Dealing With Change (Deuteronomy 31: 1-29)

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Welcome:

Transitions are a constant in life, both personally and within larger communities. Whether it's moving from one life stage to another, changing careers, or facing shifts within organizations or churches, we all experience moments of change that challenge us to adapt and grow. In this episode, we’ll turn to Deuteronomy 31, where Moses faces his final transition and the handover of leadership to Joshua. Through this significant moment, Moses imparts key spiritual truths that can help us today navigate change with courage, focus, and faith.

Study Notes

1. Transitions and Divine Reassurance

• Verses 1-6: Moses acknowledges his age and inability to continue leading Israel, declaring that Joshua will take over. However, Moses assures the people that their ultimate reliance is on God, not human leadership. His message is clear: trust in the Lord, who goes before you, not just in human leaders.
• Key Takeaway: In times of transition, whether in personal or organizational life, we are called to lean on God's faithfulness and presence, not solely on the abilities of human leaders.

2. Strength and Courage Rooted in Faith

• Verses 7-8: Moses calls Joshua to be "strong and courageous" and reminds him that it’s the Lord who will fulfil His promises to Israel. This charge isn’t based on Joshua’s abilities but on God’s ongoing presence.
• Key Takeaway: True courage in transition comes from recognizing that God is with us, guiding and empowering us, rather than relying on our own strength.

3. The Law as a Foundation for Every Generation

• Verses 9-13: Moses instructs the priests to read the Law publicly every seven years, ensuring that all generations understand and follow God’s commandments. This tradition serves to ground Israel in God’s truth, regardless of who leads them.
• Key Takeaway: In times of change, the Word of God acts as an anchor. Regular engagement with Scripture keeps us centered on God’s principles, which don’t change, even when life does.

4. The Song as a Lasting Reminder

• Verses 19-22: God commands Moses to teach Israel a song, serving as a reminder of their relationship with Him and their responsibilities. Music has the power to embed truths deeply in our hearts, reminding us of God’s presence and promises even in difficult times.
• Key Takeaway: Music and scripture can keep us aligned with God, even when life is full of distractions or challenges. When words are put to melody, they remain in our hearts and minds, continually

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Transcript

Dealing with Change.  (Deuteronomy 31:1-29)

Transcript

Life is full of transitions. 

Think about it: there’s the transition from being a student to being an employee, from being single to being married, from middle age to old age, and from working to retirement. 

Those are all personal transitions, but transitions also happen on an organizational scale—a country moves from one president to another. A company transitions from one CEO to another, and even a church transitions from one pastor to another. During these personal and organizational transitions, are there are certain truths we should hold close?

Whatever transition you’re going through, there are, I believe a couple of spiritual truths we can cling to.

And I think there’s a chapter in Deuteronomy that could be called the “chapter of transition.” It covers the shift in leadership from Moses to Joshua, so there is much to learn here.

Let’s today let’s attention to this chapter to find those truths we need to help us when we are going through our own transitions in life.

Welcome to The Bible Project daily Podcast….

Today we turn to Deuteronomy chapter 31. I’ve mentioned several times before as we have journeyed through the book of Deuteronomy is often seen as a series of sermons by Moses. 

Now, some say there are three main sermons in Deuteronomy, and if I’ve mentioned some say there are five but both schools of thought agree that the largest of these sermons begins in chapter 5 and runs through to chapter 26. 

But we’re past that section now and by the time we reach chapter 31, we’re done with the main sermons, and what follows could be thought of as appendices—final arrangements being addressed before the Israelites enter the land. 

And today in chapter 31, for instance, Moses will address the important issue to the transition from his leadership to Joshua's.

Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: 2 ‘I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The Lord has said to me, “You shall not cross the Jordan.

(Deuteronomy 31: 1-2)

Starting in verse 1, we see Moses addressing all of Israel, signaling that this is no longer part of his last sermon, but a new, distinct moment. And he says to them, ‘I am now 120 years old today; and the Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not cross over the Jordan.’” 

Moses is acknowledging his age and physical limitations, and he also remember God’s earlier directive that he himself will not enter the land because of his past disobedience.

This moment sets the tone for the entire chapter: Moses is saying, "I’m not going to be your leader anymore." 

Soon he will introduce Joshua as the new leader, but before he does, he offers reassurance to the people. 

The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said.

(Deuteronomy 31: 3)

Moses is reminding them that, ultimately, their dependence isn’t on him or Joshua but on the Lord, who is faithful to fulfil His promises.

