Deuteronomy 31:1
And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 9
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וַיְדַבֵּ֛ר
and spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֛ר
and spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 9
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדְּבָרִ֥ים
these words
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֥ים
these words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 9
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Historical Context
Deuteronomy 31 begins Moses' final month of life (circa 1406 BC). Standing in the plains of Moab, within sight of the Promised Land he cannot enter, Moses prepares Israel for life without him. For forty years he has been their mediator, judge, and prophet. His farewell address establishes Torah in written form, appoints Joshua as successor, and prophesies Israel's future apostasy and restoration. This chapter parallels ancient Near Eastern testaments where patriarchs and leaders delivered deathbed instructions.
Questions for Reflection
- What final words of spiritual instruction would you leave to those you shepherd if you knew your time was short?
- How does Moses' addressing 'all Israel' (not just leaders) model the communal nature of covenant faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel—the simplicity of this verse belies its gravity. Vayelekh Moshe ("And Moses went") uses the same verb that will describe his impending death (Deuteronomy 31:14, 32:50). At 120 years old, facing his final days, Moses delivers his farewell address to all Israel (כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל kol-Yisra'el), emphasizing covenant unity and collective responsibility.
This verse marks a transition from covenant exposition (chapters 5-30) to leadership transfer and prophetic witness (chapters 31-34). "These words" refers to the choice between life and death just articulated (30:15-20). Moses' final pastoral act is not administrative delegation but theological declaration—he speaks covenant truth to the entire assembly. Like Paul's farewell at Miletus (Acts 20:17-38), Moses' final words carry urgency, authority, and pastoral love for those he will soon leave behind.