Deuteronomy 31:19-26
31:19 Now write down for yourselves the following song and teach it to the Israelites. Put it into their very mouths so that this song may serve as my witness against the Israelites!
31:20 For after I have brought them
to the land I promised to their
ancestors – one flowing with milk and honey – and they
eat their fill
and become fat, then they
will turn to other gods and worship them; they will reject me and break my covenant.
31:21 Then when
many disasters and distresses overcome them
this song will testify against them,
for their
descendants will not forget it.
I know the
intentions they have in mind
today, even before I bring them
to the land I have promised.”
31:22 So on that day Moses wrote down this song and taught it to the Israelites,
31:23 and the
Lord commissioned Joshua son of Nun, “Be strong and courageous, for you will take the Israelites to the land I have promised them, and I will be with you.”
Anticipation of Disobedience
31:24 When Moses finished writing on a scroll the words of this law in their entirety,
31:25 he commanded the Levites who carried the ark of the Lord’s covenant,
31:26 “Take this scroll of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God. It will remain there as a witness against you,