This reminds them of a powerful truth: Israel was not intended to be a nation led by mere human strength or authority. Rather, they were a theocratic community, with the Lord as their true King and His covenant as their ultimate law. 

So, Moses’ first point to them is this: “I won’t be with you; Joshua will lead, but the Lord will be with you.”

This assurance continues in verse 4 to 6, where Moses reminds them of God’s past faithfulness.

4 And the Lord will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he destroyed along with their land. 5 The Lord will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.’

(Deuteronomy 31: 4-6)

Here, he illustrates God’s continued presence and power. Just as God defeated their enemies in the past, He will clear the way for them again. 

Notice the emphasis here on the Lord—again and again. Moses is reminding the people to focus on God during this time of transition, not on their own fears or challenges. As he speaks to them Moses encourages the people to take courage, not because of any human strength or ability, but because the Lord is going with them.

Then Moses addresses Joshua in front of the whole nation of Israel in verse 7, saying.

Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’

(Deuteronomy 31: 7-8)

This isn’t yet the formal commissioning of Joshua—that comes later. Here, Moses is underscoring the fact that the Lord will be the one to fulfil His promise to Israel. Joshua’s role, however, isn’t just a title or a position but a task: he is to lead them in inheriting the land, fulfilling God’s covenant promise.

In verse 8 again, Moses emphasizes the Lord’s presence as the true strength behind the people and Joshua. Moses knows that the people—and Joshua, too—might be tempted to look to human leaders for strength in this time of change. But what matters most, he says, is that God Himself is with them.

So, in this first part of the chapter, Moses is signalling a charge to the people, but he’s also introducing the theme of transition from his own leadership to that of Joshua’s. 

And the lesson here for us today is that in any transition, we must remember the Lord. 

Transitions often tempt us to focus entirely on the new circumstances or leaders, forgetting the One who truly sustains us through it all.

Think about it: if we were discussing a leadership transition in our own church or organization, we might focus on the credentials, accomplishments, and skills of the new leader. 

But in this passage, Moses doesn’t emphasize Joshua’s abilities or past successes. Instead, he emphasizes the Lord’s presence and faithfulness. This transition is less about Joshua’s qualifications and more about the reminder that the Lord will be with them in this new phase.

Then, in verse 9, the focus begins to shifts.

9 So, Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the Levitical priests, who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to all the elders of Israel. 10 Then Moses commanded them: ‘At the end of every seven years, in the year for cancelling debts, during the Festival of Tabernacles, 11 when all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God at the place he will choose, you shall read this law before them in their hearing. 12 Assemble the people – men, women and children, and the foreigners residing in your towns – so that they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law. 13 Their children, who do not know this law, must hear it and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.’

(Deuteronomy 31: 9-13)

Here, we see Moses introducing a new aspect of the transition, this time involving the law. Until now, the people have gone to Moses when they needed guidance. But with Moses not entering the land, the responsibility for the law is transitioning to the priests. This transfer symbolizes a shift in who will teach and uphold God’s commandments, marking another important aspect of this transition.

Moses then instructs the priests on their responsibility to read the law before the people every seven years, during the Feast of Tabernacles. This gathering isn’t limited to just the men, as in the regular feasts, but includes “men, women, and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates” (verse 12). The purpose of this regular reading is to ensure that everyone—Israelites and foreigners alike—can hear the law, learn to fear the Lord, and faithfully observe His commandments.

The reason for this gathering is given that they may hear and learn to fear the Lord and carefully observe the law and so that their children, who have not known it, will hear and learn to fear the Lord also. 

So this is not just a ritual; it’s about establishing reverence for God in each new generation, even among those who weren’t present to see His mighty works in the wilderness.

In this way, Moses emphasizes that transitions aren’t simply about changing leaders or procedures. Transitions are a time to re-anchor ourselves in God, to recall His promises, and to ensure that future generations understand the importance of fearing and obeying the Lord.

The purpose behind the public reading of the law is clear: God wants the people to hear His word, learn from it, and carefully observe it. 

Knowing God comes before obedience, highlighting that obedience flows from a deep, reverent relationship with Him. This relationship should be the foundation, the heart, of everything they do.

Unlike us today, who often have Bibles in our hands or apps on our phones, the Israelites didn’t each have their own copies of scripture. They needed to gather and listen carefully to absorb it fully. In their da. Most in fact would not have been able to read so these public reading was essential because it ensured that everyone, including children, would here God’s law and could carry it forward.

