God’s Word Renewing Word of Faith
Introduction
Deuteronomy 31:1-13: Today’s reading is from a section in Deuteronomy (chapters 31—34) that comprises the epilogue to the book. Moses speaks to the people; and before he dies, he makes arrangements for Israel’s future. These arrangements include transferring leadership to Joshua and providing for the care and reading of God’s Law.
Scripture Reading
Joshua Becomes Moses’ Successor
31 Moses continued speaking to the people of Israel, 2 and said, “I am now a hundred and twenty years old and am no longer able to be your leader. And besides this, the Lord has told me that I will not cross the Jordan. 3 The Lord your God himself will go before you and destroy the nations living there, so that you can occupy their land; and Joshua will be your leader, as the Lord has said. 4 The Lord will destroy those people, just as he defeated Sihon and Og, kings of the Amorites, and destroyed their country. 5 The Lord will give you victory over them, and you are to treat them exactly as I have told you. 6 Be determined and confident. Do not be afraid of them. Your God, the Lord himself, will be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.”
7 Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the presence of all the people of Israel, “Be determined and confident; you are the one who will lead these people to occupy the land that the Lord promised to their ancestors. 8 The Lord himself will lead you and be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you, so do not lose courage or be afraid.”
The Law Is to Be Read Every Seven Years
9 So Moses wrote down God’s Law and gave it to the levitical priests, who were in charge of the Lord’s Covenant Box, and to the leaders of Israel. 10 He commanded them, “At the end of every seven years, when the year that debts are canceled comes around, read this aloud at the Festival of Shelters. 11 Read it to the people of Israel when they come to worship the Lord your God at the one place of worship. 12 Call together all the men, women, and children, and the foreigners who live in your towns, so that everyone may hear it and learn to honor the Lord your God and to obey his teachings faithfully. 13 In this way your descendants who have never heard the Law of the Lord your God will hear it. And so they will learn to obey him as long as they live in the land that you are about to occupy across the Jordan.”
Today’s Key Verse: Deuteronomy 31:6b
[Moses said:] “Your God, the LORD himself, will be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.”
Reflect
What words of assurance did Moses say to Joshua (verses 7, 8)? Reread verses 9-13. Why was God’s Law to be read aloud every seven years? What rituals occur in your community of faith to remind everyone of God’s faithfulness and God’s teachings?
Pray
Lord God, I thank and praise you for the assurance that you are always with me. I need not be afraid, because you will never abandon me. I trust in your steadfast love and care. Amen.
You’re invited to join us in prayer for people around the world to meet God through the Bible. By signing up as an American Bible Society prayer partner, you will receive faith-igniting testimonies and specific prayer requests helping us bring God’s Word where it is most needed. As a part of this community, you will also receive prayer resources that inspire your prayers and faith journey in Scripture. Join us here today:americanbible.org/prayer.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Deuteronomy 31:14-29: Moses receives his last instructions from the LORD.