Deuteronomy 31:14-23

Why is a song commissioned alongside Joshua?

Berean Standard Bible

14 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, the time of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the Tent of Meeting, so that I may commission him.” So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the Tent of Meeting. 15 Then the LORD appeared at the tent in a pillar of cloud, and the cloud stood over the entrance to the tent. 16 And the LORD said to Moses, “You will soon rest with your fathers, and these people will rise up and prostitute themselves with the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake Me and break the covenant I have made with them. 17 On that day My anger will burn against them, and I will abandon them and hide My face from them, so that they will be consumed, and many troubles and afflictions will befall them. On that day they will say, ‘Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is no longer with us?’ 18 And on that day I will surely hide My face because of all the evil they have done by turning to other gods. 19 Now therefore, write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them. 20 When I have brought them into the land that I swore to give their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey, they will eat their fill and prosper. Then they will turn to other gods and worship them, and they will reject Me and break My covenant. 21 And when many troubles and afflictions have come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants. For I know their inclination, even before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them.” 22 So that very day Moses wrote down this song and taught it to the Israelites. 23 Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you.”

What is the context?

As Moses’ death approaches, the Lord summons him and Joshua to the Tent of Meeting and appears in the pillar of cloud. Joshua’s commission is set within the Lord’s knowledge of what the people will do after entering the land.

The Lord warns that abundance will be followed by turning to other gods and breaking the covenant. His hiding His face is described as judgment for that betrayal. The warning is specific to this covenant rebellion, rather than an explanation for every painful experience a person may have.

Moses must write and teach a song that will remain in the mouths of later generations. It will testify when the predicted troubles arrive, preserving the account of the Lord’s warning rather than allowing the people to claim they had never been told.

Moses teaches the song that day, and the Lord charges Joshua to be strong and courageous. Foreknowledge of rebellion does not cancel the commission or the need to teach faithfully.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley explains hiding the face as withdrawal of favor and help, and the song as a memorable witness to God’s kindness, patience, warning, and justice. The USCCB notes draw attention to the language of prostitution for pursuing other gods. The image portrays covenant betrayal; it should not be used as a sexual accusation against an entire modern population.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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