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Deuteronomy 31:9,19
And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel…

Moses wrote down
Moses is traditionally credited with writing the first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch. This act of writing signifies the importance of preserving God's words and commands for future generations. Writing was a common practice for recording important events and laws in ancient Near Eastern cultures, as seen in the Code of Hammurabi. The act of writing also underscores the divine inspiration and authority of the Scriptures.

this song
The song referred to is the Song of Moses, found inDeuteronomy 32. It serves as a witness against the Israelites, reminding them of God's faithfulness and their potential unfaithfulness. Songs and poetry were effective mnemonic devices in ancient cultures, aiding in the oral transmission of important teachings. This song is prophetic, warning of Israel's future rebellion and God's subsequent judgment, yet also promising restoration.

and taught it
Moses not only wrote the song but also taught it to the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of understanding and internalizing God's message. Teaching was a crucial aspect of leadership in Israel, as seen in the roles of priests and prophets. This mirrors the Great Commission inMatthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs His disciples to teach all nations.

to the Israelites
The Israelites were God's chosen people, set apart to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6). This teaching was specifically for them, highlighting their covenant relationship with God. The Israelites' history of receiving and sometimes rejecting God's word is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, pointing to the need for a new covenant, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

– The phrase marks an immediate response. Moses obeys God the very moment the instruction is given (compareDeuteronomy 31:19, “Now therefore write down for yourselves this song…”)

– Immediate obedience keeps hearts tender; delay dulls conviction (seePsalm 95:7-8).

– It also anchors the event in real time, affirming the historicity of Scripture (Joshua 1:8 shows God’s people living by written revelation on specific days).

– The prophet commits God’s words to writing, guaranteeing an accurate, enduring record (Exodus 17:14;Isaiah 30:8).

– “This song” refers to the prophetic hymn inDeuteronomy 32, a witness against future rebellion (Deuteronomy 31:21).

– Writing transforms a fleeting melody into a covenant document, preserving truth for every generation (Psalm 102:18).

– Moses doesn’t stop at transcription; he actively instructs the people, modeling faithful stewardship of God’s revelation (Ezra 7:10;2 Timothy 2:2).

– Teaching embeds the song in memory, ensuring it will resurface when Israel drifts (Deuteronomy 31:20-21).

– The song’s structure aids recall—music weds theology to the heart (Colossians 3:16).

– The entire covenant community receives the song; no tribe or class is excluded (Deuteronomy 29:10-13).

– Corporate learning binds the nation together under God’s Word (Nehemiah 8:1-3).

– By teaching “to the Israelites,” Moses passes the torch of testimony just before his own departure (Deuteronomy 31:27-30).

Deuteronomy 31:22 spotlights swift obedience, the permanence of written revelation, the necessity of faithful teaching, and the corporate responsibility of God’s people. Moses immediately records and imparts the song so Israel will never forget the covenant, its blessings, and its warnings.

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