Deuteronomy 31

Deuteronomy 31:1

IV. MOSES’ LAST DAYSDEATH OUTSIDE THE LAND (Chaps. 3134)A. Moses’ Replacement (Chap. 31)31:1-8 Moses was now one hundred and twenty years old. He knew God’s decree stating that he would not be allowed to cross the Jordan with the people, but he reminded the people that the LORD would go with them, that Joshua would be their captain, and that victory over their enemies was assured. Moses next encouraged Joshua publicly concerning his new appointment and assured him of the Lord’s presence (vv. 7, 8). 31:9-13 The written law was entrusted to the Levites. It was to be kept beside the ark. The two tablets of the Decalogue were placed inside the ark (Exo_25:16; Heb_9:4). This copy of the law was placed beside the ark. Every seven years the law was to be read in the presence of all Israel. The reading of Holy Scripture is sadly neglected even in doctrinally conservative circles today. The following extended but valuable words from C. H. Mackintosh are unfortunately much more true today than a century ago when they were written: The Word of God is not loved and studied, either privately or publicly. Trashy literature is devoured in private, and music, ritualistic services, and imposing ceremonies are eagerly sought after in public. Thousands will flock to hear music, and pay for admission, but how few care for a meeting to read the holy Scriptures! These are facts, and facts are powerful arguments. We cannot get over them. There is a growing thirst for religious excitement, and a growing distaste for the calm study of holy Scripture and the spiritual exercises of the Christian assembly. It is perfectly useless to deny it. We cannot shut our eyes to it. The evidence of it meets us on every hand. Thank God, there are a few, here and there, who really love the Word of God, and delight to meet, in holy fellowship, for the study of its precious truths. May the Lord increase the number of such, and bless them, “till traveling days are done.” 31:14-18 As Moses’ death drew near, God called him and Joshua to the tabernacle of meeting and appeared before them in a pillar of cloud. He first revealed to Moses that the Israelites would soon give themselves over to idolatry and suffer God’s anger. 31:19-22 Then He commanded Moses to write down a song and teach it to the children of Israel as a witness . . . against them in days to come. 31:23 God personally inaugurated Joshua to lead His people into the Promised Land and encouraged him to be brave and strong. Joshua must have been strengthened by these words from Jehovah. He had just heard God speak of a coming national apostasy (v. 16), and he needed to be reassured, rather than discouraged, for the task ahead. 31:24-27 The Book of the Law, i.e., Deuteronomy, committed to the Levites, would also serve as a witness against the Israelites when they forsook the Lord. 31:28-30 Then Moses delivered the following song to the elders of their tribes, and the officers, as God had commanded him.