Deuteronomy 31 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

Deuteronomy 31 Summary - A Quick Overview

WHEN:

• Moses’ speech, recorded in the opening chapters of Deuteronomy, occurred immediately following the Israelites’ 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.  

• The Israelites were in the wilderness from approximately 1490-1450 B.C.

• The Book of Deuteronomy opens on the 1st day of the 11th month in the 40th year (Deu 1:3) following the Israelites departure from Egypt (approximately 1450 B.C.).

CHARACTERS:

• Israelites (Hebrews) – The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God granted them freedom after several hundred years in slavery in Egypt. Leading up to the book of Deuteronomy, the Israelites had spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness as they made their way to Canaan, the land God promised to give them as a home.

• Moses – Moses was selected by God to lead the Israelites to Canaan. God spoke directly to Moses and Moses communicated God’s words and laws to the people.    

• Joshua - Moses’ assist and while he led the people in the wilderness. God selected Joshua to lead the Israelites after Moses’ death.

WHERE:

• Deuteronomy 1:5 tells us Moses spoke the words recorded in Deuteronomy while in Moab, probably on the plains of Moab near Pisgah (Numbers 22:1).

• Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim are highlighted in this chapter. These two mountains were very close to each other, and the Israelites were told to visit them when they crossed the Jordan River.

OUTLINE:

• MOSES PREPARES THE PEOPLE FOR JOSHUA’S LEADERSHIP (31:1-8):

  • Moses was 120 years old, and he knew his death was approaching.

  • God had already told him he would not cross the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land.

  • Moses reassured the people that God would go with them and help them defeat their enemies.

  • God had appointed Joshua to take over leadership from Moses.

  • Moses encouraged both Joshua and the people to be “strong and courageous” and to put their trust in the Lord who swore to give the land to their fathers.

  • Moses said, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

• THE 7TH YEAR READING OF THE LAW (31:9-13):

  • Moses wrote all of God’s commands in a book, the Book of the Law.

  • He told the Levites to gather the people together every 7th year, during the Feast of Booths, and read the law to them.

  • This was to be done to remind the people of God’s commands and to teach the new generations about their God.

• GOD FORETELLS THE FATE OF ISRAEL AND GIVES A SONG OF WITNESS (31:14-23):

  • God called Moses and Joshua to the Tabernacle and spoke with them from a pillar of cloud.

  • God foretold that the people of Israel would break their covenant with Him shortly after Moses’ death.

  • God confirmed He would send curses on them and would hide His face from them.

  • The Lord gave Moses a song to teach to the people. The song would be taught to their children and would act as a “witness” against the Israelites in future generations.

  • Moses recorded the song and taught it to the people the same day.

• MOSES GIVES THE BOOK OF THE LAW TO THE LEVITES (31:24-29):

  • When Moses finished writing the Book of the Law, he gave it to the Levites and told them keep it beside the Ark of the Covenant.

  • Moses summoned all the elders and officers of the tribes to remind them to keep God’s laws and to “call heaven and earth to witness against them.”
    

APPLICATION:

• Songs were intended by God for more than just entertainment.

• Songs can convict, teach, bring important truths to memory, admonish, etc.

• God gave His people an entire book of songs (Book of Psalm).

• God’s people are to be a singing people, Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16.

• God created music and it is intended to be used for His exultation and our spiritual benefit.