This page gives you ready-to-use study questions for Deuteronomy 31, the chapter where Moses hands leadership to Joshua, commands the law to be read aloud every seven years, and gives Israel a song to remember. The questions suit a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study. Each one comes with a leader’s note so you can move straight into discussion.
Deuteronomy 31 at a Glance
The chapter opens with Moses, now 120 years old, announcing that he will not cross the Jordan and that the LORD will go before Israel and Joshua will lead them. He encourages the people and Joshua to be strong and courageous. Moses then writes the law, gives it to the Levitical priests and elders, and orders its public reading every seven years at the Feast of Tents.
In the second half, the LORD speaks to Moses in the Tent of Meeting, foreseeing Israel’s future unfaithfulness. He tells Moses to write a song as a witness against the people. Moses teaches the song, commissions Joshua, and finally places the book of the law beside the ark, before speaking the song to the whole assembly.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first to make sure the group has a clear picture of what the text says before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask someone to read the passage aloud, then go through the questions one at a time and let people answer from the text itself.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them; for the LORD your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”
(WEB)
This verse is the heart of the chapter’s encouragement. Read it slowly so the group hears both the command to be strong and the promise that the LORD goes with them. It works well as an opening or closing word in the session.
Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself is who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged.”
(WEB)
This verse restates the promise of God’s presence and gives it to Joshua as a personal word of assurance. Reading it aloud helps the group hear how the same assurance is spoken to the whole people and to their leader.
Deuteronomy 31:12-13
12 Assemble the people, the men and the women and the little ones, and the foreigners who are within your gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law; 13 and that their children, who have not known, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land where you go over the Jordan to possess it.”
(WEB)
These verses describe the public reading of the law to men, women, children and foreigners. Reading them aloud reminds the group of the chapter’s concern that everyone hear God’s word and learn to fear him.
Deuteronomy 31:19
“Now therefore write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel. Put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.
(WEB)
This verse introduces the song as a witness. Reading it helps the group hear the LORD’s command to teach the song to the people, which sets up the discussion of memory and faithfulness.
Deuteronomy 31:27
For I know your rebellion, and your stiff neck. Behold, while I am yet alive with you today, you have been rebellious against the LORD. How much more after my death?
(WEB)
This verse is Moses’ sober description of Israel’s rebellion. Reading it aloud allows the group to face the honest picture of the people while still holding onto the promise that God remains faithful.
Memory Verse for Deuteronomy 31
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that you go before us as you went before Israel, and that you do not fail or forsake us. Give us the courage Moses urged on Joshua, and let us find our strength in your presence rather than our own ability. Help us teach the next generation to know your faithfulness, and keep our hearts from turning to other gods. Forgive us where we have been stiff-necked, and make us people who return to you with honest and steady hearts. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
