Moses transforms from lawgiver to leadership mentor, using the phrase "be strong and courageous" three times—language typically reserved for military commanders rather than legal instruction.
Deuteronomy 31
Joshua Becomes Moses' Successor
1Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel.
2He said to them, “I am one hundred twenty years old today. I can no more go out and come in. The LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not go over this Jordan.’
3The LORD your God himself will go over before you. He will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua will go over before you, as the LORD has spoken.
4The LORD will do to them as he did to Sihon and to Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when he destroyed them.
5The LORD will deliver them up before you, and you shall do to them according to all the commandment which I have commanded you.
6Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them, for the LORD your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”
7Moses called to Joshua, and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them; and you shall cause them to inherit it.
8The LORD himself is who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged.”
The Law to Be Read Every Seven Years
9Moses wrote this law and delivered it to the priests the sons of Levi, who bore the ark of the LORD’s covenant, and to all the elders of Israel.
10Moses commanded them, saying, “At the end of every seven years, in the set time of the year of release, in the feast of booths,
11when all Israel has come to appear before the LORD your God in the place which he will choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing.
12Assemble the people, the men and the women and the little ones, and the foreigners who are within your gates, that they may hear, learn, fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law,
13and that their children, who have not known, may hear and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land where you go over the Jordan to possess it.”
God's Charge to Moses and Joshua
14The LORD said to Moses, “Behold, your days approach that you must die. Call Joshua, and present yourselves in the Tent of Meeting, that I may commission him.” Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the Tent of Meeting.
15The LORD appeared in the Tent in a pillar of cloud, and the pillar of cloud stood over the Tent’s door.
16The LORD said to Moses, “Behold, you shall sleep with your fathers. This people will rise up and play the prostitute after the strange gods of the land where they go to be among them, and will forsake me and break my covenant which I have made with them.
17Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall come on them; so that they will say in that day, ‘Haven’t these evils come on us because our God is not among us?’
18I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evil which they have done, in that they have turned to other gods.
19“Now therefore write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel. Put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.
20For when I have brought them into the land which I swore to their fathers, flowing with milk and honey, and they have eaten and filled themselves, and grown fat, then they will turn to other gods, and serve them, and despise me, and break my covenant.
21It will happen, when many evils and troubles have come on them, that this song will testify before them as a witness; for it will not be forgotten out of the mouths of their descendants; for I know their ways and what they are doing today, before I have brought them into the land which I promised them.”
22So Moses wrote this song the same day, and taught it to the children of Israel.
23He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to them. I will be with you.”
The Law Placed in the Ark
24When Moses had finished writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,
25Moses commanded the Levites, who bore the ark of the LORD’s covenant, saying,
26“Take this book of the law, and put it by the side of the ark of the LORD your God’s covenant, that it may be there for a witness against you.
27For I know your rebellion and your stiff neck. Behold, while I am yet alive with you today, you have been rebellious against the LORD. How much more after my death?
28Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to witness against them.
29For I know that after my death you will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn away from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will happen to you in the latter days, because you will do that which is evil in the LORD’s sight, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.”
30Moses spoke in the ears of all the assembly of Israel the words of this song, until they were finished.
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Theme
As Moses approaches death at age 120, he formally transfers leadership to Joshua, encouraging both him and the people to be strong and courageous as they enter the Promised Land. Moses establishes that the Law should be read publicly every seven years during the Feast of Booths to ensure future generations learn to fear the Lord. However, God soberly warns Moses that Israel will eventually turn to foreign gods and break the covenant, resulting in divine judgment and abandonment.
Context
This chapter serves as the transition from Moses' final speeches in Deuteronomy to his death in chapter 34, formally preparing Israel for life in the Promised Land under new leadership.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-8 Joshua Commissioned as Moses' Successor Moses announces his impending death and publicly transfers leadership to Joshua, encouraging courage as God will go before them into the Promised Land.
- 9-13 Law to Be Read Every Seven Years Moses commands that the Law be read publicly every seventh year during the Feast of Booths so all people, including children and foreigners, may learn to fear God.
- 14-23 God's Private Commission and Warning God appears to Moses and Joshua in the Tent of Meeting, commissioning Joshua but warning that Israel will eventually apostatize and face divine judgment.
- 24-30 Law Placed as Witness Against Israel Moses places the completed Law beside the ark as a witness against Israel's future rebellion, knowing their tendency toward disobedience even before entering the land.
