9 So Moses wrote 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 . 10 Then Moses commanded them, saying , "At the end of every seven years , at the time of the year of remission of debts, at the Feast of Booths , 11 when all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God at the place which He will choose , you shall read this law in front of all Israel in their hearing . 12 "Assemble the people , the men and the women and children and the alien who is in your town , so that they may hear and learn and fear the Lord your God , and be careful to observe all the words of this law . 13 "Their children , who have not known , will hear and learn to fear the Lord your God , as long e as you live on the land which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess ."
14 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 , that I may commission him." So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the tent of meeting . 15 The Lord appeared in the tent in a pillar of cloud , and the pillar of cloud stood at the doorway of the tent . 16 The Lord said to Moses , "Behold , you are about to lie down with your fathers ; and this people will arise and play the harlot with the strange gods of the land , into the midst of which they are going , and will forsake Me and break My covenant which I have made with them. 17 " Then My anger will be kindled against them in that day , and I will forsake them and hide My face from them, and they will be consumed , and many evils and troubles will come upon them; so that they will say in that day , ' Is it not because e our God is not among us that these evils have come upon us?' 18 "But I will surely hide My face in that day because of all the evil which they will do , for they will turn to other gods . 19 "Now therefore, write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the sons of Israel ; put it on their lips , so that this song may be a witness for Me against the sons of Israel . 20 " For when I bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey , which I swore to their fathers , and they have eaten and are satisfied and become prosperous , then they will turn to other gods and serve them, and spurn Me and break My covenant . 21 "Then it shall come about, when many evils and troubles have come upon them, that this song will testify before them as a witness (for it shall not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants ); for I know their intent which they are developing today , before I have brought them into the land which I swore ."
22 So Moses wrote this song the same day , and taught it to the sons of Israel . 23 Then He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun , and said , " Be strong and courageous , for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you."
24 It came about, when Moses finished writing the words of this law in a book until they were complete , 25 that Moses commanded the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord , saying , 26 "Take this book of the law and place it beside e the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God , that it may remain there as a witness against you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:9-26
Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:9-13
(Read Deuteronomy 31:9-13)
Though we read the word in private, we must not think it needless to hear it read in public. This solemn reading of the law must be done in the year of release. The year of release was typical of gospel grace, which is called the acceptable year of the Lord; for our pardon and liberty by Christ, engage us to keep his commandments. It must be read to all Israel, men, women, children, and to the strangers. It is the will of God that all people should acquaint themselves with his word. It is a rule to all, therefore should be read to all. Whoever has read of the pains taken by many persons to get scraps of the Scriptures, when a whole copy could not be obtained, or safely possessed, will see how thankful we should be for the thousands of copies amongst us. They will also understand the very different situation in which the Israelites were placed for many ages. But the heart of man is so careless, that all will be found too little, to keep up a knowledge of the truths, precepts, and worship of God.
Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:14-22
(Read Deuteronomy 31:14-22)
Moses and Joshua attended the Divine Majesty at the door of the tabernacle. Moses is told again that he must shortly die; even those who are most ready and willing to die, need to be often reminded of its coming. The Lord tells Moses, that, after his death, the covenant he had taken so much pains to make between Israel and their God, would certainly be broken. Israel would forsake Him; then God would forsake Israel. Justly does he cast those off who so unjustly cast him off. Moses is directed to deliver them a song, which should remain a standing testimony for God, as faithful to them in giving them warning, and against them, as persons false to themselves in not taking the warning. The word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of men's hearts, and meets them by reproofs and correction. Ministers who preach the word, know not the imaginations of men; but God, whose word it is, knows perfectly.
Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:23-30
(Read Deuteronomy 31:23-30)
The solemn delivery of the book of the law to the Levites, to be deposited in, or rather by the side, of the ark, is again related. The song which follows in the next chapter is delivered to Moses, and by him to the people. He wrote it first, as the Holy Spirit taught him; and then spake it in the hearing of all the people. Moses tells them plainly, I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves. Many a sad thought, no doubt, it occasioned to this good man; but his comfort was, that he had done his duty, and that God would be glorified in their dispersion, if not in their settlement, for the foundation of God stands sure.