28 Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officials, so that I can speak these words in their hearing and call the heavens and the earth to testify against them.
28 Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them.
28 Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears and call heaven and earth to witness against them.
28 So gather the leaders of the tribes and the officials here. I have something I need to say directly to them with Heaven and Earth as witnesses.
28 Gather to me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them.
28 "Now summon all the elders and officials of your tribes, so that I can speak to them directly and call heaven and earth to witness against them.
321 Listen, you heavens, and I will speak; hear, you earth, the words of my mouth.
321 Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
321 "Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
321 Listen, Heavens, I have something to tell you. Attention, Earth, I've got a mouth full of words.
321 "Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; And hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
321 "Listen, OÂ heavens, and I will speak! Hear, OÂ earth, the words that I say!
(Read Deuteronomy 32:1-2)
Moses begins with a solemn appeal to heaven and earth, concerning the truth and importance of what he was about to say. His doctrine is the gospel, the speech of God, the doctrine of Christ; the doctrine of grace and mercy through him, and of life and salvation by him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:28
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.