Deuteronomy 31 Commentary

Moses addressed all Israel to tell them that his time leading them was coming to an end and that Joshua would succeed him and lead them into the Promised Land. He encouraged them to be strong and courageous because the Suzerain God (the LORD) will accompany them and will not fail them.

In the presence of all the Israelites, Moses presented Joshua as his successor and commands him to be strong and courageous because the LORD promised to be with him and support him.

Moses then instructed the priests and the elders of Israel to perform a covenant renewal ceremony every seven years. They were to read the law in front of all of Israel in their hearing

The LORD summoned Moses and Joshua to the tent of meeting in order to commission Joshua as Israel’s new leader. He also asked them to write a song that will serve as a witness against Israel when they turn from the LORD to other gods and break God’s covenant.

After writing down the LORD’s covenant law, Moses commands the Levites to place the scrolls of the law next to the ark of the covenant so that it may serve as a witness against Israel in the LORD’s presence when they fall into idolatry.

Moses speaks the words of the song in the hearing of all Israel from beginning to end.