Deuteronomy 31:22

22 So Moses wrote this poem down that very day, and he taught it to the Israelites.

Deuteronomy 31:22 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 31:22

Moses therefore wrote this song the same day
The same day it was dictated to him by divine inspiration; he wrote it, as Josephus says ^F4,

``in hexameter verse, which he left in the holy Bible or book (the Pentateuch), containing (as he adds) a prophecy of things future, according to which all things have been done, and are done; and in nothing of it has he erred from the truth;''

which is a very just account of it, and worthy of observation:

and taught it the children of Israel;
instructed them in the meaning of it, directed them to repeat it frequently, to lay it up in their memories, and often meditate upon it; as being a divine composition, and of great importance, as the consideration of it will make appear.

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FOOTNOTES:

F4 Antiqu. l. 4. c. 8. sect. 44.

Deuteronomy 31:22 In-Context

20 When I bring the Israelites to the land I swore to their ancestors, which is full of milk and honey, and they eat, get full, then fat, and then turn toward other gods, serving them and disrespecting me and breaking my covenant,

21 then, when all kinds of bad things and misfortunes happen to them, this poem will witness against them, giving its testimony, because it won't be lost from the mouths of their descendants. Yes, I know right now what they are inclined to do, even before I've brought them into the land I swore."

22 So Moses wrote this poem down that very day, and he taught it to the Israelites.

23 Then the Lord commissioned Joshua, Nun's son: "Be strong and fearless because you are the one who will bring the Israelites to the land I swore to them. I myself will be with you."

24 Once Moses had finished writing in their entirety all the words of this Instruction scroll,