Deuteronomy 31:9
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The text highlights that Moses didn't just hand the Law to the priests, but specifically to those who carried the ark of the covenant. This links the keepers of God's Word directly to the very symbol of His presence, emphasizing that understanding and teaching His Law is intrinsically tied to living in close proximity to God. Furthermore, including the elders shows that leadership and authority in Israel were meant to uphold and support the Law's observance, not just the religious authorities.
Then Moses wrote this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Moses' time nears its end, he's commissioning the next generation to carry on God's work. He solemnly writes down the Law, not just as a set of rules, but as the very core of Israel's covenant relationship with God. He then entrusts this written Law to the priests, the Levites who carry the Ark of God's presence, and the elders who lead the people, ensuring its preservation and teaching for all of Israel.
Imagine receiving a sacred document, not just to read, but to protect and teach. Moses didn't just hand over a book; he entrusted the very words of God.
In Deuteronomy 31:9, Moses writes 'this law' and delivers it to the priests and elders. This wasn't a casual exchange. The Hebrew word for 'law' here, 'Torah', often means 'instruction' or 'teaching'. Moses wasn't just archiving a set of rules; he was entrusting the core instruction of God's covenant to specific people for ongoing dissemination and preservation.
Why involve both priests and elders? This wasn't just a religious ceremony; it was a strategic move to ensure God's Word impacted every level of Israelite society.
Ask a follow-up
Deuteronomy 31:9 specifically names both the priests (Levites) and the elders of Israel. This dual appointment wasn't accidental; it ensured comprehensive coverage and reinforcement of God's commands.
Understand the original words
torah · Hebrew Noun
The authoritative instruction, teaching, or divine will of God. It encompasses the entirety of the Mosaic covenant and serves as the guide for the life and conduct of the people of God.
aron berit YHWH · Hebrew Noun phrase
A sacred chest containing the stone tablets of the Decalogue (the Ten Commandments). It served as the visible sign of God's presence and His covenant relationship with Israel.
This act of writing and entrusting the Law occurs at the very end of Moses' life, just before the people enter the Promised Land. It highlights the vital importance of preserving and teaching God's Word as they transition into a new phase of their history.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
After centuries of slavery, God dramatically delivers the Israelites from Egypt under Moses' leadership. This event marks the beginning of their covenant relationship with God.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
For 40 years, the Israelites journey through the Sinai wilderness. During this time, God gives them the Law and establishes the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Moses' Final Instructions
As the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership, Moses delivers his final speeches, recorded in Deuteronomy, to remind them of God's commands and the covenant.
c. 1406 BC
Law Written and Entrusted
Moses writes down the Law, likely the book of Deuteronomy or the entire Pentateuch, and formally entrusts it to the priests and elders for safekeeping and teaching.
c. 1406 BC
Joshua Appointed Successor
God publicly commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into Canaan, assuring him of His presence and power. This signifies a transition of leadership from Moses.
c. 1406 BC
Moses' Death
Moses ascends Mount Nebo, views the Promised Land, and dies. His death marks the end of an era, with Joshua now fully in charge.
This passage describes the fulfillment of Deuteronomy 31:12's command to read the law, showing how this historical event is directly linked to Moses' instruction for the people to hear and learn God's Word.
Nehemiah 8:1-3This later event clearly echoes Moses' command, with Ezra reading the Law to the assembled people, highlighting the enduring importance of public scripture reading and instruction through the generations.
1 Timothy 3:15Calvin draws a parallel between the priests and elders being entrusted with the Law and the Church being called the 'pillar and ground of truth,' showing how the responsibility for preserving and teaching God's Word has always been a vital function.
2 Timothy 2:2This passage highlights the need to pass on sound teaching to faithful men who can teach others, mirroring the way Moses entrusted the Law to the Levites and elders for the perpetual instruction of Israel.
Jeremiah 32:12-14This passage shows a similar practice of depositing written documents (in this case, a deed of purchase) in an earthenware jar for safekeeping, which parallels the idea of preserving the Law for future reference and as a testimony.
calvinDeuteronomy 31:9: "And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel."
- And Moses wrote this law. It is unquestionable that Moses deposited the Book of the Law in the custody of the Levites, to enjoin upon them the duty of teaching; for although it is only related that they were commanded to recite the book before the people every seventh year, yet it is easy to gather that they were…
bensonDeuteronomy 31:9: "And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel."
Deuteronomy 31:9 . Moses wrote this law — Largely so called, comprehending not only the contents of this book of Deuteronomy, but the whole law or doctrine delivered unto him, contained in these five books. Or rather it is probable the whole Pentateuch is here intended, which is the meaning of the word law in many pa…
The text highlights that Moses didn't just hand the Law to the priests, but specifically to those who carried the ark of the covenant. This links the keepers of God's Word directly to the very symbol of His presence, emphasizing that understanding and teaching His Law is intrinsically tied to living in close proximity to God. Furthermore, including the elders shows that leadership and authority in Israel were meant to uphold and support the Law's observance, not just the religious authorities.
As Moses' time nears its end, he's commissioning the next generation to carry on God's work. He solemnly writes down the Law, not just as a set of rules, but as the very core of Israel's covenant relationship with God. He then entrusts this written Law to the priests, the Levites who carry the Ark of God's presence, and the elders who lead the people, ensuring its preservation and teaching for all of Israel.
As Moses' time nears its end, he's commissioning the next generation to carry on God's work. He solemnly writes down the Law, not just as a set of rules, but as the very core of Israel's covenant relationship with God. He then entrusts this written Law to the priests, the Levites who carry the Ark of God's presence, and the elders who lead the people, ensuring its preservation and teaching for all of Israel.
"Then Moses wrote this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel." — The text highlights that Moses didn't just hand the Law to the priests, but specifically to those who carried the ark of the covenant. This links the keepers of God's Word directly to the very symb…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
