Deuteronomy 31:9

So 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.

Study Bible

So Moses wrote down this law
The phrase "Moses wrote down this law" signifies the act of recording the divine instructions given to him. The Hebrew word for "law" is "Torah," which encompasses teachings, instructions, and guidance. This act of writing underscores the importance of preserving God's commandments for future generations. Moses, as a prophet and leader, ensures that the Israelites have a tangible record of God's covenant, emphasizing the permanence and authority of the divine law.

and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi
The "priests, the sons of Levi" were chosen by God to serve as spiritual leaders and mediators between God and the people. The Levites had the sacred duty of maintaining the tabernacle and later the temple, and they were entrusted with the care of the law. This highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to uphold and teach God's commandments. The Levites' role as custodians of the law underscores the importance of faithful stewardship and the transmission of divine truth.

who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD
The "ark of the covenant" was a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God's presence and covenant with Israel. The Levites carrying the ark signifies their role in bearing the weight of God's promises and the responsibility of leading the people in worship and obedience. The ark's presence among the Israelites served as a constant reminder of God's faithfulness and the need for the community to live in accordance with His will.

and to all the elders of Israel
The "elders of Israel" were leaders and representatives of the tribes, responsible for governance and decision-making. By giving the law to the elders, Moses ensures that the entire community is accountable to God's commandments. This distribution of the law to both religious and civil leaders highlights the integration of faith and daily life, emphasizing that God's law is not just for religious observance but for guiding all aspects of communal and personal conduct.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the law from God and wrote it down. He is a central figure in the Pentateuch and is known for leading the Israelites out of Egypt.

2. Priests, the sons of Levi
The Levitical priests were responsible for religious duties and the care of the tabernacle. They played a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual life of Israel.

3. The Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the law, symbolizing God's presence and covenant with Israel.

4. The Elders of Israel
Leaders and representatives of the tribes of Israel who were responsible for governance and decision-making.

5. The Law
Refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's commandments and instructions for His people.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Scripture
The act of Moses writing down the law underscores the importance of Scripture as a permanent and authoritative guide for God's people.

Role of Spiritual Leaders
The priests and elders were entrusted with the law, highlighting the responsibility of spiritual leaders to uphold and teach God's Word.

God's Covenant and Presence
The connection to the Ark of the Covenant reminds us of God's promise and presence with His people, which is central to our faith.

Transmission of Faith
The giving of the law to the priests and elders illustrates the importance of passing down faith and teachings to future generations.

Obedience to God's Commands
The law serves as a guide for living in obedience to God, which is essential for a faithful and fruitful life.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the act of Moses writing down the law teach us about the importance of Scripture in our lives today?

2. How can we, like the priests and elders, take responsibility for upholding and teaching God's Word in our communities?

3. In what ways does the Ark of the Covenant symbolize God's presence and promises in our lives?

4. How can we ensure that the teachings and values of our faith are effectively passed down to future generations?

5. Reflect on a time when obedience to God's commands led to a positive outcome in your life. How can this encourage you to continue following His Word?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 24:4
Moses writes down all the words of the LORD, showing the importance of recording God's commands.

Joshua 1:8
Emphasizes the importance of meditating on the law day and night, highlighting its role in guiding the Israelites.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, underscoring the enduring relevance of God's law.