Deuteronomy 31:1-13

the Great Lawgiver's Parting Instructions

Deuteronomy 31:1

This chapter is a link between sunset and sunrise. God buries His workers, but carries on His work. None are indispensable. Moses is succeeded by Joshua; Stephen by Paul. “The grass withereth… but the word of our God shall stand forever.”

The old Lawgiver passes on the assurances on which he had rested. After all, men are but the figureheads of movements which are greater than themselves. God goes before; God destroys; God accompanies and delivers. Let timid souls take courage. When the Good Shepherd puts them forth He precedes them, John 10:4; the iron gates stand open at His summons, and the big stones are rolled from the door of the sepulchers, Acts 12:10; Mark 16:3. “He will not fail thee,” etc., reappears in Hebrews 13:5, as the right of all believers. It is for me and thee!