Joshua to Succeed Moses 1When Moses had finished speakinga these words to all Israel, 2he said to them, “I am now a hundred and twenty years old; I am no longer able to come and go, and the LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ 3The LORD your God Himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will dispossess them. Joshua will cross ahead of you, as the LORD has said. 4And the LORD will do to them as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, when He destroyed them along with their land. 5The LORD will deliver them over to you, and you must do to them exactly as I have commanded you. 6Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”b 7Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. 8The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” The Reading of the Law 9So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel. 10Then Moses commanded them, “At the end of every seven years, at the appointed time in the year of remission of debt, during the Feast of Tabernacles,c 11when all Israel comes before the LORD your God at the place He will choose, you are to read this law in the hearing of all Israel. 12Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law. 13Then their children who do not know the law will listen and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” God Commissions Joshua 14Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, the time of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the Tent of Meeting, so that I may commission him.” So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the Tent of Meeting. 15Then the LORD appeared at the tent in a pillar of cloud, and the cloud stood over the entrance to the tent. 16And the LORD said to Moses, “You will soon rest with your fathers, and these people will rise up and prostitute themselves with the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake Me and break the covenant I have made with them. 17On that day My anger will burn against them, and I will abandon them and hide My face from them, so that they will be consumed, and many troubles and afflictions will befall them. On that day they will say, ‘Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is no longer with us?’ 18And on that day I will surely hide My face because of all the evil they have done by turning to other gods. 19Now therefore, write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them. 20When I have brought them into the land that I swore to give their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, they will eat their fill and prosper. Then they will turn to other gods and worship them, and they will reject Me and break My covenant. 21And when many troubles and afflictions have come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants. For I know their inclination, even before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them.” 22So that very day Moses wrote down this song and taught it to the Israelites. 23Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you.” The Law Placed in the Ark 24When Moses had finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, 25he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD: 26“Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, so that it may remain there as a witness against you. 27For I know how rebellious and stiff-necked you are. If you are already rebelling against the LORD while I am still alive, how much more will you rebel after my death! 28Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officers so that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them. 29For I know that after my death you will become utterly corrupt and turn from the path I have commanded you. And in the days to come, disaster will befall you because you will do evil in the sight of the LORD to provoke Him to anger by the work of your hands.” Moses Begins His Song 30Then Moses recited aloud to the whole assembly of Israel the words of this song from beginning to end: Footnotes: 1 a DSS and LXX; MT When Moses went out and spoke 6 b Cited in Hebrews 13:5; here and in verse 8 10 c That is, Sukkot, the autumn feast of pilgrimage to Jerusalem; also translated as the Feast of Booths or the Feast of Shelters and originally called the Feast of Ingathering (see Exodus 23:16 and Exodus 34:22). Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Deuteronomy 31 Summary God Commissions JoshuaVerses 1–8 – Moses’ Farewell and Joshua’s Commission Verses 9–13 – The Written Law and the Seven-Year Public Reading Verses 14–18 – God Predicts Israel’s Future Unfaithfulness Verses 19–22 – The Song as a Witness Verse 23 – Joshua Officially Charged Verses 24–29 – The Book beside the Ark Verse 30 – Prelude to the Song of Moses Deuteronomy 31 recounts a significant moment in Israel's journey: the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. It underscores the importance of God's enduring presence, the challenges awaiting Israel, and the vital role of the Word in preserving faithfulness. Historical Setting Deuteronomy 31 unfolds on the plains of Moab, late in the 40th wilderness year (cf. Deuteronomy 1:3). Israel faces a generational hinge point: the death of its founding leader and entry into the promised land. Ancient Near Eastern treaties often ended with a succession clause and a public reading requirement—patterns mirrored here in divine covenant form. Leadership Transition: Moses to Joshua • Numbers 27:18–23 records Joshua’s earlier commissioning. Deuteronomy 31 finalizes it, making clear that leadership