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Deuteronomy 31:11

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 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Deuteronomy instructs the Israelites to gather before the Lord at a designated place and hear the reading of the law. This practice served as a way to remind the people of God's commandments and statutes, ensuring that they remained faithful and obedient to His laws. By gathering together and listening to the reading of the law, the Israelites were able to learn, reflect, and apply its teachings in their daily lives. This verse emphasizes the importance of communal worship, education, and adherence to God's word. It also highlights the responsibility of leaders to ensure that the people are continually connected to their faith and the teachings of the scriptures. Through the public reading of the law, the Israelites were able to strengthen their relationship with God and deepen their understanding of His will for their lives.

Theological Overview

One important theological interpretation of this verse is the emphasis on the importance of reading and hearing the law of God. By instructing that the law be read before all of Israel when they come to appear before the Lord, it underscores the significance of God's word in the lives of His people. This practice served to remind the Israelites of their covenant with God and to reinforce the importance of obedience to His commands. Additionally, the act of reading the law publicly helped to ensure that all people were aware of God's expectations and standards for holy living. It also served as a means of instruction and teaching for future generations, as the continual reading and hearing of the law would help to pass down the knowledge and wisdom of God's word from one generation to the next.

Deuteronomy 31:11 in other translations

American Standard Version

when all Israel is come to appear before Jehovah thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing.

World English Bible

when all Israel has come to appear before Yahweh your God in the place which he will choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing.

Douay-Rheims

When all Israel come together, to appear in the sight of the Lord thy God in the place which the Lord shall choose, thou shalt read the words of this law before all Israel, in their hearing.

Geneva Bible (1599)

When all Israel shall come to appeare before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall chuse, thou shalt reade this Lawe before all Israel that they may heare it.