Learn Deuteronomy 31: What It Means and Why It Matters

Chapter Summary: The Point

Deuteronomy 31 records Moses’ final public instructions to Israel as his death approaches. Moses tells Israel that he is one hundred twenty years old and cannot lead them across the Jordan, but God himself will go before them. Joshua is publicly charged to lead the people into the land, and Moses gives him the repeated command to be strong and courageous. Moses writes the law and gives it to the priests, the sons of Levi, and the elders of Israel so that it will be read publicly every seven years at the Feast of Booths. God then calls Moses and Joshua to the Tent of Meeting and announces Israel’s future apostasy. Moses must write a song that will serve as a witness against Israel when they forsake God. The chapter teaches that God’s covenant word must outlast Moses, guide Joshua, instruct every generation, and testify against rebellion.

Outline: The Structure of Deuteronomy 31

• Verses 1-6: Moses tells Israel that God will go before them and Joshua will lead them.
• Verses 7-8: Moses publicly charges Joshua to be strong and courageous.
• Verses 9-13: Moses writes the law and commands its public reading every seven years.
• Verses 14-15: God summons Moses and Joshua to the Tent of Meeting.
• Verses 16-18: God announces Israel’s future apostasy and judgment.
• Verses 19-22: Moses must write the song as a covenant witness.
• Verse 23: God commissions Joshua and promises his presence.
• Verses 24-29: Moses places the book of the law beside the ark as a witness.
• Verse 30: Moses speaks the song to the assembly of Israel.

Context: The Setting

Literary Flow and Genre: Deuteronomy is covenant instruction delivered through Moses to Israel before entry into the promised land. The original audience is the covenant people gathered in Moab, preparing to cross the Jordan under new leadership. Deuteronomy 31 belongs within The Covenant Renewal and Moses’ Final Words, Deuteronomy 27:1-34:12, where Moses sets blessing, curse, covenant witness, succession, song, blessing, and death before Israel. More closely, it begins the final transition section in Deuteronomy 31:1-34:12, where Moses gives leadership to Joshua, entrusts the written law to Israel’s leaders, and prepares the people for life after his death. The genre is covenant narrative joined with legal instruction and prophetic warning. Readers should follow the shifts in speaker, the repeated command to be strong, the role of witnesses, and the movement from Moses’ leadership to the written word of God.

History and Culture: Israel’s future in the land required continuity after Moses. Ancient covenant communities depended on public memory, regular reading, appointed leaders, and preserved documents. Moses gives the written law to the priests and elders because worship, judgment, and teaching must be shaped by God’s word. The seven-year public reading at the Feast of Booths gathers men, women, children, and foreigners so the whole community hears and learns. Deuteronomy 31 follows Moses’ call to choose life in Deuteronomy 30 and prepares for the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32, the blessing of Moses in Deuteronomy 33, and Moses’ death in Deuteronomy 34.

Deuteronomy 31 Commentary: The Walkthrough

Verses 1-2: The Age of Moses

Moses speaks to all Israel and names his age: “I am one hundred twenty years old today.” Moses’ leadership has reached its appointed end. His age marks a completed life of service, from Egypt to Midian to the wilderness and now to Moab.

Moses says he can no more “go out and come in.” That phrase describes public leadership, especially the activity of leading a people in battle and governance. The issue is his office before Israel. The covenant mission continues beyond the servant.

God has told Moses, “You shall not go over this Jordan.” That recalls Moses’ earlier failure at Meribah and God’s judgment in Numbers 20:12. Moses remains God’s servant, and God’s word still rules his future.

Verses 3-4: God Goes Before Israel

Moses says God himself will go over before Israel. Israel’s hope rests on God’s presence, not on Moses’ continued leadership. Joshua will also go over before them, but Joshua’s role stands under God’s action.

God will destroy the nations before Israel, and Israel will dispossess them. Moses points back to Sihon and Og, the Amorite kings already defeated east of the Jordan. Past victory becomes assurance for future obedience.

The mention of Sihon and Og matters because Israel has seen God act in battle. The crossing ahead is new, but God’s faithfulness has already been displayed. Memory strengthens courage when obedience feels costly.

Verses 5-6: Courage for Israel

Moses tells Israel that God will deliver the nations before them, and Israel must act “according to all the commandment” Moses has given. Divine promise and commanded obedience belong together. God gives victory, and Israel must obey his word.

The command follows: “Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them.” Fear is addressed because the enemies are real. Courage in Deuteronomy is covenant confidence grounded in God’s presence.

Moses gives the reason: “for the LORD your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.” The quoted promise becomes a foundation for later Scripture, especially Joshua 1 and Hebrews 13:5. God’s presence sustains obedience after human leaders pass away.

