Deuteronomy 31:9-11
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Moses entrusting the Law to the priests and elders wasn't just about handing over a book; it was about entrusting them with the very memory and practice of God's covenant. Notice they are described as "bearing the ark of the covenant," a significant detail emphasizing their role in safeguarding not just the written word, but the living presence and promises of God among the people.
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. 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, when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place that he will choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Moses' time on earth nears its end, he compiles and formally entrusts the entirety of God's Law—likely the book of Deuteronomy itself, or even the Pentateuch—to the Levitical priests and the elders of Israel. This act is a crucial step in ensuring the Law would be preserved, taught, and observed by the people, even after his death and as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The priests, specifically those who bore the Ark of the Covenant, and the tribal elders were given these copies to safeguard and publicly proclaim the Law for generations to come.
Moses’ time is ending, but the Law must live on. Who gets the responsibility, and why does it matter who receives it?
Before Moses departs, he takes a monumental step to ensure God's Word continues to shape Israel. He writes the Law and then entrusts it to specific people.
Custodians of the Covenant
This wasn't just about preserving a document; it was about preserving a relationship. The Law was the roadmap for life with God, and these leaders were appointed to keep that map accessible and respected.
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Why is the Law described in such a weighty way here? It’s more than a set of rules; it’s the blueprint for an intimate relationship.
The commentators point out that "this law" likely refers to the entire Pentateuch, or at least Deuteronomy itself, not just the Ten Commandments.
The Law as a Covenant Document
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.
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.
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew name for God (YHWH) represents His personal, covenant-keeping character. It is the name He revealed to Moses, emphasizing His faithfulness to His promises and His presence with His people.
Torah · Hebrew Noun
The instruction, direction, or revelation from God, specifically referring to the Pentateuch in this context. It encompasses God’s moral, ceremonial, and civil requirements for Israel to maintain covenant relationship with Him.
This act marks a crucial transition, shifting the responsibility for preserving and teaching God's Law from Moses directly to the established religious and civil leaders, ensuring its continuity for future generations as Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land.
~1405 BC
Moses Receives the Law
Following the Exodus from Egypt and the miraculous provision of the Law at Mount Sinai, Moses spent decades leading the Israelites and transmitting God's commands.
c. 1405-1400 BC
Moses Writes the Law
During the 40 years in the wilderness, Moses meticulously wrote down the laws, statutes, and teachings given by God, eventually compiling them into what we know as the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible).
c. 1400 BC
Moses Appoints Joshua as Successor
As Moses nears the end of his life and the Israelites are poised to enter the Promised Land, Joshua is publicly commissioned as the new leader.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Moses Delivers the Book of the Law
Moses formally entrusts the written Law, likely the book of Deuteronomy or the entire Pentateuch, to the priests and elders, establishing them as guardians and teachers for the people.
c. 1400 BC
Command to Read the Law Annually
Moses instructs the priests to read the Law aloud every seven years, during the Feast of Tabernacles, ensuring that all Israelites, including children, would hear and learn God's commands.
c. 1400 BC
Moses' Final Days and Death
After commissioning Joshua and entrusting the Law, Moses delivers his final instructions and blessings to the people before ascending Mount Nebo to die.
This passage describes the fulfillment of Deuteronomy 31:12-13, showing how the law was indeed read publicly to all Israel, including women and children, at a later assembly.
Nehemiah 8:1-3This event directly mirrors Moses' command, with Ezra reading the Law to the gathered people after their return from exile, demonstrating the enduring importance of public scripture reading.
1 Timothy 3:15Calvin points out that just as the Levites and elders were entrusted with the Law to preserve and teach it, the church is called the 'pillar and ground of truth,' highlighting the ongoing role of leadership in safeguarding and disseminating God's Word.
2 Timothy 2:2This passage echoes the idea that the Law was entrusted to faithful men (the priests and Levites) who were capable of teaching it to others, a principle Paul reiterates in his charge to Timothy regarding sound doctrine.
Jeremiah 32:10-14This account of Jeremiah purchasing a field and burying deeds in a clay jar shows a parallel practice of preserving important documents for future reference, much like the Law was committed to trusted custodians.
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…
Moses entrusting the Law to the priests and elders wasn't just about handing over a book; it was about entrusting them with the very memory and practice of God's covenant. Notice they are described as "bearing the ark of the covenant," a significant detail emphasizing their role in safeguarding not just the written word, but the living presence and promises of God among the people.
As Moses' time on earth nears its end, he compiles and formally entrusts the entirety of God's Law—likely the book of Deuteronomy itself, or even the Pentateuch—to the Levitical priests and the elders of Israel. This act is a crucial step in ensuring the Law would be preserved, taught, and observed by the people, even after his death and as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The priests, specifically those who bore the Ark of the Covenant, and the tribal elders were given these copies to safeguard and publicly proclaim the Law for generations to come.
As Moses' time on earth nears its end, he compiles and formally entrusts the entirety of God's Law—likely the book of Deuteronomy itself, or even the Pentateuch—to the Levitical priests and the elders of Israel. This act is a crucial step in ensuring the Law would be preserved, taught, and observed by the people, even after his death and as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The priests, specifically those who bore the Ark of the Covenant, and the tribal elders were given these copies to safeguard and publicly proclaim the Law for generations to come.
"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. And Moses commanded them, “At the end of every seven years, at the set time in the ye…" — Moses entrusting the Law to the priests and elders wasn't just about handing over a book; it was about entrusting them with the very memory and practice of God's covenant. Notice they are described a…
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Last reviewed October 2026