Moses is driving home the point that during times of transition, we need to cling to both the Lord and His Word. It wasn’t enough to have a human leader like Moses; they needed God’s instructions to guide them in the Promised Land.

And this message is relevant for us today as well. How often, even in conservative Christian circles, do we neglect to truly dig into scripture? 

The pull of entertainment, media, and external distractions can easily overshadow time spent in God’s Word. 

The 19th-century writer C.H. Mackintosh once observed that “trashy literature is devoured in private,” while neglect the calm study of the holy scriptures.”.

This observation, made well over a century ago, is perhaps even more relevant now. Moses’ message underscores that in every transition, the Word of God must be our foundation.

Now we come to the next part of this passage: the formal commissioning of Joshua. Verses 14 to 23 will outline this commission, but between these verses, Moses touches on several other subjects. 

This entire section, though, pertains to Joshua’s commissioning, using a literary technique called an inclusio, where a passage begins and ends with the same subject to frame everything in between. Verse 14 introduces it.

The Lord said to Moses, ‘Now the day of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the tent of meeting, where I will commission him.’ So, Moses and Joshua came and presented themselves at the tent of meeting.

(Deuteronomy 31: 14)

This “inauguration” is God’s formal commissioning of Joshua—not just a title but a task and a charge to lead Israel into the Promised Land.

The scene becomes even more profound in verse 15 when he tells us.

15 Then the Lord appeared at the tent in a pillar of cloud, and the cloud stood over the entrance to the tent. 16 And the Lord said to Moses: ‘You are going to rest with your ancestors, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them. 17 And in that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and calamities will come on them, and in that day they will ask, “Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?” 18 And I will certainly hide my face in that day because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods.

(Deuteronomy 31: 15-19)

This cloud signifies God’s direct presence and power, and it’s the last time in Moses’ life that God will speak to him face to face. The gravity of this moment reflects the significance of Joshua’s new role and the weight of the responsibility he will carry.

As we’ll see, God’s charge to Joshua isn’t only about authority; it’s a call to faithful leadership and obedience. The emphasis remains on God’s presence with Joshua, just as it was with Moses.

The Lord then reveals to Moses a solemn truth: despite everything, the people of Israel will turn away from Him to worship other gods. God had warned of this before, and here, He’s emphasizing it again—making sure Moses fully understands the challenge ahead.

This cycle of rebellion and idolatry, where Israel would forsake God to worship false gods, would lead to consequences. God says His anger will be kindled against them, and He will hide His face from them. This shift—where instead of blessing, God withholds His favour—will lead Israel to realize, painfully, what it means to live without His presence.

Then, in verse 19, God introduces something unexpected: a song. God commands Moses to write a song and teach it to the Israelites so it will serve as a lasting reminder of God’s faithfulness and their own tendencies to turn away. 

19 ‘Now write down this song and teach it to the Israelites and make them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them. 20 When I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, the land I promised on oath to their ancestors, and when they eat their fill and thrive, they will turn to other gods and worship them, rejecting me and breaking my covenant. 21 And when many disasters and calamities come on them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten by their descendants. I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.’ 22 So Moses wrote down this song that day and taught it to the Israelites.

(Deuteronomy 31: 15-22)

Now, you might wonder, what does a song have to do with commissioning Joshua? It’s as if God is saying, “Joshua may lead, but that alone won’t stop Israel from wandering. They need something more—something that reaches their hearts and helps them remember.”

Songs, as it turns out, are particularly effective for teaching and reminding. And Moses explains that this song will serve as a witness for future generations. When they face the consequences of their disobedience, they’ll recall this song, and it will remind them of God’s faithfulness and their own failures. This song, ingrained in their memory, will point the way back to God. And by verse 22, Moses has written and taught this song to Israel, embedding it in their minds as an enduring testament.

Why a song? It’s simple: music has a unique way of embedding truths in our hearts and minds. In times of need, a song can come to mind more quickly than a book or scroll. 

For an ancient and for the most part illustrate Israel, having a song was like carrying a piece of scripture wherever they went. The song would teach them God’s principles, remind them of His promises, and hold them accountable to the covenant.

And this is just as relevant today. Imagine all the things we memorize unintentionally—advertising jingles, lyrics to popular songs, or even songs from movies. Music is powerful; it imprints words on our minds. 

This isn’t just a modern observation. It’s biblical! Both Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19 show that music can be a vehicle for teaching and encouraging each other in faith. Songs take deep hold of memories and have a powerful influence in stirring the deepest feelings of the people. Music can bridge this gap, helping us to recall God’s truths rather than the distractions around us.

