Bible Commentaries
Deuteronomy 31

Introduction

Deuteronomy 31-34. Moses’ last words and the closing events of his life. The narrative parts (based on JE and in part on P) resemble chs. 1– 3, and are probably by the same author or compiler. Deuteronomy 32:1-4 (the Song of Moses) and Deuteronomy 33 (the Blessing of Moses) are independent pieces of unknown origin.

Verses 1-8

Deuteronomy 31-34. Moses’ last words and the closing events of his life. The narrative parts (based on JE and in part on P) resemble chs. 1– 3, and are probably by the same author or compiler. Deuteronomy 32:1-4 (the Song of Moses) and Deuteronomy 33 (the Blessing of Moses) are independent pieces of unknown origin.

Deuteronomy 31:1-8 . See RV refs. for parallel passages.

Deuteronomy 31:1 . Read (with LXX), “ And when Moses had finished speaking these words,” etc.

Deuteronomy 31:7 . go with: read (with Sam. Syr., Vulg., and two Heb. MSS), “ bring,” as in Deuteronomy 31:23.

Verses 9-28

Deuteronomy 31:9-13 . Part of D according to Kuenen, Dillmann, etc. It is this law (D) which is to be read at Tabernacles ( Deuteronomy 16:13-15) and septennially in the year of release ( Deuteronomy 15:1 ff.*).

Deuteronomy 31:11 . appear before: Deuteronomy 16:16 *.

Deuteronomy 31:12 . See Deuteronomy 29:11.

Deuteronomy 31:13 . children: Deuteronomy 4:9 *.— your: read (with five MSS., Sam., Syr., Vulg.), “ their.”

Deuteronomy 31:14 f ., Deuteronomy 31:23 (JE). Cf. Numbers 27:22 f. (P): two accounts of the appointment of Joshua to succeed Moses. See Deuteronomy 1:37, Deuteronomy 32:1 f. for a third version.

Deuteronomy 31:16-30 . Introduction to Moses’ Song.— In Deuteronomy 31:16-22 Yahweh tells Moses of what will happen after his death.

Deuteronomy 31:16 . sleep with thy fathers: Genesis 47:30.— whoring: Exodus 34:16 ( cf. Ezekiel 6:9). Temple prostitution ( Deuteronomy 23:17 f.*) is hardly meant.

Deuteronomy 31:21 . Read (with Sam., LXX, Syr.), “ sware to their fathers.”

Deuteronomy 31:24 ; Deuteronomy 31:26 . this law: read with Staerk, Steuernagel, Bertholet, “ this song.” The entire section ( Deuteronomy 31:16-30) forms the prologue to the song of Deuteronomy 32:1-43. If we retain the Matthew , 24-26 essentially repeats 9.

Deuteronomy 31:25 . Levites: Deuteronomy 10:8 *.

Deuteronomy 31:28 . these words: i.e. the song ( Deuteronomy 32:1 ff.).