Deuteronomy Chapter 31 · Verse 30
And Moses spake in the ears of all the congregation of Israel the words of this song, until they were ended.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּאָזְנֵי֙
in the ears
H241
בְּאָזְנֵי֙
in the ears
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
3 of 12
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דִּבְרֵ֥י
the words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֥י
the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
8 of 12
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
Hebrews 3:2Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.John 12:49For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.Deuteronomy 4:5Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.
Historical Context
Occurred circa 1406 BC in Moses's final month before ascending Mount Nebo to die. Deuteronomy 32 records the song's text—a theological masterpiece tracing creation, election, rebellion, judgment, and ultimate restoration. The song became central to Israel's worship and teaching, referenced throughout Scripture. Paul quotes it in Romans 10:19, showing New Testament awareness of its continuing relevance. The song's predictions of judgment and restoration framed Israel's understanding of exile and return, ultimately fulfilled in Christ's redemptive work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does public, comprehensive reading of Scripture differ in impact from selective, private reading?
- Why does God use poetry and song to convey theology? What unique pedagogical and devotional benefits do they provide?
- How can contemporary churches recover the practice of substantial Scripture reading in corporate worship?
Analysis & Commentary
And Moses spake in the ears of all the congregation of Israel the words of this song, until they were ended—Moses publicly recited the entire song (Deuteronomy 32) to the assembled nation. The phrase be-ozne kol-qahal Israel (בְּאָזְנֵי כָּל־קְהַל יִשְׂרָאֵל, 'in the ears of all the assembly of Israel') emphasizes comprehensive audience and oral delivery. Until they were ended indicates Moses recited the complete song, approximately 43 verses, ensuring full exposure to its message.
This public reading inaugurated the song's function as covenant witness. The entire nation heard simultaneously, creating communal memory and eliminating excuse of ignorance. The song's content—God's faithfulness, Israel's rebellion, judgment, restoration—provided theological framework for interpreting future history. Its poetic form aided memorization, ensuring transmission to children (31:19). The practice of comprehensive Scripture reading in gathered assemblies continues in Christian liturgy (1 Timothy 4:13, Revelation 1:3), maintaining corporate engagement with God's word as foundational to covenant community.