Joshua Becomes Moses' Successor
31:1–31:8 narrative speech hopeful
Moses announces his impending death and formally transfers leadership to Joshua, encouraging him to be strong and courageous. He assures Joshua that God will go before them and not forsake them.
person_contrast
Moses transforms from lawgiver to leadership mentor, using the phrase "be strong and courageous" three times—language typically reserved for military commanders rather than legal instruction.
The Law to Be Read Every Seven Years
31:9–31:13 law instruction solemn
Moses establishes the requirement to publicly read the law every seven years during the Feast of Booths. This ensures all people, including children and foreigners, will hear and learn to fear the LORD.
person_contrast
Moses transforms from lawgiver to pedagogue here, establishing Israel's first systematic public education program by mandating septennial Torah readings that include children and foreigners as equal participants.
God's Charge to Moses and Joshua
31:14–31:23 narrative speech solemn
God commissions Joshua and prophesies Israel's future apostasy and punishment. He commands Moses to write a song as a witness against Israel's anticipated unfaithfulness and covenant-breaking.
person_contrast
Moses, typically associated with law-giving and obedience, here receives God's darkest prophecy about Israel's inevitable apostasy and idolatry, transforming him from lawgiver to witness of future rebellion.
The Law Placed in the Ark
31:24–31:30 narrative instruction warning
Moses places the written law beside the ark as a witness against Israel's rebellion. He prophesies their future corruption and warns of coming judgment for their anticipated disobedience.
person_contrast
Moses transforms from lawgiver to prophet here, uniquely positioning the written Torah as both divine covenant and future witness against Israel's predicted apostasy.
Insights
Moses transforms from lawgiver to pedagogue here, establishing Israel's first systematic public education program by mandating septennial Torah readings that include children and foreigners as equal participants.
Moses, typically associated with law-giving and obedience, here receives God's darkest prophecy about Israel's inevitable apostasy and idolatry, transforming him from lawgiver to witness of future rebellion.
Moses transforms from lawgiver to prophet here, uniquely positioning the written Torah as both divine covenant and future witness against Israel's predicted apostasy.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Deuteronomy 31:4 5 references
Lexicals 5
Psalms 135:11 Lexical
Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan—
1 Kings 4:19 Lexical
Geber the son of Uri, in the land of Gilead, the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan; and he…
Joshua 2:10 Lexical
For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you di…
Joshua 9:10 Lexical
and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon and to Og king…
Numbers 32:33 Lexical
Moses gave to them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh the so…
Deuteronomy 31:6 5 references
Lexicals 5
1 Chronicles 28:20 Lexical
David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD God,…
Joshua 1:9 Lexical
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you…
Joshua 10:25 Lexical
Joshua said to them, “Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed. Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all your…
2 Chronicles 32:7 Lexical
“Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or dismayed because of the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude who is…
1 Chronicles 22:13 Lexical
Then you will prosper, if you observe to do the statutes and the ordinances which the LORD gave Moses concerning Israel.…
Deuteronomy 31:7 4 references
Lexicals 4
Joshua 1:6 Lexical
“Be strong and courageous; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give th…
Deuteronomy 3:28 Lexical
But commission Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall caus…
Joshua 10:25 Lexical
Joshua said to them, “Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed. Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all your…
Deuteronomy 1:38 Lexical
Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, shall go in there. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.
Deuteronomy 31:8 1 reference
Deuteronomy 31:9 5 references
Lexicals 5
Joshua 8:33 Lexical
All Israel, with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on both sides of the ark before the Levitical priests, who ca…
1 Samuel 4:3 Lexical
When the people had come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philis…
1 Kings 8:1 Lexical
Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel with all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the fathers’ households of…
2 Chronicles 5:2 Lexical
Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the fathers’ households of t…
1 Chronicles 15:25 Lexical
So David, the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands went to bring the ark of the LORD’s covenant up out of t…
Deuteronomy 31:10 5 references
Lexicals 5
Deuteronomy 15:1 Lexical
At the end of every seven years, you shall cancel debts.
