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    Deuteronomy 31 (KJV)

    Read Deuteronomy chapter 31 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Deuteronomy 31

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Deuteronomy 31:8

    "And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be …"

    Deuteronomy 31:6

    "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of …"

    Popular Verses in Deuteronomy 31

    Most searched verses from this chapter, with KJV text and context.

    Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV

    Strength & Courage

    Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV

    Exodus & The Law

    Deuteronomy 31:8 KJV

    Exodus & The Law

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    Deuteronomy 31 Summary

    Deuteronomy 31 marks the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land. Moses, now 120 years old, tells the people he can no longer lead them and that God has chosen Joshua. He charges both Joshua and the nation with the famous words: 'Be strong and of a good courage.'

    Moses writes the law and entrusts it to the Levitical priests with instructions to read it publicly every seven years. God then reveals to Moses that Israel will eventually turn away — a sobering prophecy. Moses is commanded to write a song as a witness against future unfaithfulness (recorded in Deuteronomy 32). The chapter blends encouragement with realism about human frailty.

    Key Themes

    Leadership TransitionCourageGod's Word PreservedHuman Frailty

    Key Verses in Deuteronomy 31

    "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."

    — Deuteronomy 31:6

    A timeless promise of God's faithful presence that echoes through Hebrews 13:5.

    "And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."

    — Deuteronomy 31:8

    God goes ahead of you into every unknown situation — you never enter unfamiliar territory alone.

    Life Application

    Every season of life involves transitions — new leaders, new roles, new challenges. Deuteronomy 31 teaches that courage comes not from the leader's ability but from God's promise to go with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Take that promise into your next transition.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why couldn't Moses enter the Promised Land?

    God had told Moses he would not enter Canaan because he struck the rock at Meribah instead of speaking to it as commanded (Numbers 20:12). Despite this discipline, God honored Moses greatly — he saw the land from Mount Nebo before he died.

    What does 'Be strong and of good courage' mean?

    It's a command to face the future with confident trust in God rather than fear. Moses repeats it to Joshua and the people because courage is necessary for obedience — and it's rooted in God's promise of His unfailing presence.

    Read the full summary of Deuteronomy

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