Deut. 31 Moses declares to the people his approaching death, and encourageth them, and Joshua, Deut. 31:1–8. He delivereth the law unto the priests to read it every seventh year to the people, Deut. 31:9–13.

Went and spake, i.e. proceeded or continued to speak, a usual Hebrew phrase. Or, went to the place where he had assembled the people, that he might speak to them.

Go out and come in, i.e. perform the office of a leader or governor, either because I now find a decay of my mind and body, which seems not well to agree with Deut. 34:7, or because I foresee the time of my death approaches.

Which he gave to you to possess.

Before your face, i.e. into your power. See Poole “Deut. 1:8”.

This law, largely so called, the whole law or doctrine delivered unto Moses contained in these five books. Delivered it unto the priests, that they might keep it carefully and religiously, and bring it forth upon occasion, and read it, and instruct the people out of it.

The year of release; when they were freed from debts and troubles, and cares of worldly matters, and thereby fitter to attend upon God and his service.

Thyself in part, for the Jews tell us that the king was in person to read some part of it; or, at least, thou shalt cause it to be read by the priests or Levites, for he could not read it himself in the hearing of all Israel, but this was to be done by several persons, and to the people met in…

Gather the people together; not into one place, where all could not hear, but into divers assemblies or synagogues. Women hereby are required to go to Jerusalem at this solemnity, as they were permitted to do in other solemnities, when the males only were enjoined to go, Ex. 23:17.

In the tabernacle; either properly so called, for though the priests only might ordinarily enter there, yet others might go in upon a call and command from God, which here they had; or in the court of the tabernacle, at the door of which God stood in the cloudy pillar, Deut.

The death of men, both good and bad, is oft called a sleep, because they shall certainly awake out of it by resurrection. See Ps. 76:5, Dan. 12:2, 1 Thess. 4:13;c. 2 Pet. 3:4.

Hide my face, i.e. withdraw my favour and help.

This song, which is contained Deut. 32:0, and is put into a song that it may be better learned, and more fixed in their minds and memories. Put it in their mouths; cause them to learn it, and sing it one to another, to oblige them to more circumspection and watchfulness.

It shall not be forgotten: this seems not to be a precept that they should remember it, but a prediction, that God would give them sad occasion to remember it, by bringing upon them the dreadful calamities mentioned in it.

This wickedness of theirs which I now foresee and foretell shall not hinder me from bringing them into Canaan.

The Levites, i.e. the priests, Deut. 31:9 who also were Levites.

In the side, i.e. in the outside, in a little chest fixed to it, for nothing but the tables of stone were contained in the ark, 1 Kings 8:9. Here it was kept for greater security and reverence. A witness against thee, i.e.