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Commentary on Deuteronomy 31 verses 1–8
Loth to part (we say) bids oft farewell. Moses does so to the children of Israel: not because he was loth to go to God, but because he was loth to leave them, fearing that when he had left them they would leave God. He had finished what he had to say to them by way of counsel and exhortation: here he calls them together to give them a word of encouragement, especially with reference to the wars of Canaan, in which they were now to engage. It was a discouragement to them that Moses was to be removed at a time when he could so ill be spared: though Joshua was continued to fight for them in the valley, they would want Moses to intercede for them on the hill, as he did, Exo 17:10. But there is no remedy: Moses can no more go out and come in, Deu 31:2. Not that he was disabled by any decay either of body or mind; for his natural force was not abated, Deu 24:7. But he cannot any longer discharge his office; for, 1. He is 120 years old, and it is time for him to think of resigning his honour and returning to his rest. He that had arrived at so great an age then, when seventy or eighty was the ordinary stint, as appears by the prayer of Moses (Psa 90:10), might well think that he had accomplished as a hireling his day. 2. He is under a divine sentence: Thou shalt not go over Jordan. Thus a full stop was put to his usefulness; hitherto he must go, hitherto he must serve, but no further. So God had appointed it and Moses acquiesces: for I know not why we should any of us desire to live a day longer than while God has work for us to do; nor shall we be accountable for more time than is allotted us. But, though Moses must not go over himself, he is anxious to encourage those that must.
I. He encourages the people; and never could any general animate his soldiers upon such good grounds as those on which Moses here encourages Israel. 1. He assures them of the constant presence of God with them (Deu 31:3): The Lord thy God. that has led thee and kept thee hitherto will go over before thee; and those might follow boldly who were sure that they had God for their leader. He repeats it again (Deu 31:6) with an emphasis: "The Lord thy God, the great Jehovah, who is thine in covenant, he it is, he and no less, he and no other, that goes before thee; not only who by his promise has assured thee that he will go before thee; but by his ark, the visible token of his presence, shows thee that he does actually go before thee." And he repeats it with enlargement: "Not only he goes over before thee at first, to bring thee in, but he will continue with thee all along, with thee and thine; he will not fail thee nor forsake thee; he will not disappoint thy expectations in any strait, nor will he ever desert thy interest; be constant to him, and he will be so to thee." This is applied by the apostle to all God's spiritual Israel, for the encouragement of their faith and hope; unto us is this gospel preached, as well as unto them He will never fail thee, nor forsake thee, Heb 13:5. 2. He commends Joshua to them for a leader: Joshua, he shall go over before thee, Deu 31:3. One whose conduct, and courage, and sincere affection to their interest, they had had long experience of; and one whom God had ordained and appointed to be their leader, and therefore, no doubt, would own and bless, and make a blessing to them. See Num 27:18. Note, It is a great encouragement to a people when, instead of some useful instruments that are removed, God raises up others to carry on his work. 3. He ensures their success. The greatest generals, supported with the greatest advantages, must yet own the issues of war to be doubtful and uncertain; the battle is not always to the strong nor to the bold; an ill accident unthought of may turn the scale against the highest hopes. But Moses had warrant from God to assure Israel that, notwithstanding the disadvantages they laboured under, they should certainly be victorious. A coward will fight when he is sure to be a conqueror. God undertakes to do the work - he will destroy these nations; and Israel shall do little else than divide the spoil - thou shalt possess them, Deu 31:3. Two things might encourage their hopes of this: - (1.) The victories they had already obtained over Sihon and Og (Deu 31:4), from which they might infer both the power of God, that he could do what he had done, and the purpose of God, that he would finish what he had begun to do. Thus must we improve our experience. (2.) The command God had given them to destroy the Canaanites (Deu 7:2; Deu 12:2), to which he refers here (Deu 31:5, that you may do unto them according to all which I have commanded you), and from which they might infer that, if God had commanded them to destroy the Canaanites, no doubt he would put it into the power of their hands to do it. Note, What God has made our duty we have reason to expect opportunity and assistance from him for the doing of. So that from all this he had reason enough to bid them be strong and of a good courage, Deu 31:6. While they had the power of God engaged for them they had no reason to fear all the powers of Canaan engaged against them.
II. He encourages Joshua, Deu 31:7, Deu 31:8. Observe, 1. Though Joshua was an experienced general, and a man of approved gallantry and resolution, who had already signalized himself in many brave actions, yet Moses saw cause to bid him be of good courage, now that he was entering upon a new scene of action; and Joshua was far from taking it as an affront, or as a tacit questioning of his courage, to be thus charged, as sometimes we find proud and peevish spirits invidiously taking exhortations and admonitions for reproaches and reflections. Joshua himself is very well pleased to be admonished by Moses to be strong and of good courage. 2. He gives him this charge in the sight of all Israel, that they might be the more observant of him whom they saw thus solemnly inaugurated, and that he might set himself the more to be an example of courage to the people who were witnesses to this charge here given to him as well as to themselves. 3. He gives him the same assurances of the divine presence, and consequently of a glorious success, that he had given the people. God would be with him, would not forsake him, and therefore he should certainly accomplish the glorious enterprise to which he was called and commissioned: Thou shalt cause them to inherit the land of promise. Note, Those shall speed well that have God with them; and therefore they ought to be of good courage. Through God let us do valiantly, for through him we shall do victoriously; if we resist the devil, he shall flee, and God shall shortly tread him under our feet.
