Beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab, Moses undertook to explain this law, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Deuteronomy 1:5
What does Deuteronomy 1:5 mean?
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Deuteronomy 1:5
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Moses didn't just start repeating laws; the Hebrew word here suggests he "undertook" or "set himself" to make plain the existing law, carving out a clear understanding for a new generation. This wasn't about new rules, but a deliberate, thorough exposition of what God had already given, particularly for those who hadn't heard it firsthand.
Beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab, Moses undertook to explain this law, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Standing on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River and just before entering the Promised Land, Moses begins his final address to the Israelites. After forty years of wandering, marked by both God's faithfulness and Israel's disobedience, he sets out to expound the Law God gave them at Sinai. This isn't a new law, but a clear explanation for a new generation, recounting their history and God's mighty acts as a foundation for obedience.
Imagine standing on the edge of a promised land, but before you step in, your leader gathers everyone for a crucial review. That's the scene here.
Moses stands "beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab." This isn't just a geographical marker; it's a place of transition. They've journeyed for forty years, seen miracles, and faced consequences. Moab is the threshold before entering Canaan. Moses isn't starting a new relationship with God's law; he's revisiting it with a generation that has lived through the wilderness. It’s a deliberate pause to orient them before their next great act of faith.
Did Moses just make up new rules? Absolutely not. He was doing something even more vital for their future.
The word for 'explain' here isn't about announcing fresh commands. Think of it as making something 'plain' or 'evident,' like clearing away debris to reveal a path. Moses is taking the Law God gave at Sinai and expounding it. This generation, or parts of it, weren't present or old enough to fully grasp it the first time. Moses isn't adding to the Law; he's ensuring they understand its depth, its implications, and how to live it out in the new land they're about to conquer. It's a powerful act of discipleship.
Starting a massive teaching project for a people with a difficult history? That takes more than just duty; it takes a willing heart.
The Hebrew word Moses uses here signifies more than just 'began.' It carries a sense of 'willingly undertook,' 'set himself to,' or even 'was content to.' Imagine Moses, nearing the end of his life, looking at a generation that had repeatedly failed. Yet, he commits himself to this immense task of explanation. It's a testament to God's faithfulness and Moses' dedication, not just to the Law, but to the people. He's not forced into this; he embraces it, demonstrating a profound pastoral heart.
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Understand the original words
torah · Hebrew Noun
A term encompassing God's revelation, instructions, and covenant stipulations. It carries the weight of authoritative teaching that guides the believer in living according to God's will.
This final address by Moses takes place on the plains of Moab, just before Israel crosses the Jordan River. It's a crucial moment where Moses reiterates and explains the Law to a new generation, grounding their future obedience in God's past faithfulness and their ancestors' failures.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Exits Egypt
After 400 years of slavery, God miraculously leads the Israelites out of Egypt under Moses.
c. 1446 BC
Giving of the Law at Sinai
God establishes His covenant with Israel and gives them the Law at Mount Sinai, including the Ten Commandments.
c. 1445 BC
Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea
Spies sent into Canaan return with a fearful report, leading the Israelites to refuse to enter the Promised Land.
c. 1445 BC - c. 1405 BC
Forty Years of Wandering
Due to their disobedience, the generation that left Egypt is condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years until they perish.
c. 1405 BC
Conquest of Sihon and Og
As the Israelites approach the Promised Land, they conquer the Amorite kings Sihon and Og on the east side of the Jordan River.
c. 1405 BC— this verse
Moses Addresses Israel in Moab
From the plains of Moab, Moses delivers his final addresses to the new generation of Israelites before they enter Canaan, beginning with a historical review and explanation of the Law.
c. 1405 BC
Moses' Death
Moses is permitted to see the Promised Land from Mount Nebo but dies before entering it, succeeded by Joshua.
This passage describes the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua right after Moses' death, just as Israel is about to enter the Promised Land, echoing the sense of transition and instruction present in Deuteronomy.
Nehemiah 8:1-8This shows Ezra reading and explaining the Law to the people after their return from exile, mirroring Moses' act of 'declaring' or explaining the Law to a new generation of Israelites.
John 1:14The phrase 'the Word became flesh' relates to God's Law being 'declared' or made clear through Moses; this verse speaks of God's Word becoming fully manifest in Jesus, the ultimate explainer of God's will.
Hebrews 1:1-2This passage highlights how God communicated in various ways in the past, ultimately through His Son, connecting to Moses' role as God's spokesman explaining the Law to Israel.
gillDeuteronomy 1:5: "On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying,"
On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab,.... On that side of Jordan in which the land of Moab was, and which with respect to the land of Canaan was beyond Jordan; this the Vulgate Latin version joins to the preceding verse: began Moses to declare this law: to explain it, make it clear and manifest; namely, the whole system and body of laws, which had been before given him, which he "willed" (k…
clarkeDeuteronomy 1:5: "On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying,"
Began Moses to declare this law - Began, הואיל hoil, willingly undertook; to declare, באר beer, to make bare, clear, etc., fully to explain, this law. See the conclusion of the preface.
Moses didn't just start repeating laws; the Hebrew word here suggests he "undertook" or "set himself" to make plain the existing law, carving out a clear understanding for a new generation. This wasn't about new rules, but a deliberate, thorough exposition of what God had already given, particularly for those who hadn't heard it firsthand.
Standing on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River and just before entering the Promised Land, Moses begins his final address to the Israelites. After forty years of wandering, marked by both God's faithfulness and Israel's disobedience, he sets out to expound the Law God gave them at Sinai. This isn't a new law, but a clear explanation for a new generation, recounting their history and God's mighty acts as a foundation for obedience.
Standing on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River and just before entering the Promised Land, Moses begins his final address to the Israelites. After forty years of wandering, marked by both God's faithfulness and Israel's disobedience, he sets out to expound the Law God gave them at Sinai. This isn't a new law, but a clear explanation for a new generation, recounting their history and God's mighty acts as a foundation for obedience.
"Beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab, Moses undertook to explain this law, saying," — Moses didn't just start repeating laws; the Hebrew word here suggests he "undertook" or "set himself" to make plain the existing law, carving out a clear understanding for a new generation. This wa…
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Last reviewed October 2026