troubles to come upon them. However, God also prepares a special song for Moses to teach the people. This song will serve as a witness, reminding future generations of God’s faithfulness and warning them against disobedience (Deuteronomy 31:14-21 j).v. 14: God summons Moses and Joshua to the door of the tabernacle. God tells Moses again that he will soon die and instructs him to bring Joshua, who will be presented as the new leader. Moses is glad to introduce Joshua, not jealous of his successor . v. 15: The LORD appears at the tabernacle as a pillar of cloud, showing His presence and approval. This is a special sign, as such visible appearances of God become rare in later times . v. 16: God tells Moses that after his death, the people will forsake Him and worship the gods of the Canaanites. This is described as breaking their covenant with God, like unfaithfulness in marriage. The reason for this apostasy will be their prosperity and comfort, which will make them forget God (Deuteronomy 31:16; Deuteronomy 31:20 k). v. 17: Because of Israel’s unfaithfulness, God will turn away from them. He will no longer protect or bless them, and many troubles will come. The people themselves will realize that their problems are because God is not with them . v. 18: God says He will hide His face from the Israelites when they turn to other gods. Without God’s presence, they will be truly miserable in their suffering . v. 19: God instructs Moses to write a song and teach it to the people. The song will stand as a testimony for God and against the Israelites if they break the covenant. The written word and this song will always remind them of God’s warning (Deuteronomy 31:19; Matthew 24:14 l). v. 20-21: God explains that even before they enter the Promised Land, He knows the people’s hearts and their tendency toward idolatry. The song will serve as a warning and, if they fall away, may help them remember and return to God. God’s word is powerful to reveal and correct the thoughts of people (Deuteronomy 31:20-21; Hebrews 4:12 m; 1 Corinthians 14:25 n). – Deuteronomy 31:22-30: The Song of Moses In this passage, Moses follows God’s command and writes the special song that will warn Israel against turning away from God. God also gives Joshua the same encouragement that Moses gave him earlier: to be strong and courageous. Moses then gives the law to the Levites, instructing them to keep it beside the ark of the covenant as a witness against the people. Moses delivers the song to all Israel, warning them that he knows they will rebel after his death. The song is meant to serve as a constant reminder and warning for future generations (Deuteronomy 31:22-30 o).v. 22: Moses writes the song that God gave him and teaches it to the Israelites, just as God commanded . v. 23: God gives Joshua a charge to be strong and courageous. Even though Joshua will lead a stubborn people, God promises to be with him and help him give Israel their inheritance (Deuteronomy 31:23; Deuteronomy 31:7 p). v. 24-26: Moses finishes writing the law and tells the Levites to place the book beside the ark of the covenant. This book will serve as a witness against the people if they turn away from God (Deuteronomy 31:24-26; 2 Chronicles 34:14 q). – – v. 27: Moses says that he knows how rebellious the people have been against God during his leadership. He warns them to remember their past disobedience so they do not repeat it . v. 28-29: Moses gathers the elders and officers to hear the song and witness his warning. He sadly predicts that after his death, the people will become completely corrupt and turn away from God, leading to disaster (Deuteronomy 31:28-29 r). – v. 30: Moses speaks the words of the song in the hearing of the whole assembly of Israel, making sure that everyone hears God's warning and promise (Deuteronomy 31:30 s).Summary: Moses finishes his work by giving Israel a song that will remind them of God’s faithfulness and warn them about the dangers of disobedience. Even though Moses knows the people may fall away, he is comforted that he has done his duty and that God’s purpose will still be fulfilled.
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