Deuteronomy Chapter 31 — The Commissioning of Joshua
Moses passes leadership to Joshua, delivers the written law to the priests, and receives a warning from God about Israel's future disobedience.
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Notable Verses
Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them, for the LORD your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”
This verse provides foundational encouragement for Israel as they prepare for the conquest of Canaan.
Deuteronomy 31:8
“The LORD himself is who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged.”
Moses repeats this specific assurance to Joshua, highlighting God's continuous presence through the transition of power.
Deuteronomy 31:12
“Assemble the people, the men and the women and the little ones, and the foreigners who are within your gates, that they may hear, learn, fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law,”
It emphasizes the importance of communal religious education and the inclusion of all people, including children and foreigners.
Chapter Summary
In Deuteronomy 31, Moses, now 120 years old, informs Israel that he will not cross the Jordan River. He encourages the nation and his successor, Joshua, to be strong and courageous, promising that God will go before them to defeat their enemies. Moses writes down the Law and commands that it be read publicly every seven years during the Feast of Booths to ensure future generations learn to fear God. God then calls Moses and Joshua to the Tent of Meeting, where He commissions Joshua and reveals to Moses that the people will eventually forsake the covenant. To serve as a witness against their future rebellion, Moses is instructed to write a song and teach it to the Israelites. The chapter concludes with Moses placing the Book of the Law beside the Ark of the Covenant as a permanent witness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moses states that the Lord explicitly told him he would not go over the Jordan River. At 120 years old, he explains that he can no longer lead the people's military campaigns, and leadership must pass to Joshua.
Joshua, the son of Nun, was chosen by God to succeed Moses. Moses publicly commissioned him and told him to be strong and courageous as he led the people to inherit the land.
Moses commanded that the Law be read every seven years during the Year of Release at the Feast of Booths. This practice was intended to ensure that everyone, including children and foreigners, would hear and learn to fear the Lord.
God revealed to Moses that after his death, the people would forsake the covenant and turn to other gods. Because of this rebellion, God warned that He would hide His face and allow many troubles to come upon the nation.
Study Note
The command to read the Law every seven years during the 'year of release' (shmitah) aligns Israel's spiritual education with their existing socio-economic and agricultural cycles.
Related Chapters
Joshua Chapter 1
Joshua receives a direct command from God to be strong and courageous immediately following the death of Moses.
Numbers Chapter 27
This chapter records the initial public appointment of Joshua as the successor to Moses.
Nehemiah Chapter 8
This passage shows a historical fulfillment of the command to read the Law publicly to the assembled nation.
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