Verses 7-8: Joshua Charged Publicly

Moses calls Joshua and speaks to him “in the sight of all Israel.” Leadership succession is public. Israel must know whom God has appointed to lead them into the land.

Joshua must be strong and courageous because he will go with the people and cause them to inherit the land. The inheritance is God’s oath to the fathers, but Joshua has real responsibility in bringing the people into it. His courage serves the covenant promise.

Moses repeats that God goes before Joshua and will be with him. The command “Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged” addresses the inner burden of leadership. Joshua does not replace God; he serves under God’s presence and promise.

Verses 9-11: The Written Law Read Aloud

Moses writes this law and delivers it to the priests, the sons of Levi, and to the elders. The written word now carries covenant authority forward. Israel’s future will be governed by God’s law after Moses dies.

The priests bear the ark of the covenant, and the elders represent the people’s public leadership. Worship and community rule are joined under the written law. The law belongs in Israel’s public life, not only in private memory.

Moses commands a reading at the end of every seven years, in the year of release, during the Feast of Booths. The year of release already concerned debt relief and covenant mercy. The Feast of Booths remembered God’s wilderness provision. At a season of release and remembrance, Israel must hear the law again.

Verses 12-13: The Whole Assembly Learns

Moses names the audience: men, women, little ones, and foreigners within the gates. Covenant instruction includes the whole gathered community. The public reading is not limited to rulers or priests.

The purpose is layered: they must hear, learn, fear God, and observe all the words of the law. Hearing leads to learning, learning leads to reverent fear, and reverent fear leads to obedience. The pattern resists shallow familiarity with Scripture.

Children who have not known must also hear and learn to fear God. Israel’s future depends on generational teaching. A people without public Scripture becomes a people without covenant memory.

Verses 14-15: Moses and Joshua at the Tent

God tells Moses that his days approach and that he must die. He commands Moses to call Joshua and present themselves in the Tent of Meeting. Joshua’s commission takes place before God, not merely before Israel.

Moses and Joshua obey and present themselves. The Tent of Meeting recalls God’s presence with Israel through the wilderness. The leadership transition is rooted in worship and divine appointment.

God appears in a pillar of cloud at the Tent’s door. The cloud recalls earlier wilderness guidance and presence. The God who led Israel with Moses now stands over the transition to Joshua.

Verses 16-18: The Apostasy Announced

God tells Moses that he will sleep with his fathers, and the people will rise up and “play the prostitute after the strange gods of the land.” Israel’s future sin is described as covenant unfaithfulness. Idolatry breaks covenant love.

God says Israel will forsake him and break the covenant. Judgment follows: anger, divine hiding, being devoured, and many evils and troubles. Israel will recognize that disaster has come because God is not among them.

God then says he will surely hide his face because they turned to other gods. The hiding of God’s face means the withdrawal of covenant favor and protection. The deepest loss in judgment is the loss of God’s favorable presence.

Verses 19-21: The Song as Witness

God commands Moses to write a song and teach it to Israel. The song will testify for God against Israel. It puts covenant truth in their mouths so they cannot plead ignorance later.

God describes the pattern: he will bring Israel into the land flowing with milk and honey, they will eat, be filled, grow fat, turn to other gods, serve them, despise God, and break his covenant. Abundance becomes a test of worship. Fullness can expose a heart that has forgotten the giver.

The song will not be forgotten from the mouths of their descendants. God says he knows Israel’s ways already, before they enter the land. This knowledge does not cancel responsibility. It proves that God’s covenant warning is truthful before the rebellion unfolds.

Verse 22: Moses Writes the Song

Moses writes the song the same day and teaches it to the children of Israel. Moses obeys immediately. The song of Deuteronomy 32 is prepared before Moses dies.

The same day detail shows urgency. God’s word about Israel’s future must be placed in the community without delay. The song will travel with Israel into the land as a witness.

Teaching the song means Israel must receive it orally and communally. Songs preserve memory across generations. God gives Israel a witness they can recite when their history proves the warning true.

Verse 23: Joshua Commissioned by God

God commissions Joshua the son of Nun directly. The command repeats: “Be strong and courageous.” Joshua receives courage from God’s promise, not from personal confidence alone.

Joshua will bring Israel into the land God swore to them. This wording emphasizes God’s oath and Joshua’s duty. The land is promised, and leadership must act in faith.

God says, “I will be with you.” The promise is short and sufficient. The servant of God needs the presence of God more than every other qualification.

Verses 24-26: The Book Beside the Ark

Moses finishes writing the words of this law in a book. He commands the Levites who bear the ark to take the book and put it beside the ark of the covenant. The written law stands beside the covenant sign as a witness.

The ark represented God’s covenant throne and presence among Israel. Placing the book beside it gives the written law formal covenant status. Israel cannot separate God’s presence from God’s word.

