Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 31:19
Now therefore, write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — God speaks to Moses at the close of his address to Israel, commanding him to record a song before the nation crosses into the territory He promised.
The words — The imperative כִּתְב֤וּ (kit.Vu) means "write down," and the verb וְ/לַמְּדָ֥/הּ (ve./la.me.Da/h) translates to "and teach it." These two terms establish the dual action of preservation and instruction.
The thread — The command echoes the instructional mandate in Deuteronomy 6:7 and points forward to the song's role as a legal witness in Deuteronomy 31:21 and the physical preservation of the law in Deuteronomy 31:26.
Why it lands — The text requires the creation of a permanent record to confront future Israelites with their own covenant breaches when they abandon God.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 6:7 And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
- Deuteronomy 31:21 And when many troubles and afflictions have come upon them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants. For I know their inclination, even before I bring them into the land that I swore to give them.”
- Deuteronomy 31:26 “Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, so that it may remain there as a witness against you.
- John 12:48 There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.
- Deuteronomy 4:9 Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.
- Deuteronomy 11:19 Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
- Deuteronomy 31:30 Then Moses recited aloud to the whole assembly of Israel the words of this song from beginning to end:
- 2 Samuel 14:3 Then go to the king and speak these words to him.” And Joab put the words in her mouth.
- Exodus 4:15 You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth. I will help both of you to speak, and I will teach you what to do.
- Isaiah 51:16 I have put My words in your mouth, and covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’”