Deuteronomy 31:9-11

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:10

And Moses commanded them ,.... The priests and the elders, to whom the law was delivered: saying ; as follows: at the end of every seven years ; every seventh year was a year of rest to the land, and of remission of debts to poor debtors: at the close of this year or going out of it, according to the Misnah F20 Sotah, c. 7. sect. 8. , even on the eighth year coming in, the following was to be done, namely, the reading of the law; and so Jarchi interprets it of the first year... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:11

When all Israel is come to appear before the Lord thy God ,.... As all the males were obliged to do three times in the year, and one of those times was the feast of tabernacles, and so a proper season for the reading of the law; see Exodus 23:14 ; in the place which the Lord shall choose ; the city of Jerusalem, and the temple there: thou shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing ; the book of Deuteronomy, as Jarchi, or it may be the whole Pentateuch: who were to read... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 31:10-11

At the end of every seven years - thou shalt read this law - Every seventh year was a year of release, Deuteronomy 15:1 , at which time the people's minds, being under a peculiar degree of solemnity, were better disposed to hear and profit by the words of God. I suppose on this ground also that the whole book of Deuteronomy is meant, as it alone contains an epitome of the whole Pentateuch. And in this way some of the chief Jewish rabbins understand this place. It is strange that this... 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 31:10

Verse 10 10.And Moses commanded them. The object of this precept is the same as that of the foregoing. He would have (the Law (238)) represented, and constantly kept before their eyes; now He commands that it should also be recited every seventh year, lest the knowledge of it should ever depart. But let us follow the order of the words. First of all, Moses says that “he wrote” the Law. Before this, the doctrines of religion had only been expressed by word of mouth, for their fathers had handed... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Deuteronomy 31:1-13

Last acts of Moses. 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

Group of Brands