Bible Commentaries
Deuteronomy 31

Verses 1-30

At the conclusion of his fourth discourse, Moses talked to the people concerning his own departure and encouraged them in view of the fact that they were coming into the land by assuring them of the continued presence and power of God. To Joshua also he spoke words of the same kind.

It is very beautiful to see Moses in his last days on earth attempting in every way in his power to impress on the people the fact that only one thing mattered-that they should remember God and obey Him. Here it is distinctly stated that Moses wrote the words of the Law. This was probably among the last things he did.

In the final movement of this particular chapter we have an account of matters preceding the public uttering of the great song of Moses. First he and Joshua appeared before the Lord in order that Joshua might be officially appointed to succeed Moses as administrator of affairs.

Jehovah then spoke to His servant, telling him that the time had come for him to sleep with his fathers, that the people whom he had led would fulfil his predictions concerning their failure, and that God would visit them with the punishments previously announced.

It was a gloomy outlook for the great leader, but it was the occasion of one of those manifestations of the divine love which are ever full of beauty. He was commanded to write a song, the purpose of which was distinctly, stated. The song embodied in the national life would remain, from generation to generation, a haunting memory testifying to truth concerning God. Songs often remain after commandments are forgotten, and it was that this might be so that Moses was instructed to write. The song was written and taught to the people. The Law was written and committed to the priests.