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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:9-13

The law was given by Moses; so it is said, John 1:17. He was not only entrusted to deliver it to that generation, but to transmit it to the generations to come; and here it appears that he was faithful to that trust. I. Moses wrote this law, Deut. 31:9. The learned bishop Patrick understands this of all the five books of Moses, which are often called the law; he supposes that though Moses had written most of the Pentateuch before, yet he did not finish it till now; now he put his last hand to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:9

And Moses wrote this law ,.... The book of Deuteronomy, or the Pentateuch, the five books of Moses, which he had now finished, and which all of them together are sometimes called the law, Galatians 4:21 , and delivered it unto the priests, the sons of Levi ; who were the teachers of the law, as Aben Ezra observes; see Malachi 2:7 ; and therefore it was proper to put it into their hands, to instruct the people in it, and that the people might apply to them in any matter of difficulty,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 31:9

Moses wrote this law - Not the whole Pentateuch, but either the discourses and precepts mentioned in the preceding chapters, or the book of Deuteronomy, which is most likely. Some of the rabbins have pretended that Moses wrote thirteen copies of the whole Pentateuch; that he gave one to each of the twelve tribes, and the thirteenth was laid up by the ark. This opinion deserves little credit. Some think that he wrote two copies, one of which he gave to the priests and Levites for general... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 31:9

Verse 9 9.And Moses wrote this law. It is unquestionable that Moses deposited the Book of the Law in the custody of the Levites, to enjoin upon them the duty of teaching; for although it is only related that they were commanded to recite the book before the people every seventh year, yet it is easy to gather that they were appointed the constant proclaimers of its doctrine. For it would have been absurd that the Law should lie buried for seven whole years, and that not a word should be heard of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:1-13

A new generation receiving the heritage of the past. The closing scene of Moses' life is drawing nigh. The time is at hand when he and Israel must part, and the leadership must be undertaken by another. As far as can be done, two things have to be ensured—viz, the conservation of Israel's Law, and the conduct of the people to their goal. "God buries his ministers, but he carries on his work." Hence Moses first addresses all the people; then he turns to Joshua, confirming him as the future... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:3-23

Joshua. Joshua a type of Jesus, the true Leader into the rest of God ( Hebrews 4:8 ). God has given him, as formerly he gave the son of Nun, for "a Leader and Commander to the people" ( Isaiah 55:4 ). I. THE MAN . Joshua as leader was: 1. Divinely appointed (verse 3). 2. Divinely led . "He doth go before thee" (verse 8). The captain had a higher Captain ( Joshua 5:14 ). 3. Divinely assisted . "He will be with thee" (verse 8). Our Leader is Emmanuel—"God... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:9-13

Moses turns next to the priests and the elders, and to them he commits the Law which he had written, with the injunction to read it to the people at the end of every seven years during the festival of the year of release, viz. at the Feast of Tabernacles (cf. Leviticus 23:34 ), when they appeared before the Lord. At the end of every seven years (cf. Deuteronomy 15:1 ). The Law was committed to the priests and elders, not merely to preserve it in safe keeping, but that they might see to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:9-13

Importance of knowing the Word of God. In resigning his commission into other hands, Moses had a double duty to discharge. There had been, in fact, a twofold responsibility resting on him more or less till the close of his life, which after his death would be divided. He was not only the leader of the people, but also the receiver, transcriber, and guardian of the Law. As the nation became consolidated, this double work would certainly become too heavy for one man to discharge. Hence he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:9-13

The literary executors of Moses. It must have been a solemn act on the part of Moses, after having nominated Joshua as his successor in the leadership of Israel, to summon the priests and the elders, that they might be the custodians of his manuscripts, and deal with them as he desired. It was to the ministers of religion, and to the rulers elected by the people and ordained of God, that he gave this important charge. Of course they could not, as nowadays, publish in multiplied copies the... read more

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