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SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 31:1 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, serving as a critical transitional verse that bridges Moses' extensive, final discourses to the practical preparations for Israel's entry into the Promised Land and the transfer of leadership. This concise statement captures Moses' deliberate and purposeful initiative to gather the entire nation, signifying the culmination of his prophetic ministry as he delivers his concluding words and sets the stage for the continuity of God's covenant with His people under new leadership.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 31:1, despite its brevity, masterfully employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is Transition, as the verse serves as a clear narrative hinge, effectively moving the reader from the lengthy legal and hortatory discourses of the preceding chapters to the practical preparations for Moses' death and the momentous transfer of leadership to Joshua. It signals a decisive shift in focus from the what (the content of the Law) to the how (its implementation, continuity, and the future of the nation). This verse also subtly employs Foreshadowing, hinting at the imminent changes, particularly Moses' departure and Joshua's rise, which are explicitly addressed in the subsequent verses of the chapter. The direct and active verbs "went" and "spake" contribute to a strong sense of Emphasis on Moses' final, deliberate actions, underscoring the gravity and profound importance of his concluding address. Furthermore, the phrase "these words" acts as a form of Anaphora (though not strictly a repetition of a word at the beginning of successive clauses), serving as a powerful referent that points back to the extensive body of divine instruction that has been the singular focus of the entire book, thereby reinforcing its centrality and enduring relevance.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 31:1 serves as a profound theological anchor, demonstrating the enduring importance of divine instruction and the faithful transmission of God's truth across generations. Moses' final, deliberate act of gathering "all Israel" to speak "these words" underscores the communal nature of faith and the corporate responsibility to live by God's covenant. It highlights that God's plan for His people is not left to chance but is meticulously prepared for, even in moments of significant leadership transition. This verse reminds us that God's word is living and active, always requiring a response of hearing and obedience from His people, and that effective, godly leadership involves not just ruling but diligently teaching, preparing, and empowering the next generation for continued faithfulness to the divine will. It is a testament to the enduring power and necessity of God's revealed truth.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 31:1 offers profound and timeless insights for believers today, emphasizing the enduring necessity of actively engaging with God's word and preparing for life's inevitable transitions. Just as Moses diligently delivered "these words" to all Israel, we are called to actively seek out, internalize, and live by the Scriptures, allowing them to profoundly shape our lives and guide our steps. This verse reminds us that spiritual growth and collective faithfulness are not passive endeavors but require intentional effort—to "go" and to "speak" (or hear) the truth with purpose and conviction. It challenges us to consider our own spiritual legacy: what "words" (biblical truths, life lessons, spiritual disciplines, and testimonies of God's faithfulness) are we intentionally passing on to the next generation, and how are we preparing them to walk faithfully with God in an ever-changing world? Moses' example of unwavering commitment, even in his final days, inspires us to remain steadfast in our calling and to ensure that the foundational truths of our faith are clearly communicated, passionately lived out, and faithfully preserved for the benefit of all who come after us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is this short verse considered so significant in Deuteronomy?
Answer: Deuteronomy 31:1 is considered profoundly significant because it acts as a crucial narrative and thematic pivot within the book. While brief, it marks the definitive transition from Moses' extensive, retrospective speeches (chapters 1-30) to his final, forward-looking actions concerning Israel's imminent entry into Canaan and the solemn transfer of leadership to Joshua. It signals the shift from instruction to implementation, setting the stage for the dramatic events of Moses' farewell, the commissioning of Joshua, and the solemn charge to the people. It underscores Moses' unwavering commitment to his role until the very end, ensuring "all Israel" heard God's "words" one last, comprehensive time before a new era began for the nation.
What is the deeper meaning of Moses "went and spake"?
Answer: The phrase "Moses went and spake" (וַיֵּלֶךְ מֹשֶׁה וַיְדַבֵּר) emphasizes Moses' deliberate and personal initiative. It is not a passive observation but an active, purposeful engagement on his part. Despite his advanced age and the knowledge of his impending death (as mentioned in Deuteronomy 31:2), Moses took the physical effort to gather and address the entire nation. This highlights his enduring and active leadership, his profound pastoral heart, and the immense importance he placed on delivering God's final instructions directly to the people before his departure. It signifies a solemn, purposeful act of leadership, legacy-building, and faithful obedience to his divine commission.
To whom did Moses speak "these words"?
Answer: Moses spoke "these words unto all Israel." This phrase signifies that his address was comprehensive and inclusive, directed at the entire assembly of the nation, including men, women, children, and resident aliens. This collective audience underscores the corporate nature of the covenant God made with Israel, implying that the responsibility to hear, remember, and obey God's commands rested upon every individual within the community. It ensured that the foundational truths and expectations for life in the Promised Land were universally communicated, preparing the entire nation for their future as a united people under God's covenant. This inclusivity is a recurring and vital theme in Deuteronomy, emphasizing that the covenant applied to everyone, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:10-15.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 31:1, with Moses' final, deliberate act of gathering "all Israel" to deliver "these words," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate prophet, law-giver, and leader, Jesus Christ. Moses, as the mediator of the old covenant and the one through whom the Law was given, diligently prepared his people for their earthly inheritance. Yet, he himself could not enter the land, a poignant detail that points to a greater one to come who would lead God's people into a superior rest (Deuteronomy 18:15). Christ is indeed the Prophet greater than Moses, the one through whom the new and better covenant is established, surpassing the old in glory and efficacy (Hebrews 3:1-6; Hebrews 8:6). Just as Moses delivered "these words" of the Law, Jesus delivered the ultimate "words" of grace and truth, fulfilling the Law and ushering in the Kingdom of God (John 1:17; Matthew 5:17). Moses prepared Israel for a physical land; Christ prepares His followers for an eternal inheritance, a spiritual kingdom not of this world (John 14:2-3). His final words before His ascension, the Great Commission, powerfully parallel Moses' charge, empowering His disciples to go and make disciples of "all nations," teaching them "all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:18-20), ensuring the continuity of God's redemptive plan through the indwelling Holy Spirit, not merely through a human successor, leading His people into the true promised rest.