2 Chronicles 8:13 Lexical
even as the duty of every day required, offering according to the commandment of Moses on the Sabbaths, on the new moons…
Deuteronomy 16:13 Lexical
You shall keep the feast of booths seven days, after you have gathered in from your threshing floor and from your wine p…
Leviticus 23:34 Lexical
“Speak to the children of Israel, and say, ‘On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of booths for seven…
Exodus 34:18 Lexical
“You shall keep the feast of unleavened bread. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the tim…
Deuteronomy 31:11 1 reference
Deuteronomy 31:12 5 references
Lexicals 5
Deuteronomy 17:19 Lexical
It shall be with him, and he shall read from it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to…
Deuteronomy 4:10 Lexical
the day that you stood before the LORD your God in Horeb, when the LORD said to me, “Assemble the people to me, and I wi…
Deuteronomy 14:23 Lexical
You shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place which he chooses to cause his name to dwell, the tithe of your grai…
Deuteronomy 14:29 Lexical
The Levite, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you, as well as the foreigner living among you, the fatherles…
Deuteronomy 5:14 Lexical
but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, in which you shall not do any work—neither you, nor your son, nor…
Deuteronomy 31:13 3 references
Lexicals 3
Deuteronomy 4:10 Lexical
the day that you stood before the LORD your God in Horeb, when the LORD said to me, “Assemble the people to me, and I wi…
Deuteronomy 32:47 Lexical
For it is no vain thing for you, because it is your life, and through this thing you shall prolong your days in the land…
Deuteronomy 30:18 Lexical
I declare to you today that you will surely perish. You will not prolong your days in the land where you pass over the J…
Deuteronomy 31:14 1 reference
Deuteronomy 31:15 3 references
Lexicals 3
Exodus 33:9 Lexical
When Moses entered into the Tent, the pillar of cloud descended, stood at the door of the Tent, and the LORD spoke with…
Numbers 12:5 Lexical
The LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both c…
Exodus 33:10 Lexical
All the people saw the pillar of cloud stand at the door of the Tent, and all the people rose up and worshiped, everyone…
Deuteronomy 31:16 5 references
Lexicals 5
Ezekiel 44:7 Lexical
in that you have brought in foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pro…
Jeremiah 11:10 Lexical
They have turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words. They have gone after other g…
Jeremiah 31:32 Lexical
not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out o…
Genesis 17:14 Lexical
The uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that soul shall be cut off from his people.…
Zechariah 11:10 Lexical
I took my staff Favor and cut it apart, that I might break my covenant that I had made with all the peoples.
Deuteronomy 31:17 5 references
Lexicals 5
Judges 14:19 Lexical
The LORD’s Spirit came mightily on him, and he went down to Ashkelon and struck thirty men of them. He took their plunde…
Psalms 138:7 Lexical
Though I walk in the middle of trouble, you will revive me. You will stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemi…
Psalms 27:9 Lexical
Don’t hide your face from me. Don’t put your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Don’t abandon me, neither for…
Psalms 37:8 Lexical
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don’t fret; it leads only to evildoing.
Deuteronomy 6:15 Lexical
for the LORD your God among you is a jealous God, lest the anger of the LORD your God be kindled against you, and he des…
Deuteronomy 31:19 1 reference
Deuteronomy 31:20 5 references
Lexicals 5
Deuteronomy 26:15 Lexical
Look down from your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless your people Israel, and the ground which you have given us,…
Deuteronomy 11:9 Lexical
and that you may prolong your days in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give to them and to their offspri…
Exodus 13:5 Lexical
It shall be, when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Amorite, and the Hivite,…
Jeremiah 11:5 Lexical
that I may establish the oath which I swore to your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey,’ as it is…
Joshua 5:6 Lexical
For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness until all the nation, even the men of war who came out o…
Deuteronomy 31:21 1 reference
Deuteronomy 31:23 4 references
Lexicals 4
Joshua 1:6 Lexical
“Be strong and courageous; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give th…
Deuteronomy 1:38 Lexical
Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, shall go in there. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.
Deuteronomy 3:28 Lexical
But commission Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall caus…
Joshua 10:25 Lexical
Joshua said to them, “Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed. Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all your…
Deuteronomy 31:24 5 references
Lexicals 5
2 Kings 14:6 Lexical
but the children of the murderers he didn’t put to death, according to that which is written in the book of the law of M…
Joshua 1:8 Lexical
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe…
Deuteronomy 28:61 Lexical
Also every sickness and every plague which is not written in the book of this law, the LORD will bring them on you until…
2 Chronicles 25:4 Lexical
But he didn’t put their children to death, but did according to that which is written in the law in the book of Moses, a…
Joshua 24:26 Lexical
Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and he took a great stone, and set it up there under the oak tha…
Deuteronomy 31:28 1 reference
Deuteronomy 31:29 1 reference
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