“And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.”
Context: The book of Deuteronomy is a crucial part of the Torah, which consists of the first five books of the Bible. It is written by Moses, the great leader of the Israelites, as they are about to enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy recounts the laws, commandments, and instructions that God had given to the Israelites during their wilderness journey.
Moses as the Author: Deuteronomy 31:9 emphasizes Moses as the writer of the law. Moses had received the Law directly from God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 31:18). He meticulously transcribed these laws and delivered them to the priests, who were the descendants of Levi, and to the elders of Israel. This act demonstrated Moses’ faithfulness in fulfilling God’s command to pass down the Law to the people.
The Ark of the Covenant: The verse specifically mentions that Moses delivered the law to the priests who bore the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest that housed the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments. It symbolized the presence of God among the Israelites and was carried by the priests during their journey through the wilderness. By entrusting the Law to the priests and the Ark, Moses ensured the preservation and reverence of God’s commands.
The Elders of Israel: In addition to the priests, Moses also delivered the law to the elders of Israel. The elders were respected leaders within the community who played a vital role in governing and guiding the people. They held positions of authority and were responsible for upholding the Law and teaching it to the nation. By involving the elders, Moses ensured the widespread dissemination of God’s instructions throughout the entire community.
Significance for Today: Deuteronomy 31:9 highlights the importance of passing down God’s Word from one generation to the next. It reminds us of the responsibility to diligently study and preserve the Scriptures and then teach them to others. Just as Moses entrusted the Law to the priests and the elders, we are called to share the Word of God with those around us, ensuring its continuity and impact in our lives and communities.
In summary, Deuteronomy 31:9 reveals Moses as the writer of the Law, delivering it to the priests and elders of Israel. It emphasizes the importance of faithfully transmitting God’s Word and underscores our responsibility to study, preserve, and teach His commands.
