Deuteronomy 31:9

Analysis & Commentary

And Moses wrote this law—the Hebrew vayichtov Moshe et-hatorah hazot (וַיִּכְתֹּב מֹשֶׁה אֶת־הַתּוֹרָה הַזֹּאת) establishes Moses as the author of the Pentateuchal legal corpus. And delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD—the Levitical priesthood received custody of the written law, connecting legal authority with ark guardianship. And unto all the elders of Israel—both religious (priests) and civil (elders) leaders received the law, ensuring comprehensive societal governance under divine instruction.

This verse documents the transition from oral proclamation (Moses's sermons in Deuteronomy) to written scripture preserved for future generations. The law's placement with the ark (verse 26) physically located God's word at the covenant's heart. The dual delivery to priests and elders ensured both worship and civil life would conform to divine standards. This pattern—written revelation, authorized custodians, communal accessibility—established the biblical principle that God's people are governed by His inscripturated word.

Historical Context

Written circa 1406 BC in Moses's final weeks before his death at age 120. The 'law' (torah) likely included Deuteronomy itself and possibly the entire Pentateuch in substantially final form. Ancient Near Eastern treaties were similarly written and deposited in temples, though uniquely Israel's treaty-partner was Yahweh Himself. The Levitical priesthood would maintain this text through Israel's history, though later corruptions required reforms under Josiah (2 Kings 22-23) when the lost book of the law was rediscovered.

Questions for Reflection

• Why does God require His revelation in written form rather than merely oral tradition?
• How does dual custody (priests and elders) protect against either religious or political corruption of God's word?
• What responsibilities accompany receiving and preserving God's written word for Christian leaders today?