Deuteronomy Chapter 31 Summary - Key Points & Themes

Read Deuteronomy Chapter 31 Summary

Moses, now 120 years old and unable to continue leading, commissions Joshua before all Israel with assurance that God goes before them. The law must be read publicly every seven years at the Feast of Tabernacles for all to hear, including women, children, and strangers. God reveals to Moses that Israel will break the covenant, and Moses writes a song as a witness against them, placing the law book beside the ark.

Characters in This Chapter

Moses

Faithful servant of God who delivers his final addresses to Israel before his death

Joshua

Successor to Moses, commissioned to lead Israel into the Promised Land

Places in This Chapter

Plains of Moab

Location where Moses delivered his final addresses to Israel

Mount Nebo

Mountain where Moses viewed the Promised Land and died

Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai (Horeb), where God gave the law, referenced throughout Moses' addresses

Position in Book

First Address: Historical ReviewChapters 1-4

Second Address: The Law RestatedChapters 5-26

Third Address: Covenant RenewalChapters 27-30

Final EventsChapters 31-34

Joshua commissioned, the Song of Moses, Moses' blessing on the tribes, and Moses' death on Mount Nebo.