“Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.”
Deuteronomy 31:26 is part of Moses’ final address to the Israelites, given just before his death and their entry into the Promised Land. In this verse, Moses instructs the Levitical priests to take the book of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant as a testimony against the people.
Here are some key points and lessons we can derive from this verse:
The Book of the Law: The “book of the law” refers to the written record of God’s commands and instructions given to the Israelites, primarily found in the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). It contains the covenant between God and His chosen people. This book was to be treasured and revered as a source of guidance and obedience.
The Ark of the Covenant: The ark of the covenant was a sacred chest constructed according to God’s instructions. It symbolized God’s presence among the Israelites and contained the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s staff, and a jar of manna. Placing the book of the law beside the ark emphasized the importance of aligning one’s life with God’s commandments.
Witness against the people: The book of the law served as a witness or testimony against the Israelites. It testified to the requirements and expectations God had for His people. It highlighted their responsibility to obey God’s commands, reminding them of their obligations and the consequences of disobedience.
Accountability and Consequences: By placing the book of the law beside the ark, Moses emphasized the accountability of the Israelites to God’s word. It reminded them that their actions would be measured against the standard set by God. If they disobeyed, the law would stand as evidence of their transgressions and the resulting consequences.
Lessons from Deuteronomy 31:26:
- Respect for God’s Word: The Israelites were to honor and respect the written word of God. Similarly, as believers today, we should value and treasure the Scriptures as a guide for our lives, recognizing their authority and relevance.
- Obedience to God’s Commands: Placing the book of the law beside the ark reminds us of the importance of obeying God’s commandments. It is not enough to possess knowledge of His word; we must strive to live in obedience to His instructions.
- Accountability: Just as the Israelites were accountable to God’s law, we too are accountable for our actions. The Bible serves as a witness against us, revealing whether we are living according to God’s standards or falling short. It prompts us to evaluate our lives and seek forgiveness and transformation through Jesus Christ.
- Consequences of Disobedience: The book of the law stood as a testimony to the consequences of the Israelites’ disobedience. It reminds us that our actions have repercussions. While the Old Testament emphasizes the law’s consequences, the New Testament highlights the grace and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ.
Overall, Deuteronomy 31:26 encourages us to value God’s Word, live in obedience to His commands, and recognize our accountability before Him. It reminds us that our actions matter and that we should strive to align our lives with God’s will.
