Deuteronomy Chapter 31 · Verse 26
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.
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
סֵ֤פֶר
this book
H5612
סֵ֤פֶר
this book
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
הַתּוֹרָה֙
of the law
H8451
הַתּוֹרָה֙
of the law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
4 of 16
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
וְשַׂמְתֶּ֣ם
and put
H7760
וְשַׂמְתֶּ֣ם
and put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
6 of 16
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֹת֔וֹ
H853
אֹת֔וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּרִית
of the covenant
H1285
בְּרִית
of the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
10 of 16
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֑ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
12 of 16
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְהָֽיָה
H1961
וְהָֽיָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
13 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שָׁ֥ם
H8033
Historical Context
Implemented circa 1406 BC, just before Moses's death. The ark's construction followed the Sinai covenant (Exodus 25:10-22); now Moses placed his completed written law beside it. This arrangement continued through Israel's history. When Josiah's reforms led to temple renovation (622 BC), the rediscovered 'Book of the Law' was apparently this very scroll placed beside the ark (2 Kings 22:8). Its recovery sparked national repentance, demonstrating Scripture's power when accessed and obeyed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Scripture function as 'witness against' humanity—exposing sin, establishing guilt, preventing excuse?
- Why is the law-book beside (not inside) the ark significant? What's the relationship between Ten Commandments and comprehensive law?
- How does Scripture's dual function (condemning sin, offering grace) resolve in Christ and the Gospel?
Analysis & Commentary
Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God—the law-book was placed beside, not inside, the ark (which contained only the Ten Commandments tablets, Hebrews 9:4). The Hebrew mi-tzad (מִצַּד) means 'on the side of' or 'beside.' That it may be there for a witness against thee—the book functioned as legal testimony in the covenant lawsuit between Yahweh and Israel. Its presence ensured Israel couldn't claim ignorance of covenant stipulations when judgment came.
The law-book's placement beside the ark symbolized several truths:
The phrase 'against thee' suggests prosecutorial function—Scripture exposes sin and establishes guilt. Yet paradoxically, the same Scripture that condemns offers grace, pointing to the mercy seat atop the ark where blood atonement was made (Leviticus 16).