Deuteronomy 31:10

And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of [every] seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles,

And Moses {H4872} commanded {H6680} them, saying {H559}, At the end {H7093} of every seven {H7651} years {H8141}, in the solemnity {H4150} of the year {H8141} of release {H8059}, in the feast {H2282} of tabernacles {H5521},

Moshe gave them these orders: "At the end of every seven years, during the festival of Sukkot in the year of sh'mittah,

Then Moses commanded them, โ€œAt the end of every seven years, at the appointed time in the year of remission of debt, during the Feast of Tabernacles,

And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the set time of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles,

Commentary

Deuteronomy 31:10 records a crucial command given by Moses to the Israelites shortly before his death. This verse specifies the timing for a significant national assembly where the entire Law of God was to be publicly read.

Context

This command comes as part of Moses' final instructions and warnings to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Recognizing the importance of remembering God's covenant and laws, Moses institutes a regular, public reading of the Torah. The timing specified is highly significant:

  • "At the end of every seven years": This refers to the Sabbatical year, known in Hebrew as the Shemitah. This was a year of rest for the land and a time when debts were released among Israelites. This cycle underscored God's sovereignty over their land and economy, teaching reliance on His provision. You can learn more about the year of release in Deuteronomy 15:1.
  • "In the solemnity of the year of release": This emphasizes the special nature of this seventh year, a time of reset and renewal for the nation.
  • "In the feast of tabernacles": Also known as Sukkot, this was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals, celebrating the harvest and commemorating Israel's forty years of wandering in the wilderness, living in temporary shelters. It was a time of great joy and remembrance of God's faithfulness. Discover more about the Feast of Tabernacles in Leviticus 23:34. The combination of the Sabbatical year and a major festival ensured maximum attendance and attention for the reading of the Law.

Key Themes

  • Covenant Renewal and Instruction: The command ensured that every generation, including the children who had not experienced the Exodus directly, would hear and understand the terms of God's covenant with Israel. It was a national reaffirmation of their commitment to the Lord.
  • The Centrality of God's Word: This ritual emphasized that the Law was not merely a set of rules but the very foundation of their national identity and prosperity. Regular engagement with Scripture was vital for their spiritual health and obedience.
  • Corporate Responsibility: The command was for the entire community โ€“ men, women, and children โ€“ to gather and listen, fostering a shared understanding and commitment to God's commands.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "year of release" comes from the Hebrew word Shemitah (ืฉึฐืืžึดื˜ึธึผื”), meaning "release" or "remission," referring to the letting go of debts and the resting of the land. The "Feast of Tabernacles" is Sukkot (ืกึปื›ึผื•ึนืช), named after the "booths" or "tents" the Israelites dwelt in during their wilderness journey.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 31:10 highlights the timeless importance of regularly immersing ourselves in God's Word. Just as ancient Israel needed to be reminded of their covenant, believers today need consistent engagement with Scripture to understand God's will, remember His faithfulness, and live in obedience. This verse encourages:

  • Personal Bible Study: Making time to read and reflect on God's commands.
  • Corporate Worship and Teaching: Valuing opportunities for the public reading and teaching of the Bible within the community of faith.
  • Remembering God's Provision: Reflecting on His faithfulness in our lives, much like Israel remembered their wilderness journey during Sukkot.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 23:34

    Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month [shall be] the feast of tabernacles [for] seven days unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 23:43

    That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I [am] the LORD your God.

  • Deuteronomy 15:1

    ยถ At the end of [every] seven years thou shalt make a release.

  • Deuteronomy 15:2

    And this [is] the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth [ought] unto his neighbour shall release [it]; he shall not exact [it] of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD'S release.
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