As we come near to the end of Deuteronomy, chapter 30 begins with a promise that, after the punishments of conquest and exile, Israel can be restored to the promised land provided they are repentant and faithful. The Apostle Paul quotes verse 11 (for his own purposes, as Paul quotes anything) at Romans 10:6-8.
Deuteronomy 30:11-20 encourage the Israelites to "choose life." Life and prosperity are equated with keeping the law; death and destruction with disobedience. This comes as no surprise to anyone who has been reading Deuteronomy attentively.
In chapter 31:1-8 Joshua is made Moses' successor. Moses tells him to " be strong and courageous." This will be a theme for Joshua. YHWH tells him the same thing in verse 23.
Chapter 31 is a bit of a mess. It seems to interrupt itself several times. Verses9-13 tell that Moses wrote the words of "this book" (presumably Deuteronomy) which, no doubt gave rise to the legend that Moses wrote the entire Pentateuch. It is to be read to the people at the Temple in every Sabbath year.
Verses 14-18 "predict" God's rejection of Israel. In verses 19-22 YHWH instructs Moses to write "this song" (What song?). Verse 23 focuses on Joshua again. Verses 24-29 hark back to 9-13. Here Moses is instructed to place the book he has written beside the ark of the Covenant. And then in verse 30, we are given an introduction to Moses song which begins in chapter 32 (Oh, that song!).
Like I said, it's a bit of a mess.
Remember these guys? I'm pretty sure they aren't Moses and Aaron.
Somehow Deuteronomy 30:19 reminds me of them.
I don't think Wake Me Up Before You Go Go was the song YHWH told Moses to write.
I guess we'll find out in Deuteronomy 32.
Next Deuteronomy 32-34
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