The book is “a witness against you.” Witness language runs through the chapter. The law, the song, heaven and earth, and Moses’ own words all stand against future rebellion. God builds testimony into Israel’s life before judgment arrives.

Verses 27-29: Moses Names Israel’s Rebellion

Moses says he knows Israel’s rebellion and stiff neck. He speaks from long experience: “while I am yet alive with you today, you have been rebellious.” Israel’s problem is already visible before Moses dies.

He asks, “How much more after my death?” The question shows pastoral realism. Moses has seen unbelief, grumbling, idolatry, and disobedience through the wilderness years.

Moses assembles elders and officers so he can call heaven and earth to witness. He says Israel will corrupt itself after his death and turn from the commanded way. Evil will come in the latter days because they will do evil in God’s sight and provoke him through their works. The final warning prepares the reader for the history that follows in Judges and Kings.

Verse 30: The Song Spoken to Israel

Moses speaks the words of the song in the ears of all the assembly. The chapter ends with public proclamation. Israel must hear the witness before they enter the land.

The phrase “until they were finished” shows completeness. Moses gives the whole message, not fragments. The covenant people receive the full song as God commanded.

Deuteronomy 32 will give the song itself. Deuteronomy 31 explains why the song exists. God gives warning before judgment and witness before exile.

Timeline: The Dates

• Today: Moses says he is one hundred twenty years old and can no longer go out and come in as Israel’s leader (Deuteronomy 31:2).
• At the end of every seven years: Israel must hear the public reading of the law in the year of release (Deuteronomy 31:10).
• The set time of the year of release: The law must be read during the appointed release year (Deuteronomy 31:10).
• The Feast of Booths: The public reading takes place when all Israel comes to appear before God at the chosen place (Deuteronomy 31:10-11).
• When Moses’ days approach death: God summons Moses and Joshua to the Tent of Meeting for Joshua’s commission (Deuteronomy 31:14).
• The same day: Moses writes the song and teaches it to the children of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:22).
• After Moses’ death: Moses warns that Israel will corrupt itself and turn from the commanded way (Deuteronomy 31:29).
• The latter days: Evil will happen to Israel because of covenant rebellion and idolatry (Deuteronomy 31:29).

Application: The Practice

Personal Faith and Discipleship

1. Trust God beyond leaders | Moses dies, but God goes before Israel and remains with Joshua. Faith rests in the Lord’s presence and word rather than in the permanence of any human servant. References: Deuteronomy 31:1-8.
2. Hear Scripture repeatedly | Moses commands the public reading of the law every seven years so Israel will hear, learn, fear, and obey. Christian discipleship needs repeated exposure to God’s word, not occasional interest. References: Deuteronomy 31:9-13.
3. Receive warning humbly | God gives Israel a song that will witness against future rebellion. The chapter exposes the false confidence that spiritual privilege makes disobedience safe. References: Deuteronomy 31:16-22.
4. Serve with courage | Joshua receives the charge to be strong and courageous because God will be with him. Christian courage grows from God’s presence and promise, especially when obedience feels weighty. References: Deuteronomy 31:7-8, 23.

Church and Community

1. Teach every generation | Moses includes men, women, little ones, and foreigners within the gates. Churches should order their life so children, adults, newcomers, and outsiders hear God’s word clearly. References: Deuteronomy 31:12-13.
2. Preserve public Scripture | Moses writes the law and entrusts it to priests, Levites, and elders. The community of faith must guard the public reading, teaching, and authority of Scripture. References: Deuteronomy 31:9-13, 24-26.
3. Plan faithful succession | Moses publicly charges Joshua before Israel and then Joshua is commissioned before God. Faithful communities should treat leadership transition as a spiritual responsibility under God’s word. References: Deuteronomy 31:7-8, 14-15, 23.

Leadership and Teaching

1. Lead under God’s word | Joshua is appointed to lead, and the written law is placed beside the ark as a witness. Leaders should govern by God’s revealed word rather than personality, force, or preference. References: Deuteronomy 31:7-13, 24-26.
2. Warn without flattery | Moses names Israel’s rebellion and stiff neck plainly. Teachers should address sin with sober clarity, trusting God’s word to expose and correct. References: Deuteronomy 31:16-21, 27-29.
3. Use memory wisely | God gives Israel a song so future generations will remember the warning. In Israel’s setting, faithful teaching used public reading and song; in Christian practice, worship and instruction should carry biblical truth into memory. References: Deuteronomy 31:19-22, 30.
4. Encourage courage rightly | Moses and God both tell Joshua to be strong and courageous. Leaders should ground courage in God’s presence and promise, not in temperament or public approval. References: Deuteronomy 31:6-8, 23.

Interpretive Options: The Differences

What is “this law” that Moses wrote?

