John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:16
And the Lord said unto Moses ,.... Out of the pillar of cloud: behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers ; a phrase expressive of death, frequently used both of good and bad men, which serves to render death easy and familiar, and less formidable; and to assure and lead into an expectation of an awaking out of it, or a resurrection from it: and this people will rise up ; in their posterity; for not till after Joshua's death, and the death of the elders of Israel, did they revolt to... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:14-21
Here, I. Moses and Joshua are summoned to attend the divine majesty at the door of the tabernacle, Deut. 31:14. Moses is told again that he must shortly die; even those that are most ready and willing to die have need to be often reminded of the approach of death. In consideration of this, he must come himself to meet God; for whatever improves our communion with God furthers our preparation for death. He must also bring Joshua with him to be presented to God for a successor, and to receive... read more