What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 31:22?

So that very day

– The phrase marks an immediate response. Moses obeys God the very moment the instruction is given (compare Deuteronomy 31:19, “Now therefore write down for yourselves this song…”)

– Immediate obedience keeps hearts tender; delay dulls conviction (see Psalm 95:7-8).

– It also anchors the event in real time, affirming the historicity of Scripture (Joshua 1:8 shows God’s people living by written revelation on specific days).

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Moses wrote down this song

– The prophet commits God’s words to writing, guaranteeing an accurate, enduring record (Exodus 17:14; Isaiah 30:8).

– “This song” refers to the prophetic hymn in Deuteronomy 32, a witness against future rebellion (Deuteronomy 31:21).

– Writing transforms a fleeting melody into a covenant document, preserving truth for every generation (Psalm 102:18).

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and taught it

– Moses doesn’t stop at transcription; he actively instructs the people, modeling faithful stewardship of God’s revelation (Ezra 7:10; 2 Timothy 2:2).

– Teaching embeds the song in memory, ensuring it will resurface when Israel drifts (Deuteronomy 31:20-21).

– The song’s structure aids recall—music weds theology to the heart (Colossians 3:16).

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to the Israelites

– The entire covenant community receives the song; no tribe or class is excluded (Deuteronomy 29:10-13).

– Corporate learning binds the nation together under God’s Word (Nehemiah 8:1-3).

– By teaching “to the Israelites,” Moses passes the torch of testimony just before his own departure (Deuteronomy 31:27-30).

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summary

Deuteronomy 31:22 spotlights swift obedience, the permanence of written revelation, the necessity of faithful teaching, and the corporate responsibility of God’s people. Moses immediately records and imparts the song so Israel will never forget the covenant, its blessings, and its warnings.