changes but the Leader—God—remains. • Joshua 1 repeats the same charge, showing how Deuteronomy 31 provides the script for the next book. • Hebrews 13:5 cites “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” a promise first spoken to Joshua here and applied to all believers. The Law’s Permanent Witness Beside the Ark Placing the scroll next to the ark (not inside with the tablets) kept it accessible for consultation and public reading. Second Kings 22 shows Hilkiah the priest finding such a scroll centuries later in the temple, sparking revival under King Josiah. Nehemiah 8 records Ezra following the seven-year reading pattern. The Seven-Year Assembly Every Sabbatical year canceled debts (Deuteronomy 15) and freed Israelite slaves; pairing that social reset with a public reading reinforced covenant equality. Archaeologists note that by the Second Temple period, large stone platforms (like the one unearthed in Jerusalem’s City of David area) facilitated mass gatherings similar to the ceremony described. The Song as a Warning and Memory Device Songs were mnemonic in oral cultures. Moses’ song (ch. 32) capsulizes history, warnings, and hope, much like ancient victory hymns found at Ugarit. Centuries later, Isaiah and the psalmists echo its themes of God’s faithfulness and Israel’s fickleness (e.g., Psalm 78). “I Will Hide My Face” – Theology of Divine Withdrawal The phrase appears again in Deuteronomy 32:20 and echoed in Micah 3:4. God’s “hiding” is not abandonment but disciplinary silence, designed to draw the people back (cf. Hosea 5:15). Archaeological and Cultural Insights • Egyptian and Hittite treaties end with “read this tablet aloud annually”; Deuteronomy’s public-reading command aligns with these covenants, underscoring its authenticity in the Late Bronze Age context. • Ancient elders sat at the city gate; Moses calling elders and officers (v. 28) mirrors that civic custom, evidenced by gate-complex excavations at Gezer and Lachish. • The “pillar of cloud” motif matches wilderness theophanies; scholars note Egyptian military annals depicting deity clouds leading armies, a cultural reference Israel would recognize. Prophetic Glimpses and New Testament Links • The coming apostasy forecast in vv. 16–18 foreshadows Judges 2 and later captivities. • Joshua’s name, Yehoshua (“Yahweh saves”), is the Hebrew form of “Jesus.” Matthew 1:21 highlights Jesus fulfilling all that a faithful Joshua prefigured—bringing God’s people into their ultimate rest (Hebrews 4:8-11). • The command to “be strong and courageous” resurfaces in 1 Corinthians 16:13, urging modern believers to live with the same resolve. Practical Applications for Believers Today • God’s leadership plan outlasts any individual leader; therefore, we place our trust in His presence, not personalities. • Regular public Scripture reading guards communities from drifting. Family devotions, corporate worship readings, and personal study echo the seven-year rhythm. • The Song’s function reminds us to weave truth into memorable forms—music, poetry, or liturgy—so future generations can recall God’s story. • Acknowledging future failures (vv. 16-18) encourages honest self-assessment. Confession and repentance remain integral parts of covenant life (1 John 1:9). Key Cross-References • Courage: Joshua 1:6-9; Isaiah 41:10 • God’s abiding presence: Exodus 33:14; Matthew 28:20 • Public reading of Scripture: 2 Kings 23:2; Nehemiah 8:1-8; 1 Timothy 4:13 • Covenant song or witness: Psalm 78:1-11; Revelation 15:3 (Song of Moses and the Lamb) Conclusion Deuteronomy 31 captures a nation on the brink—looking back at God’s faithfulness, facing its own weakness, and stepping into promise with courage grounded in His unchanging presence. Connections to Additional Scriptures Joshua 1:9Reinforces God's command to be strong and courageous, echoing the promise of His presence. Hebrews 13:5 Reiterates God's promise never to leave or forsake His people. Psalm 119:105 Highlights the importance of God's Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. 1 Samuel 15:22 Emphasizes the importance of obedience over sacrifice, aligning with God's warnings in Deuteronomy 31. Teaching Points Leadership TransitionMoses, at 120 years old, acknowledges that he will not cross the Jordan River. He appoints Joshua as his successor, demonstrating the importance of preparing new leaders (Deuteronomy 31:2-3). God's Promise of Presence God reassures the Israelites of His presence, saying, The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8). This promise is a cornerstone of faith. The Importance of the Law Moses instructs the Levites to read the Law to all Israel every seven years during the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing the need for continual engagement with God's Word (Deuteronomy 31:10-13). God's Foreknowledge and Warning God predicts Israel's future rebellion and instructs Moses to write a song as a witness against them, highlighting God's omniscience and the consequences of disobedience (Deuteronomy 31:16-22). Practical Applications Embrace Change with FaithJust as the Israelites faced a new chapter, we too can trust God during transitions, knowing He goes before us. Prepare Future Leaders Invest in mentoring and equipping others to take on leadership roles, following Moses' example with Joshua. Engage with Scripture Regularly Make it a priority to read and meditate on God's Word, allowing it to guide and shape your life. Heed God's Warnings Be attentive to the Holy Spirit's conviction and avoid the pitfalls of disobedience. People 1. MosesMoses is the central figure in Deuteronomy 31. He is the leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this chapter, Moses is preparing to pass on leadership as he is nearing the end of his life. The Hebrew root for Moses' name, "מֹשֶׁה" (Moshe), is often associated with the meaning "to draw out," reflecting his being drawn out of the Nile as a baby. 2. Joshua Joshua is appointed by God to succeed Moses as the leader of the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 31, Moses encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous as he will lead the people into the Promised Land. The Hebrew name "יְהוֹשֻׁעַ" (Yehoshua) means "Yahweh is salvation," which is significant as Joshua is a type of Christ, leading God's people into the promised inheritance. 