Deuteronomy 31:1-13 - Chapters 31-33. Summary

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 leader (verses 7, 8); and finally to the priests, who are to be henceforth the custodians and guardians of the holy Law. Having thus handed over the leadership of an army, and the conservation of a faith, Moses has little else to do but to go up and die. Hence our theme— A new generation entrusted with the heritage of the past . Taking up this as a Christian preacher may be supposed to do, we find that seven consecutive lines of thought are suggested.

I. There has been given, prior to our time, a "precious faith," which has been handed down to the present day (verses 12, 13).

II. Those who have been the leaders and warriors in God's Israel in past days have commended this faith to us, with all the earnestness created by their deep and strong convictions, which, in the hard school of experience and trial, were formed, fostered, and verified (verses 3, 4).

III. The work thus entrusted to the men of the present is analogous to that which was required of the ancient people of God:

IV. In the fulfillment of this work we shall enjoy the Divine presence (verse 6).

V. God's providence will also go before us to clear the way (verse 8).

VI. Consequently, it behooves us to go forward, to "be strong and fear not" (verse 6); for—

VII. Where the responsibilities of the men of the past leave off, our responsibility begins.