Translations
Modern
When Moses had finished speaking these words to all Israel,
Traditional
And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel.
Literal
And Moses had finished speaking these words to all Israel,
Latin
Abiit itaque Moyses, et locutus est omnia verba hæc ad universum Israël,
Original
Hebrew
English
When Moses had finished speaking these words to all Israel,
Notes
Based on the context, these instructions refers to all of Deuteronomy (see 1:1).
Because Moses was about to die, his role as leader of the covenant would soon end. Joshua needed to be clearly and publicly presented as the next leader. He was to receive the same authority as Moses.
For a covenant document to remain binding and important, it had to be kept in a place where both sides could easily find it.
The book of Deuteronomy needed to be preserved for future generations. In this way, Israel would continue to remember to submit to the Lord’s rule.
Theme notes and profiles
Parallels
People
Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt