Chapter Summary
Deuteronomy Chapter 31 marks a significant transition as Moses, at 120 years old, prepares for his death and the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land. He publicly commissions Joshua as his successor, encouraging both Joshua and the people to be strong and courageous, assuring them that the LORD will lead them and fight on their behalf. Moses then writes down the entire Law and instructs the Levites to read it publicly every seven years during the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing the importance of all generations hearing and learning God's commands. The chapter then shifts to a private encounter between the LORD, Moses, and Joshua at the Tent of Meeting, where the LORD reveals that after Moses' death, the Israelites will inevitably become unfaithful, worship other gods, and break their covenant. To serve as a warning and a reminder of their future disloyalty, the LORD commands Moses to write a specific song and teach it to the people. Moses finishes writing the Law and places it beside the Ark of the Covenant as a witness against the rebellious nature of Israel, before gathering the elders and officials to share these final warnings, including the prophetic song.