(The Lord speaking is red text)
And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,
Moshe kept writing the words of this Torah in a book until he was done. When he had finished,
When Moses had finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end,
And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,
And it came to pass, when Moses{H4872} had made an end{H3615} of writing{H3789} the words{H1697} of this law{H8451} in a book{H5612}, until they were finished{H8552},
Deuteronomy 31:24 is part of the final chapters of the book of Deuteronomy, which is the fifth book of the Pentateuch, traditionally ascribed to Moses. This verse is situated within the broader context of Moses preparing the Israelites for his impending death and the leadership transition to Joshua. In these verses, Moses is instructed by God to write down the law, which is a comprehensive term for the legal, moral, and ceremonial instructions given by God to the Israelites. This act of writing is significant as it transforms the oral traditions and revelations into a written text, ensuring the preservation and enduring authority of the law for future generations.
The historical context of Deuteronomy 31:24 is the period just before the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land after forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Moses, who led them out of Egypt and through the wilderness, is nearing the end of his life and will not cross into the land with them. The verse reflects a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as the written law becomes a tangible and permanent witness to the covenant between God and His people. It underscores the importance of the law as a guide for the community's life and worship, and as a means of maintaining their unique identity and relationship with God.
In summary, Deuteronomy 31:24 captures the culmination of Moses' role as lawgiver and prophet. It highlights the transition of the divine law from a spoken to a written tradition, emphasizing the law's permanence and authority. This verse is a testament to the foundational role of the Torah in Judaism and, by extension, its influence on Christian scripture and tradition, as the written law would become a cornerstone of religious and moral life for generations to come.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)