23 Then He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun , and said , " Be strong and courageous , for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you."
24 It came about, when Moses finished writing the words of this law in a book until they were complete , 25 that Moses commanded the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord , saying , 26 "Take this book of the law and place it beside e the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God , that it may remain there as a witness against you. 27 "For I know your rebellion and your stubbornness e ; behold , while I am still alive with you today , you have been rebellious against the Lord ; how much e more e , then, after my death ? 28 "Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes and your officers , that I may speak these words in their hearing and call the heavens and the earth to witness against them. 29 "For I know that after my death you will act corruptly and turn from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days , for you will do that which is evil in the sight of the Lord , provoking Him to anger with the work of your hands ."
30 Then Moses spoke in the hearing of all the assembly of Israel the words of this song , until they were complete :
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:23-30
Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:23-30
(Read Deuteronomy 31:23-30)
The solemn delivery of the book of the law to the Levites, to be deposited in, or rather by the side, of the ark, is again related. The song which follows in the next chapter is delivered to Moses, and by him to the people. He wrote it first, as the Holy Spirit taught him; and then spake it in the hearing of all the people. Moses tells them plainly, I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves. Many a sad thought, no doubt, it occasioned to this good man; but his comfort was, that he had done his duty, and that God would be glorified in their dispersion, if not in their settlement, for the foundation of God stands sure.