• Broad consensus: Christian interpreters generally understand “this law” as the covenant instruction Moses has delivered in Deuteronomy, with close connection to the book’s commands and covenant renewal. The phrase may also point more broadly to Mosaic instruction as a whole. The immediate chapter stresses that Israel receives written covenant authority before Moses dies.
• Reformed and covenantal reading: Many Reformed interpreters emphasize the written covenant document as the authoritative witness governing Israel’s life in the land. The placement beside the ark underlines Scripture’s covenantal role and public authority.
• A less traditional modern reading: Some modern researchers discuss stages of composition or editing behind the final form of Deuteronomy. That discussion is secondary to the chapter’s received canonical claim: Moses writes and entrusts the law as covenant witness for Israel.

Why must the law be read every seven years?

• Broad consensus: Most Christian traditions read the seven-year reading as covenant renewal and public instruction. The timing in the year of release and at the Feast of Booths joins mercy, remembrance, worship, and obedience.
• Pastoral and catechetical reading: Many Christian interpreters stress the inclusion of men, women, children, and foreigners. The passage supports whole-community formation through public Scripture, so the next generation learns the fear of God.
• Liturgical reading: Catholic, Orthodox, and many Protestant interpreters see a pattern for ordered public reading in worship. The exact old covenant schedule is not binding on the church, but the principle of regular public Scripture remains vital.

How should Christians understand the song as a witness against Israel?

• Broad consensus: Christian interpreters generally read the song as a prophetic covenant witness. God gives Israel a memorable testimony before their future rebellion, so judgment will be shown to be righteous.
• Canonical Christian reading: Many Christian interpreters connect the song to Israel’s later history of idolatry, exile, and restoration hope. The witness song prepares readers for the need for a deeper covenant work fulfilled in Christ.
• Pastoral warning reading: Some Christian teachers emphasize that songs and public words shape memory. Worship can carry biblical truth deeply, and it can also testify against a people who sing truth while refusing obedience.

Common Misreadings: The Mistakes

“Moses’ death means Israel’s mission is weakened beyond repair.” Moses’ leadership ends, but God himself goes before Israel and commissions Joshua. The chapter shifts confidence from Moses’ presence to God’s presence and written word.

“The public reading of the law was only for adult Israelite men.” Moses commands the assembly of men, women, little ones, and foreigners within the gates. The purpose is that all may hear, learn, fear God, and obey.

“God’s warning about Israel’s apostasy removes Israel’s responsibility.” God knows Israel’s future rebellion and still commands Moses to teach, write, warn, and call witnesses. Divine foreknowledge makes the warning truthful and leaves Israel accountable.

“The song is only an artistic addition to Moses’ final words.” God commands the song as a covenant witness. It is designed to be remembered, taught, spoken, and used as testimony when Israel’s future rebellion brings judgment.

Leading: The Teaching Guide

The Aim: Deuteronomy 31 teaches that God preserves his covenant people through his presence, appointed leadership, written word, public instruction, and faithful witness, especially in vv. 6-13 and vv. 19-26.

A Teaching Flow:

1. Begin with Moses’ age and approaching death, showing that God’s promise continues after Moses.
2. Move to Joshua’s public charge, emphasizing courage grounded in God’s presence.
3. Teach the written law and seven-year public reading as God’s provision for covenant memory.
4. Explain the Tent of Meeting scene, where God commissions Joshua and announces Israel’s future rebellion.
5. Close with the song and the book of the law as witnesses, preparing for Deuteronomy 32.

The Approach: Teach the chapter as a leadership transition governed by God’s word. Keep the focus on God’s continuity through change: Moses will die, Joshua will lead, the law will remain, and God’s warning will stand. Connect the chapter to the wider storyline by showing that Israel’s later failure creates the need for the faithful covenant mediator, Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and remains with his people.

Cross-References: The Connections

Numbers 20:12 – Explains why Moses would not bring Israel into the promised land after his failure at Meribah.

Joshua 1:1-9 – Repeats the charge to Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads Israel after Moses’ death.

Nehemiah 8:1-12 – Shows public reading of the law to the gathered people and their renewed attention to God’s word.

Psalm 78:1-8 – Calls God’s people to teach the next generation so they set their hope in God and keep his commandments.

2 Kings 22:8-20 – Records the rediscovery of the book of the law and its covenant witness against Judah’s sin.

John 5:45-47 – Jesus says Moses’ writings testify and will accuse those who reject God’s word.

Acts 7:37-39 – Stephen recalls Moses and Israel’s refusal to obey, connecting wilderness rebellion with later unbelief.

Hebrews 13:5-6 – Applies the promise of God’s unfailing presence to believers, echoing the assurance given to Israel and Joshua.

Further Study: The Articles

Coming Soon!