Deu 31:14-21 | MHM | STEP | 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 ). 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 .

‏ Deuteronomy 31:14-21

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 ^a).

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 ^b).

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 ^c).

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 ^d; 1 Corinthians 14:25 ^e).

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