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Deuteronomy 31

30 verses

TL;DR

Moses delivers his farewell address, commissions Joshua to lead Israel into Canaan, and warns of the consequences of disobedience, culminating in the Song of Moses.

Summary

In Deuteronomy 31, Moses speaks to the Israelites before his death, announcing that he will no longer cross the Jordan and that Joshua will lead the people into the promised land. He urges them to be strong and to trust in God's presence, and commands Joshua to carry the faith and the law. Moses instructs the priests and elders to read the law annually at the Feast of Tabernacles so the next generation will remember it. He then delivers the Song of Moses, a prophetic warning that Israel will fall into idolatry and suffer God's judgment if they do not remain faithful. The song emphasizes the covenant, the consequences of rebellion, and God's ultimate sovereignty. Moses concludes by instructing the Levites to place the book of the law beside the Ark as a lasting witness. The chapter blends exhortation, warning, and instruction, preparing Israel for a new leadership and covenantal renewal.

Outline
  1. Moses' farewell and commissioning of Joshua
  2. Instruction to read the law at the Tabernacles
  3. The Song of Moses and prophetic warning
Themes
Covenant fidelityLeadership transitionProphetic warning
Keywords
MosesJoshuaIsraellawcovenantobedienceidolatryfaithstrength
People
MosesJoshuaLevitespriestseldersIsraelites
Places
IsraelJordanthe tabernacle of the congregation
Things
LawBook of the lawArk of the covenantPillar of cloudSong of MosesCovenant
Key Verses
  • Deuteronomy 31:1: Moses declares his age and inability to cross the Jordan, setting the stage for his farewell.
  • Deuteronomy 31:7: Joshua is called and commissioned as the future leader, emphasizing continuity.
  • Deuteronomy 31:13: Instruction to read the law annually reinforces covenantal remembrance.
  • Deuteronomy 31:17-18: Warning of God's wrath against idolatry shows the seriousness of covenant breach.
  • Deuteronomy 31:20: Reiteration of the covenant’s sanctity and the danger of turning to other gods.
  • Deuteronomy 31:26: Placing the law book beside the Ark makes the covenant visible and enduring.
  • Deuteronomy 31:30: Moses concludes the Song, underscoring its lasting testimony.
Questions
  • Why does Moses emphasize Joshua’s role and call him ‘strong’?
  • What is the significance of the annual reading of the law at the Feast of Tabernacles?
  • How does the Song of Moses serve as both warning and testimony for future generations?
  • In what ways does the placing of the law beside the Ark function symbolically?
  • What does the prophecy about idolatry reveal about Israel’s historical challenges?
  • How does this chapter balance reassurance of God’s presence with the threat of judgment?
  • How can modern readers apply the themes of covenant fidelity and leadership transition today?
Sentiment

mixed
The passage contains exhortatory encouragement and stern warnings, balancing hopeful guidance with grave admonition.