Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

Deuteronomy 31

In this chapter Moses, having finished his sermon, I. Encourages both the people who were now to enter Canaan (Deuteronomy 31:1-31:6), and Joshua who was to lead them, Deuteronomy 31:7, 31:8, 31:23. And, II. He takes care for the keeping of these things always in their remembrance after his decease, 1. By the book of the law which was, (1.) Written. (2.) Delivered into the custody of the priests, Deuteronomy 31:9, 31:24-31:27. (3.) Ordered to be publicly read every seventh year, Deuteronomy 31:10-31:13. 2. By a song which God orders Moses to prepare for their instruction and admonition. (1.) He calls Moses and Joshua to the door of the tabernacle, Deuteronomy 31:14, 31:15. (2.) He foretels the apostasy of Israel in process of time, and the judgments they would thereby bring upon themselves, Deuteronomy 31:16-31:18. (3.) He prescribes the following song to be a witness against them, Deuteronomy 31:19-31:21. (4.) Moses wrote it, Deuteronomy 31:22. And delivered it to Israel, with an intimation of the design of it, as he had received it from the Lord, Deuteronomy 31:28-31:30 MHBCC 185.1