3. The LORD (Yahweh) The LORD, or Yahweh, is the divine presence guiding and instructing Moses and Joshua. In this chapter, God reassures both Moses and Joshua of His continued presence and faithfulness to His promises. The name "Yahweh" is derived from the Hebrew root "הָיָה" (hayah), meaning "to be," emphasizing God's eternal and self-existent nature. Places 1. Jordan RiverThe Jordan River is mentioned as the boundary that the Israelites are about to cross to enter the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 31:2, Moses says, "The LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’" The Jordan River serves as a significant geographical and symbolic boundary in the narrative of the Israelites' journey from the wilderness into Canaan. 2. Canaan (Promised Land) While not explicitly named in this chapter, the land of Canaan is implied as the destination across the Jordan River. It is the land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Hebrew root for Canaan (כְּנַעַן, Kena'an) refers to the land that the Israelites are to inherit. Events 1. Moses' Age and Leadership TransitionMoses announces to the Israelites that he is 120 years old and can no longer lead them. He informs them that he will not cross the Jordan River. This marks a significant transition in leadership as Moses prepares to pass the mantle to Joshua. The Hebrew root for "lead" (נָהַל, nahal) emphasizes guidance and care, reflecting Moses' role throughout the Israelites' journey. 2. The LORD's Promise of Victory Moses reassures the people that the LORD Himself will cross over before them and destroy the nations in the land, just as He has promised. This promise underscores God's faithfulness and sovereignty. The Hebrew word for "destroy" (שָׁמַד, shamad) indicates a complete and decisive action, emphasizing the certainty of God's intervention. 3. Joshua's Commissioning Moses publicly commissions Joshua as the new leader, encouraging him to be strong and courageous. This event signifies the formal transfer of leadership. The Hebrew word for "commission" (צָוָה, tsavah) implies a command or charge, highlighting the authority and responsibility being given to Joshua. 4. The Reading of the Law Moses instructs that the Law be read to all Israel every seven years during the Feast of Booths. This event emphasizes the importance of remembering and adhering to God's commandments. The Hebrew term for "read" (קָרָא, qara) suggests a public proclamation, ensuring that the entire community hears and understands the Law. 5. The LORD's Appearance in the Tent of Meeting The LORD appears in a pillar of cloud at the Tent of Meeting, signifying His presence and authority. This divine appearance serves as a powerful reminder of God's ongoing relationship with Israel. The Hebrew word for "appear" (רָאָה, ra'ah) conveys a visible manifestation, reinforcing the reality of God's presence. 6. The Song of Moses God instructs Moses to write down a song and teach it to the Israelites as a witness against them. This song serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the consequences of disobedience. The Hebrew root for "song" (שִׁיר, shir) indicates a poetic and memorable form, designed to be easily recalled by the people. 7. Moses' Final Words to the Levites Moses gives the written Law to the Levites, who are responsible for carrying the Ark of the Covenant, and commands them to place it beside the Ark as a witness. This act underscores the centrality of the Law in Israel's covenant relationship with God. The Hebrew term for "witness" (עֵד, ed) implies a testimony or evidence, highlighting the Law's role in holding the people accountable. Topics 1. Moses' Final Words and Transition of LeadershipMoses addresses the Israelites, informing them of his impending death and the transition of leadership to Joshua. He reassures them of God's continued presence and guidance. ^"The LORD your God Himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will dispossess them. Joshua will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD has said."^ (Deuteronomy 31:3) 2. Encouragement to Be Strong and Courageous Moses encourages both the people and Joshua to be strong and courageous, emphasizing that God will not abandon them. ^"Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."^ (Deuteronomy 31:6) 3. Public Reading of the Law Moses commands that the Law be read publicly every seven years during the Feast of Tabernacles to ensure that all Israelites, including future generations, hear and learn to fear the LORD. ^"Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law."