Deuteronomy 31:10
And Moses commanded them, “At the end of every seven years, at the set time in the year of release, at the Feast of Booths,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This wasn't just a general reminder; it was a specific command tied to the "year of release" and the "Feast of Booths." This timing wasn't accidental – it was meant to happen when people were already experiencing freedom from debt and were gathered in thanksgiving, creating a powerful context for remembering God's law.
As Moses prepares to depart, he issues final instructions to the Israelites, entrusting them with the Law he has written. He commands that this Law be read aloud every seven years during a special gathering at the Feast of Booths, coinciding with the year of release. This public reading ensures that the entire community, including children and foreigners, hears and learns God's commands, reinforcing their covenant relationship with Him as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
Imagine a year dedicated to letting go – of debts, of burdens, of worldly worries. This wasn't just a theoretical concept for ancient Israel; it was a commanded rhythm.
Moses is setting up a profound spiritual practice for Israel as they are about to enter the Promised Land. He commands that the Law be read aloud every seven years, specifically during the 'year of release' and the 'Feast of Booths'.
The Year of Release
This seventh year, known as the Sabbatical or release year (Deuteronomy 15:1-11), was a time when debts were forgiven and enslaved Israelites were set free. It was a time to reset, to remember dependence on God rather than worldly security.
The Feast of Booths
Following the year of release was the Feast of Booths (Sukkot), a joyous harvest festival where Israel was to dwell in temporary shelters, remembering God's provision and protection in the wilderness.
By linking the public reading of the Law to these specific times, Moses ensured that remembrance of God's commands was woven into the very fabric of their economic and spiritual cycles.
Who was supposed to hear this reading of the Law? Everyone. No exceptions. This wasn't just for the religious elite; it was a communal event.
Moses doesn't just say 'the people' should hear the Law; he explicitly states who is included: 'men and women and children, and the sojourner who is within your gates.'
Universal Hearing
This inclusivity is significant. In many ancient cultures, religious knowledge was restricted. God, however, desired that His covenant be understood by all members of the community. Young children, who had no direct memory of the Exodus or the Law's initial giving, were to learn.
The Purpose: Learning and Fear
The goal was twofold: 'that they may hear, and learn, and fear the LORD your God.' Hearing the Word leads to learning its truths, which in turn cultivates a healthy fear – a reverence and awe – of God. This fear is the foundation of wisdom and obedience.
Understand the original words
shemittah · Hebrew Noun
A period of rest and cancellation of debts, particularly the seventh year. It symbolizes God’s provision, the equality of His people, and the recognition that the land belongs to Him.
sukkah · Hebrew Noun
A primary harvest festival of Israel, also called the Feast of Tabernacles. It commemorates God’s protection and provision for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, when they lived in temporary shelters.
The command for a public reading of the Law every seven years was a vital safeguard against spiritual amnesia, especially given the Israelites' tendency towards forgetting God's commands, as tragically demonstrated by the exiles.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings
Following their liberation from Egyptian slavery, the Israelites journeyed through the Sinai desert for 40 years, receiving the Law from God through Moses. This period laid the foundation for Israel's covenant relationship with God.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
After Moses' death, Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, beginning the conquest and division of Canaan among the twelve tribes. This marked the start of their life as a settled nation.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Establishment of Sabbatical Year Cycle
The commandment for a Sabbatical year (year of release) and its associated public reading of the Law is given during the final days of Moses' leadership, just before Israel's full settlement in the land.
c. 1390 BC onwards
Observance of the Sabbatical Year
The Sabbatical year, including the public reading of the Law, was to be observed throughout Israel's history, though historical records indicate inconsistent adherence over the centuries.
This passage describes Joshua reading the entire law to all the people, including women and children, mirroring the instruction given in Deuteronomy for a public reading of the law.
2 Chronicles 34:30King Josiah also led a public reading of the Law to all the people, highlighting the ongoing importance of this practice throughout Israel's history for spiritual renewal.
Nehemiah 8:2After the exile, Ezra the priest read the Book of the Law to the assembled people, demonstrating how this practice was revived to re-establish covenant faithfulness.
Luke 4:16Jesus himself followed this tradition by going to the synagogue on the Sabbath and reading from the prophet Isaiah, showing the continuity of public Scripture reading in worship.
Hebrews 10:25This verse speaks to the importance of not neglecting to meet together, which aligns with the communal reading and hearing of God's word commanded in Deuteronomy.
calvinDeuteronomy 31:10-13: "And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles,"
Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law;
Congregando populum, viros, et mulieres, parvulos et peregrinos qui sunt intra portas tuas, ut audiant, et dis…
cambridgeDeuteronomy 31:10: "And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles,"
10 . At the end of every seven years … the year of release ] See Deuteronomy 15:1 ff. set time ] Heb. mo‘ed , in Deuteronomy 16:6 of a fixed hour of day; here as in Exodus 23:15 (see Dri.’s note) of a season fixed for a sacred festival; for another application see Deuteronomy 31:14 . the feast of Booths ] See Deuteronomy 16:13-15 .
This wasn't just a general reminder; it was a specific command tied to the "year of release" and the "Feast of Booths." This timing wasn't accidental – it was meant to happen when people were already experiencing freedom from debt and were gathered in thanksgiving, creating a powerful context for remembering God's law.
As Moses prepares to depart, he issues final instructions to the Israelites, entrusting them with the Law he has written. He commands that this Law be read aloud every seven years during a special gathering at the Feast of Booths, coinciding with the year of release. This public reading ensures that the entire community, including children and foreigners, hears and learns God's commands, reinforcing their covenant relationship with Him as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
As Moses prepares to depart, he issues final instructions to the Israelites, entrusting them with the Law he has written. He commands that this Law be read aloud every seven years during a special gathering at the Feast of Booths, coinciding with the year of release. This public reading ensures that the entire community, including children and foreigners, hears and learns God's commands, reinforcing their covenant relationship with Him as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
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The Stranger Within
Even the 'stranger' (sojourner) living among them was included. This shows God's desire that His ways be known and respected by all who dwelt in the land, not just native Israelites.
Why the need for a public reading every seven years? Even with a written Law, knowledge can fade. This was God's safeguard against forgetting.
Moses' instruction for the public reading of the Law wasn't just a ceremonial event; it was a vital strategy for the preservation and integrity of God's Word across generations.
Combating Forgetfulness
As Calvin notes, human minds are prone to forget. Even with written records, the daily grind and the passage of time can cause spiritual truths to become obscure. A regular, public recitation served as a powerful antidote to this.
A Public Guarantee
This ordinance provided a public guarantee for the Law's accuracy and continuity. It ensured that the covenant stipulations weren't lost or corrupted. The Levites, as guardians of the Law, played a key role, but the entire community's participation reinforced its importance.
A Foundation for Obedience
By hearing the Law repeatedly, especially during times of release and celebration, the people were continually reminded of their covenant obligations. This regular reinforcement was essential for sustained obedience as they lived in the Promised Land.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its citizens. This event underscored the consequences of disobedience to God's Law.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling much of the population. This was a direct result of prolonged disobedience and neglect of God's commands, including the Law.
c. 539 BC
Return from Exile
Under Persian rule, many Jewish exiles returned to Jerusalem. Subsequently, figures like Ezra and Nehemiah led efforts to re-establish religious observance and teach the Law to the people.
"And Moses commanded them, “At the end of every seven years, at the set time in the year of release, at the Feast of Booths," — This wasn't just a general reminder; it was a specific command tied to the "year of release" and the "Feast of Booths." This timing wasn't accidental – it was meant to happen when people were already…
