· 31:1-8: As we noted in our previous post, this chapter begins with the actual ordination of Joshua as leader of Israel. Moses’ charge to Joshua indicates that Joshua is to be what any leader should be: he is to lead by example! We know this because Moses charges Joshua with exactly the same responsibility (v8) as is laid on the people (v6).
·
31:9-13: In the year of release (Sabbath
year), during the Feast of Tabernacles, the entire book of Deuteronomy
was to be read. This was a great
idea. Sadly, Israel did not adhere to
this instruction. Below are references
to the Book of the Law. It seems evident
that Israel went for long stretches without anyone reading and teaching from
the Book!
o
In Josh. 8:31,34 it was in use in Israel. Joshua referred to this book in his farewell
address to Israel (Josh. 23:6; 24:26).
o
Under Jehoshaphat (great, great grandson of
Solomon) men were appointed to go all over Israel (both kingdoms) and teach
from the Book (2 Chr. 17:9).
o
Ahaziah, son of King Josiah, was using the Book
(2 Chr. 25:4).
o
In the time of Josiah, the last righteous king
of Judah, the Book was found as the trash was being removed from the temple (2
Ki. 22:3-20). It was read and obeyed (2
Ki. 23:1-25).
o In
Nehemiah 8, when Ezra had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon, the people
engaged in a reading of the Book of the Law.
It was at this time they realized they were supposed to keep the Feast
of Tabernacles. This was likely the
first public reading since before the Babylonian captivity started. Again, at that time, it was read in Neh.
13:1.
·
The rest of Deut. 31 is, basically, an
introduction to the Song of Moses in Deut. 32.
First, in narrative form, God forcefully predicts Israel’s rebellion
that will carry into the “latter days.” Then, as a song to be memorized, Moses
instructs them to memorize the “song of Moses.”
In my view, this is one of the most important passages in all of
Scripture. It is an explanation of what
is going to happen to Israel, so that as it happens, those in Israel who are
willing to pay attention will know what God is doing. In essence, the song says, 1) Israel will
rebel against God; 2) God will judge Israel, even in His fury; and 3) for His
glory, God will not completely destroy Israel.
(Note: we have posted extensive studies in this Song so we are not going
to cover it again. These can be found on
our blog, ronandcindy.blogspot.com on Saturdays from May 28 to July 23, 2016
and revisited from April 30 to May 2, 2020.) If you take the time to read the
cross-references in the center column of your study Bible you will find Deut.
32:1-43 to contain numerous uses in both the Old and New Testaments.
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