^ (Deuteronomy 31:12) 4. God's Commission to Joshua The LORD commissions Joshua in the presence of Moses, affirming his role as the new leader of Israel. ^"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Behold, the time for you to die is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the Tent of Meeting, so that I may commission him.' So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the Tent of Meeting."^ (Deuteronomy 31:14) 5. Prophecy of Israel's Rebellion God foretells the future rebellion of the Israelites after entering the Promised Land, despite His faithfulness. ^"For when I bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey, the land I swore to their fathers, and they eat their fill and prosper, they will turn to other gods and worship them, rejecting Me and breaking My covenant."^ (Deuteronomy 31:20) 6. The Song of Witness God instructs Moses to write down a song as a witness against the Israelites, to remind them of their covenant with Him. ^"Now write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites. Have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them."^ (Deuteronomy 31:19) 7. The Written Law Given to the Levites Moses gives the written Law to the Levites, who are responsible for its safekeeping and for placing it beside the Ark of the Covenant. ^"When Moses had finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD: 'Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may remain there as a witness against you.'"^ (Deuteronomy 31:24-26) Themes 1. Leadership TransitionMoses addresses the Israelites, announcing the transition of leadership to Joshua. This theme highlights the importance of godly leadership and the continuity of God's plan. Moses says, "The LORD your God Himself will cross over ahead of you" (Deuteronomy 31:3), emphasizing God's sovereignty in leadership transitions. 2. God's Presence and Assurance The assurance of God's presence is a central theme, as Moses encourages Joshua and the Israelites not to fear. "Be strong and courageous... for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6). The Hebrew root for "forsake" (עזב, 'azab) conveys the idea of abandonment, which God promises never to do. 3. The Reading of the Law Moses commands that the Law be read every seven years during the Feast of Booths. This theme underscores the importance of regularly engaging with God's Word to maintain faithfulness. "Assemble the people... so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God" (Deuteronomy 31:12). 4. Covenant Faithfulness The chapter emphasizes the need for Israel to remain faithful to the covenant. God warns of the consequences of turning away, highlighting the theme of covenant loyalty. "When I have brought them into the land... they will turn to other gods" (Deuteronomy 31:20). 5. The Song of Witness God instructs Moses to write a song as a witness against Israel's future unfaithfulness. This theme illustrates the use of music and poetry in teaching and reminding God's people of their obligations. "Now write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites" (Deuteronomy 31:19). 6. Divine Foreknowledge and Human Responsibility The chapter presents the tension between God's foreknowledge of Israel's rebellion and their responsibility to choose obedience. "I know what they are prone to do, even before I bring them into the land" (Deuteronomy 31:21). This theme explores the balance between divine sovereignty and human free will. 7. The Role of the Levites The Levites are entrusted with the care of the Book of the Law, highlighting their role in preserving and teaching God's commandments. "Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant" (Deuteronomy 31:26). The Hebrew term for "law" (תורה, Torah) signifies instruction and guidance. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Moses realistically be 120 years old (Deut. 31:2) when modern biology deems such an age implausible? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Moses’ acknowledgment of his age and limitations demonstrate humility? 2. Why might God have chosen Joshua as Moses' successor? 3. How does the promise of God's presence empower leaders? 4. What significance does the public commissioning of Joshua hold for the Israelites? 5. Why is it important to regularly revisit and read God's laws and commandments? 6. How does the song serve as a witness to the people's relationship with God? 7. In what ways can the Word of God act as a testimony in our lives today? 8. What are the consequences of turning away from God, as predicted for the Israelites? 9. How can we ensure a legacy of faithfulness in our own leadership roles? 10. How does God’s assurance to Joshua mirror the promises we receive in today's context? 11. Why is it crucial for leaders to prepare their successors? 12. In a world with many distractions, how can we keep God's Word central in our lives? 13. How does the anticipation of Israel’s disobedience resonate with human nature? 14. What steps can we take to prevent ourselves from becoming spiritually complacent? 15. In what ways do songs and hymns shape our spiritual journey today? 16. How can we respond when we see signs of apostasy or disobedience in our community? 17. How do modern leaders embody or lack the attributes seen in Moses and Joshua? 18. How can we ensure that our transitions in life, whether big or small, remain God-centered? 19. In the face of inevitable challenges, how can we bolster our faith and reliance on God's Word? 20. Reflecting on this chapter, how would you define a 'Godly leader' in today's society? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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