Keraia
Deuteronomy 31

Deuteronomy 31:21

God Commissions Joshua · Deuteronomy 31:14–23
Read Deuteronomy 31

Translations

Modern
And when many troubles and afflictions have come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants. For I know their inclination, even before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them.”
Traditional
And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware.
Literal
And it shall come to pass when many evils and distresses have come upon him, that this song will testify to his face as a witness, for it will not be forgotten in the mouths of his seed. For I know the inclination that he is doing today, even before I bring him to the land of which I have sworn.”
Latin
Postquam invenerint eum mala multa et afflictiones, respondebit ei canticum istud pro testimonio, quod nulla delebit oblivio ex ore seminis sui. Scio enim cogitationes ejus, quæ facturus sit hodie, antequam introducam eum in terram, quam ei pollicitus sum.

Original

Hebrew
English
And when many troubles and afflictions have come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants. For I know their inclination, even before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them.”

Notes

Deuteronomy 31:19–22

In the future, when the community sings this song, it will remind them of God's past faithfulness and their frequent disloyalty (32:1–43). The song includes major blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The people of Israel will sing it to show they accept these promises and warnings. Through music, they will remember God's blessings for obedience and call for God's judgment if they are unfaithful.

Deuteronomy 31:1–29

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

Moses Ancient Law Codes Remember Him

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of Joshua, Book of Moses Numbers, Book of Pillar of Fire and Cloud

Topics

Backsliders: Backsliding of Israel Christian Minister: Charge Delivered To Death: Scenes of Death of Moses God: Knowledge of Heart: Known to God Idolatry: Denunciations Against Secret: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Sin: Known to God Word of God: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To