Deuteronomy 1:5

KJV

On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

On this side {H5676} Jordan {H3383}, in the land {H776} of Moab {H4124}, began {H2974} Moses {H4872} to declare {H874} this law {H8451}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

There, beyond the Yarden, in the land of Mo'av, Moshe took it upon himself to expound this Torah and said:

Berean Standard Bible

On the east side of the Jordan in the land of Moab, Moses began to explain this law, saying:

American Standard Version

Beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:5 serves as a pivotal introductory verse, precisely establishing the geographical and temporal setting for Moses' final, comprehensive discourse to the Israelites. It marks the commencement of a crucial period of instruction and covenant renewal, delivered to a new generation poised on the threshold of the Promised Land, emphasizing Moses' unique role as the divinely appointed interpreter and expounder of God's law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the opening four verses of Deuteronomy, which meticulously set the historical stage by specifying the precise time (the fortieth year, eleventh month, first day) and identifying Moses as the speaker. Deuteronomy 1:5 then acts as a crucial narrative bridge, transitioning from this historical preamble to the actual commencement of Moses' monumental address. The entire book of Deuteronomy is presented as Moses' farewell sermon, a profound and extended re-articulation of the covenant laws originally given at Mount Sinai. This is not a mere repetition but a comprehensive exposition, designed to imprint God's commands deeply upon the hearts and minds of the new generation, adapting and applying them for the unique challenges and responsibilities awaiting the Israelites in Canaan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting, "On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab," places the Israelites on the eastern side of the Jordan River, directly opposite the fertile plains of Jericho and the land of Canaan. This location is profoundly significant, representing the culmination of forty years of wilderness wandering and the precipice of entering the Promised Land. The generation that rebelled against God at Kadesh-Barnea had perished, as prophesied in [Numbers 14:33](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33 - The Forty Years of Wilderness Wandering"). Moses is now addressing their children, a new generation who had grown up in the wilderness and needed to understand the covenant afresh before inheriting their promised inheritance. Culturally, such covenant renewal ceremonies were common in the ancient Near East, often involving a review of past history, stipulations for future conduct, and blessings or curses based on obedience, mirroring the structure of Deuteronomy.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 1:5 introduces several foundational themes that permeate the entire book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Renewal and Instruction**, as Moses "began...to declare this law," signifying a fresh commitment to God's covenant with this new generation before they enter the land. This re-establishment of the covenant is central to Israel's identity and future. Secondly, it highlights **Moses' Enduring Leadership and Prophetic Authority**, even as his earthly journey concludes. His role as the primary mediator of God's word is central, emphasizing the importance of divine revelation and its authoritative interpretation for the people. Lastly, the verse points to the theme of **Preparation for the Future**, as the declaration of the law is not a mere historical recounting but a vital equipping for the Israelites' imminent life in Canaan, where their prosperity and success would be directly tied to their obedience to God's commands, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:1-3](/deuteronomy/6-1-3 "Deuteronomy 6:1-3 - Commands for Life in the Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **began (Hebrew, יָאַל, _yâʼal'_):** This primitive root, often associated with yielding assent or undertaking an act of volition, here signifies the deliberate and intentional initiation of Moses' discourse. It implies that Moses willingly and purposefully took upon himself the monumental task of expounding God's law, marking the decisive start of the comprehensive instructions that constitute the book of Deuteronomy. It is not a casual utterance but a solemn undertaking.
* **declare (Hebrew, בָּאֵר, _bâʼer'_):** This verb means "to dig," "to engrave," and figuratively, "to explain" or "to make plain." It suggests much more than a simple recitation or repetition of the law given at Sinai. Moses was not merely reading off a list of commandments; he was interpreting them, clarifying their nuances, and applying their timeless principles to the specific circumstances and challenges that the new generation would face upon entering the Promised Land. This emphasis on clarity and profound understanding underscores God's desire for His people to not just hear but truly comprehend His will.
* **law (Hebrew, תּוֹרָה, _tôwrâh'_):** From the root meaning "to teach" or "to instruct," _tôwrâh_ refers to a precept, statute, or instruction, especially the Decalogue or the Pentateuch. In this context, it encompasses the entire body of God's revealed will—His covenant stipulations, statutes, and judgments. Moses' declaration of "this law" signifies a comprehensive exposition of divine truth, serving as the foundational constitution for Israel's life in the land, guiding their worship, ethics, and societal structure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab":** This phrase precisely situates the geographical context for Moses' discourse. "On this side Jordan" (literally, "across the Jordan" from the perspective of Canaan) refers to the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River. This location is highly symbolic, representing the boundary between the arduous wilderness journey and the promised inheritance. It signifies a threshold moment, a place of transition where the past is reviewed, and the future is prepared for, imbued with the weight of forty years of wandering and the anticipation of a new era.
* **"began Moses to declare":** This clause identifies the central figure, Moses, and the commencement of his pivotal action. The verb "began" indicates the initiation of a significant, extended discourse that will constitute the entire book of Deuteronomy. Moses, as God's chosen prophet and mediator, is divinely commissioned to deliver this final, crucial instruction, acting as the authoritative voice through whom God communicates His will to the new generation.
* **"this law, saying":** This specifies the object of Moses' declaration: "this law." This refers to the comprehensive body of covenant stipulations, statutes, and judgments that God had revealed to Israel, particularly at Sinai, now being re-presented and expounded. The phrase "saying" introduces the direct speech that follows, indicating that the book of Deuteronomy is presented as Moses' direct, authoritative address to the people, an exhaustive and comprehensive exposition of God's will for their lives in the land.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:5 employs several significant literary devices to effectively set the stage for the entire book. It functions as a **Framing Device**, establishing the precise geographical and temporal context within which Moses' extensive discourse will unfold. This immediately grounds the reader in the historical reality of the narrative, emphasizing the urgency and significance of the moment. The verse also utilizes **Prolepsis** or **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the comprehensive nature of "this law" that Moses is about to "declare," thereby building anticipation for the detailed instructions, historical recounting, and covenant stipulations that follow. Furthermore, it firmly establishes **Authorial Voice** and **Prophetic Authority** through the phrase "began Moses to declare," reinforcing Moses' central and indispensable role as the divine messenger, interpreter, and mediator, whose words carry ultimate authority and significance for the nation of Israel. The geographical specificity also serves as **Symbolism**, marking a transition from wilderness wandering to promised inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:5 powerfully underscores the enduring theological principle that God's covenant people require continuous and clear instruction in His word. The act of Moses "declaring" and "making plain" the law highlights God's desire for His commands to be understood and internalized, not merely recited or superficially observed. This is a covenant of relationship, not just rules, and understanding is foundational to faithful obedience and genuine worship. This verse sets the stage for the entire book's emphasis on remembering God's past faithfulness, diligently obeying His commands in the present, and securing future blessing, a pattern that resonates throughout biblical history and remains vital for God's people today.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children Diligently")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp")
* [Nehemiah 8:8](/nehemiah/8-8 "Nehemiah 8:8 - Reading and Explaining the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 1:5 serves as a profound reminder of the ongoing necessity for God's people, in every generation, to be deeply rooted in His truth. Just as the Israelites needed a clear, expounded understanding of the Law to navigate their new life in Canaan, believers today require consistent and diligent engagement with Scripture to discern God's will and live faithfully in a complex and changing world. This verse calls us to embrace a posture of humble learning, recognizing that God's word is not static but dynamic, requiring careful interpretation and application to our contemporary contexts. It challenges us to move beyond superficial knowledge or mere familiarity to a profound comprehension that transforms our minds, renews our hearts, and guides our steps, preparing us for the transitions and challenges that life inevitably brings, and enabling us to live out our faith authentically and effectively.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need a clearer understanding or "declaration" of God's law and principles?**
* **How does Moses' diligent effort to explain the law inspire your own approach to studying, meditating on, and applying Scripture in your daily life?**
* **What "new land" or significant transition are you currently facing, and how can a deeper engagement with God's word prepare and equip you for it?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Moses "declaring" the law rather than just repeating it?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "declare," _bâʼer_ (בָּאֵר), implies much more than simple recitation. It means "to make plain," "to explain clearly," or "to expound." This signifies that Moses was not merely reiterating the commandments verbatim as they were given at Sinai. Instead, he was interpreting them, clarifying their meaning, and applying their principles to the specific circumstances and challenges that the new generation of Israelites would encounter upon entering the Promised Land. This emphasis on clear exposition underscores God's desire for His people to truly understand His will, enabling them to live in faithful obedience rather than merely following rules blindly. It highlights the pedagogical nature of God's revelation, designed for comprehension and internalization, as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Diligently Teach Your Children").

