What does Deuteronomy 31:11 mean?

When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Deuteronomy 31:11

Explanation

Deuteronomy 31:11 is a commandment given to the Israelites concerning the public reading of the Torah, which is the body of Jewish law and teachings ascribed to Moses. Literally, this verse instructs the children of Israel to gather and listen to the law of God when all Israel comes to present themselves before the LORD at the place He will choose. The place “which he shall choose” refers to the location designated by God for His divine presence to dwell and for the Israelites to worship, which eventually becomes the Temple in Jerusalem.

The deeper meaning of this instruction is rooted in the importance of communal worship and the shared responsibility of knowing and understanding God’s law. It emphasizes the role of the law as an integral part of the Israelite’s covenant relationship with God and a unifying element for the nation.

Historical Context

Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, traditionally believed to have been written by Moses just before the Israelites entered the Promised Land of Canaan. The historical setting is approximately the late second millennium BCE. During this period, the Israelites were transitioning from a nomadic society to one that would be centered around a permanent sanctuary. Deuteronomy is a restatement and reaffirmation of the Law, given to a new generation of Israelites to ensure that they remain faithful to their covenant with God upon entering and settling in the land He has promised to their ancestors.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse highlights the significance of God’s word in the life of the Israelite community. From a Jewish perspective, this can be seen as a foundation for the practice of public Torah readings which occurs in synagogues to this day. Some Christian theologians might view this as a precursor to the public reading of Scripture in Christian worship services. Both traditions uphold the practice as a means of teaching, correction, and maintaining the continuity of faith.

Practical Applications

In a contemporary context, Deuteronomy 31:11 can encourage individuals and faith communities to engage in regular public reading and study of sacred scriptures. This can foster a deeper understanding of one’s faith, strengthen communal ties, and ensure that religious traditions and teachings are passed down to future generations. The verse also serves as a reminder to choose specific times and places for intentional reflection and worship.

Cross-References

• Exodus 34:23: “Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel.”
• Joshua 8:34-35: “And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law.”
• Nehemiah 8:2-3: “And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday […].”
• Luke 4:16: “And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Hebrew of this verse are:

• “appear” (יראה, yera’eh) has a root in seeing, indicating presenting oneself before God.
• “choose” (יבחר, yivchar) indicates God’s sovereign selection of a particular place for worship.
• “law” (תורה, torah) refers to teaching or instruction and in this context specifically denotes the Pentateuch or the Mosaic Law.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, there are instances where laws and decrees were publicly recited. The Code of Hammurabi, for instance, was inscribed on a stele for public knowledge. Comparatively, in the religious context, this practice of public reading aligns with other traditions where sacred texts are recited or chanted in a communal setting, such as the recitation of the Vedas in Hinduism or the Islamic practice of reciting the Quran during prayers.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the act of public reading and communal gathering, as prescribed in Deuteronomy 31:11, could be seen to facilitate social cohesion and shared identity within a group. Anthropological studies support the idea that collective rituals and the public proclamation of shared beliefs can strengthen group dynamics and societal structures.

Commentaries

Biblical commentators often discuss the significance of the verse in reinforcing the centrality of the Torah in Jewish life. Rabbis from the Talmudic period elaborated on the injunction to gather every seven years for this reading, known as Hakhel, as a communal recommitment to the Law. Modern Christian commentaries may draw parallels with New Testament practices of Jesus and the apostles, emphasizing the continuity in the practice of the reading of Scripture within the Christian community. These experts view Deuteronomy 31:11 as underscoring the importance of both hearing and acting upon God’s Word in the life of the faithful.