Deuteronomy 31:21

21 When many terrible disasters happen to them, this song will testify against them, because it will never be forgotten by their descendants. I know what their hearts are set on doing, even now before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them."

Deuteronomy 31:21 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 31:21

And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are
befallen them
As did in the times of the judges, in the Babylonish captivity, and do now in their present exile:

that this song shall testify against them as a witness;
which so clearly points at their sins, with all their aggravated circumstances, and describes so fully their calamities, distresses, and punishment for them:

for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed;
which shows that it respects time to come, their later posterity, whose memory of this song would be conjured up by the evils that should come upon them for their sins; nor is it forgotten by them to this day, who acknowledge there are some things in it now fulfilled or fulfilling in them:

for I know their imagination which they go about even now:
or are "making" ^F3; forming and framing within themselves, there being a secret inclination in their minds to idolatry, which were working and contriving schemes to bring it about, and set it up; and this, God, the searcher of hearts, knew full well, and that in process of time this evil imagination would break forth into act, in an open and flagrant manner:

before I have brought thee into the land which I sware;
to their fathers, to give it to them for an inheritance, as is suggested in ( Deuteronomy 31:20 ) .

---

FOOTNOTES:

F3 (hve) "faciens", Montanus; "quam facit", Pagninus.

Deuteronomy 31:21 In-Context

19 "Write down this song, teach it to the Israelites, and have them sing it. This song will be a witness for me against the Israelites.

20 I will bring them into the land that I swore to give to their ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey. When they have eaten all they want and have become fat, they will turn to other gods and worship them. They will despise me and reject my promise.

21 When many terrible disasters happen to them, this song will testify against them, because it will never be forgotten by their descendants. I know what their hearts are set on doing, even now before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them."

22 That day Moses wrote down this song and taught it to the Israelites.

23 The LORD gave this command to Joshua, son of Nun: "Be strong and courageous, because you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you."