For Israel, this song from Moses served that purpose, reminding them of God’s truth in their minds and hearts. And for Joshua, stepping into leadership, it was a reminder that he wasn’t just leading people but guiding a covenant community that was grounded in both God’s Word and God’s song.

The spiritual takeaway is that music isn’t just an art form; it’s a tool God uses to teach, comfort, and remind His people of His promises. 

In times of transition, difficulty, or even rebellion, the songs rooted in scripture can draw us back to God’s faithfulness and guide us back to Him.

Final Section: Remembering God and His Word in Transition

Verse 23 records the formal commissioning of Joshua, where Moses tells him.

23 The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: ‘Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.’

(Deuteronomy 31: 23)

God had previously stated this in verse 14, and here it’s repeated as a reminder. This commissioning signals that Joshua will step into leadership, yet it doesn’t imply that his leadership will solve all Israel’s issues. They still have the song to remind them of their inevitable tendencies and the scripture to serve as a constant witness to God’s expectations and covenant.

The text continues, 

24 After Moses finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, 25 he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord: 26 ‘Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God. There it will remain as a witness against you. 27 For I know how rebellious and stiff-necked you are. If you have been rebellious against the Lord while I am still alive and with you, how much more will you rebel after I die!

(Deuteronomy 31: 24-27)

Moses finishes writing the law and commands the tells the Levites to place it beside the Ark of the Covenant. With this, Moses emphasizes the importance of the written word as a testimony, a record of God’s law meant to hold Israel accountable. Even though only the stone tablets were kept inside the Ark, this book, a likely reference to the whole text of what we today call Deuteronomy, on parchemt was placed alongside it, symbolizing that God’s word was not just for record-keeping but for ongoing remembrance and obedience.

In verses 28 and 29, Moses assembles all the elders and officials, calling heaven and earth as witnesses. He warns them.

28 Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officials, so that I can speak these words in their hearing and call the heavens and the earth to testify against them. 29 For I know that after my death you are sure to become utterly corrupt and to turn from the way I have commanded you. In days to come, disaster will fall on you because you will do evil in the sight of the Lord and arouse his anger by what your hands have made.’

And Moses recited the words of this song from beginning to end in the hearing of the whole assembly of Israel:

(Deuteronomy 31: 28-30)

This statement is a sober reminder that, despite Moses’ efforts and God’s warnings, the people’s tendency to stray remains strong. And as verse 30 concludes, Moses shares the song with all of Israel, ensuring they hear and understand its message.

The two enduring witnesses left to the Israelites are, therefore, the song of worship and the law. In times of transition, remembering the Lord and His word is essential. 

Thereby Moses underscores that their success doesn’t rest on leadership alone, nor on rituals, but on their active commitment to God’s word. He models for us today how we should study scripture by focusing on the main theme on this occasion, leadership transition, and examining how everything else relates to that primary topic.

So, what does this mean for us today? We all go through transitions. Whether it’s changing jobs, moving to a new city, or entering a new life stage, transitions can be chaotic. In those times, it’s easy to get caught up in the details—finding new friends, doctors, stores, or churches—and lose sight of God. 

Moses’ final message to Israel is especially relevant here: no matter the transition, prioritize your relationship with God. Keep His word close, and let it guide you.

It’s important to note that Moses here suggests that transitions don’t necessarily means change in the core principles.

Remembering God’s faithfulness and staying grounded in His word, especially during uncertain times, remains critical.

Moses' message to Israel echoes for us today, in time of change, remember the Lord, remember His word. Transitions may come and go, but these two constants will always guide us, help us, and keep us grounded in Him.

Whatever you're going through remember the word. 

At the end of his life Paul went through a transition from freedom to a dungeon in Rome. In that dungeon he wrote Timothy a letter at the end of which he said this, “Bring the cloak and bring some parchment. 

His first request was that there the bring him the cloak he was in a dungeon the cloak was a just a circular piece of material with a hole in the middle that you just draped over you when it was cold.

He was in a cold dungeon, so he needed to take care of himself physically and he requested papyrus and parchment. Now books were usually written on papyrus paper which was a writing material that was perishable parchments were skins much more costly and much more permanent the fact that he mentions of both has lead Bible teachers to the conclusion that since he requested both the parchments which were more expensive were for the documents he valued most and probably for the letters he wrote which we would today recognise as scripture.

So, Paul is in a dungeon facing death and he remembered I need the parchment, so again the point is whatever you're going through remember the Lord and remember His word.