**Why is the location "the land of Moab" so important for this address?**

Answer: The "land of Moab," specifically the plains of Moab, holds immense historical and theological significance. It represents the final encampment of the Israelites before they crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land. This location marks the end of their forty years of wilderness wandering, a period of judgment and purification for the disobedient generation. Standing on the threshold of Canaan, the new generation needed to be reminded of God's faithfulness, their covenant obligations, and the lessons learned from their parents' failures. The plains of Moab were a place of transition, a strategic vantage point from which Moses could survey the land they were about to inherit and deliver his final, comprehensive instructions for their life within it. It underscores the urgency and finality of Moses' message, as he would not enter the land with them, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 34:1-5](/deuteronomy/34-1-5 "Deuteronomy 34:1-5 - Moses Sees the Promised Land from Mount Nebo").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 1:5, with Moses "declaring this law" to a new generation on the cusp of their inheritance, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Law-Giver and Interpreter, Jesus Christ. Just as Moses expounded the old covenant for Israel's entry into the physical land, Jesus, in His transformative Sermon on the Mount ([Matthew 5:1-7:29](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount")), did not abolish the Law but came to "fulfill" it, explaining its true, spiritual intent and depth for those entering the spiritual kingdom of God ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The Mosaic law, declared in Moab, revealed God's righteous standards and humanity's inability to perfectly keep them, pointing to the need for a greater righteousness and a new covenant. Christ, through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, became the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")). Furthermore, the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood, promises that God will no longer merely declare His law externally, but will write it on the hearts and minds of His people through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"); [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - God's Law Written on Hearts")), enabling them to truly understand and obey from within, fulfilling the very purpose of Moses' earnest declaration in a way that transcends the limitations of the old covenant.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 31:9

¶ And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.

Deuteronomy 4:8

And what nation [is there so] great, that hath statutes and judgments [so] righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

Deuteronomy 32:46

And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.

Deuteronomy 17:18

And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of [that which is] before the priests the Levites:

Deuteronomy 17:19

And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: