I know. Compare Acts 20:28 , Acts 20:29 . the latter days. Compare Genesis 49:1 (Numbers 24:14 ). Used by Moses, Deuteronomy 4:39 . Found also in Jeremiah 23:20 ; Jeremiah 48:47 ; Jeremiah 49:39 . Ezekiel 38:16 . Hosea 3:5 .Micah 4:1 . the work, &c, viz., idolatry and other evils. read more
A. The duties of Israel’s future leaders 31:1-29"Israel was not to be a nation of anarchists or even of strong human leaders. It was a theocratic community with the Lord as King and with his covenant revelation as fundamental constitution and law. The theme of this section is the enshrinement of that law, the proper role of Mosaic succession, and the ultimate authority of covenant mandate over human institutions." [Note: Merrill, Deuteronomy, p. 395.] read more
4. The preservation of God’s words 31:24-29Moses charged the priests with the care and keeping of the law he had written (Deuteronomy 31:25-26), perhaps the whole Book of Deuteronomy. [Note: Deere, p. 317.] It was normal for priests to bear this responsibility in the ancient Near East. [Note: Thompson, pp. 290-91.] They kept this document beside, not in, the ark (Deuteronomy 31:26; cf. 2 Kings 22:8). Only the Ten Commandments were in the ark (Exodus 25:16; cf. Exodus 16:33-34; Numbers... read more
Farewell Exhortations of Moses to the People and Joshua. He Delivers the Law to the Priests. The Assembling of the Congregation1. These words] i.e. the following words. 2. Go out and come in] i.e. perform the office of a leader: see on Numbers 27:17. 3. Jehovah is the real Leader of the hosts of Israel: Joshua is the human instrument: cp. Numbers 23:22.9. This law] i.e. the Deuteronomio law, especially that contained in Deuteronomy 12-26 : see intro. to Deuteronomy 12. 10. The Feast of... read more
(29) In the latter days.—A not uncommon prophetical expression, used with some considerable latitude. It occurs for the first time in Genesis 49:1. (See also Numbers 24:14 and Deuteronomy 4:30. ) Some would refer it to the “days of the Messiah,” and make it almost a technical term. But a comparison of these few passages will show that it cannot be tied strictly to any one period. read more
Deuteronomy 31:23 Moses, in God's name, did counsel Joshua, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them. God immediately did command him (Joshua 1:6 ), Be strong and of a good courage; and again (v. 7), Only be thou strong and very courageous; and again (v. 9), Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage. Lastly, the Reubenites and Gadites heartily desired him (v. 18), Only be strong and of a good... read more
III. THE FINAL WORDS OF MOSES AND THE VISION OF THE FUTURE 1. Moses’ Final Charge, The Written Law Delivered, and Jehovah’s Word to Moses CHAPTER 31 1. The final charge of Moses (Deuteronomy 31:1-8 ) 2. The written law delivered (Deuteronomy 31:9-13 ) 3. Jehovah’s word to Moses--Moses to Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:14-23 ) 4. A prophecy (Deuteronomy 31:24-30 ) The final words of Moses to the people are full of tenderness and affection. There he stood, an hundred and twenty years old, a... read more
31:29 For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt [yourselves], and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger through the {o} work of your hands.(o) By idolatry, and worshipping images, which are the work of your hands. read more
MOSES GIVING WAY TO JOSHUA (vs.1-8) Having finished his exposition of the law, Moses looks on to the future, so that the subject to the end of Deuteronomy is prophetic. Moses begins by announcing that he is 120 years of age, and no longer fitted for the work he has done for years (vs.1-2). Besides this, God had told him he would not cross over Jordan. Yet Israel did not depend on Moses, but on God, who would pass over before them. He would destroy the nations from the land, and Israel would... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:1-29
31:1-34:12 MOSES’ LAST DAYSArrangements for the future (31:1-29)Knowing he had only a few more days to live, Moses handed over the leadership of Israel to his divinely appointed successor, Joshua. He reminded both Joshua and the people that fearless commitment to the task ahead, combined with total trust in God, would guarantee victory over the Canaanites and possession of the promised land (31:1-8,14-15,23; see notes on Numbers 27:12-23).Moses then made three separate arrangements to ensure... read more