these words. The Massorah itself, with Targum of Onkelos, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "all these words". This is the beginning of the seventh address, which ends with Deuteronomy 31:6 . read more
FAREWELL ADDRESS OF MOSES INCLUDING HIS PARTING SONG AND BENEDICTION (Deuteronomy 31-33)Again in this chapter we have a problem with Deuteronomy 31:1, regarding whether it concludes the preceding chapters or looks forward to the next chapters. "The Septuagint (LXX) considered it as the conclusion of what preceded; and the KJV and the RSV (along with our own version, the ASV) believe that Deuteronomy 31:1. refers to what follows. It is difficult to know which is meant."[1] We see no valid reason... read more
Ver 1. Moses went and spake these words— Soon after Moses had finished the foregoing discourses, he gave a new summons to the Israelites, at least to the chief heads of them, to acquaint them that the time both of his government and life was now very short: and though, through the special providence of God, his strength and faculties were not decayed, even at the age of one hundred and twenty years, (see ch. Deuteronomy 34:7.) yet it was the decree of heaven, as he had told them before, that he... read more
1. Moses went and spake—It is probable that this rehearsal of the law extended over several successive days; and it might be the last and most important day on which the return of Moses to the place of assembly is specially noticed. In drawing his discourse towards a conclusion, he adverted to his advanced age; and although neither his physical nor intellectual powers had suffered any decay ( :-), yet he knew, by a special revelation, that the time had arrived when he was about to be withdrawn... read more
1. The presentation of Joshua 31:1-8Moses presented Joshua to the nation as God’s chosen leader who would take over the leadership of Israel very soon. He charged the people (Deuteronomy 31:6) and then Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7-8) to be strong and courageous as they entered the land in view of God’s promises, presence, and power."Courage is only fear soaked in prayer." [Note: Lewis B. Smedes, "An Introduction to Mission Beyond the Mission," Theology, News, and Notes 30:3 (October 1983):3.]... 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
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
XXXI.Deuteronomy 31:1-8. MOSES RESIGNS HIS CHARGE AS LEADER TO JOSHUA.(1) And Moses went and spake.—The expression is unusual. Possibly it means “went on to speak.” The Palestine Targum has, “He went into the house of instruction and spake.” The LXX. have apparently preserved a different reading, and say, “And Moses made an end of speaking these words” (like Deuteronomy 32:45), as if the Hebrew were vay’cal instead of vay-yelek. A transposition of two letters would make all the difference.(2) I... 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
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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