Deuteronomy 31:13

Then their children who do not know the law will listen and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess."

Study Bible

Then their children
This phrase emphasizes the generational continuity of faith and obedience. In the Hebrew context, "children" (בָּנִים, banim) signifies not just biological offspring but also the broader community of descendants. The focus here is on the responsibility of the current generation to pass down the teachings and commandments of God to the next. This reflects a deep-seated cultural and religious duty within Israelite society to ensure that the knowledge of God and His laws is perpetuated.

who do not know the law
The phrase highlights the innocence and lack of knowledge in the younger generation. The Hebrew word for "law" is תּוֹרָה (Torah), which encompasses not just legalistic commandments but the entire body of divine teaching and instruction. This underscores the importance of education and the active role of parents and community leaders in teaching the Torah to those who are not yet familiar with it.

will hear and learn
"Hear" (שָׁמַע, shama) and "learn" (לָמַד, lamad) are action-oriented verbs that imply active engagement and participation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, hearing was often synonymous with obedience. Thus, the act of hearing is not passive but involves a commitment to internalize and act upon what is heard. Learning, in this sense, is a lifelong process of growing in understanding and wisdom.

to fear the LORD your God
The "fear" (יִרְאָה, yirah) of the LORD is a central theme in the Hebrew Bible, denoting reverence, awe, and respect rather than terror. This fear is foundational to a relationship with God, as it acknowledges His sovereignty and holiness. It is the beginning of wisdom and a guiding principle for ethical and moral living. The phrase "the LORD your God" (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, Yahweh Eloheicha) personalizes the relationship, reminding the Israelites of their covenant with the one true God.

as long as you live in the land
This phrase ties the command to a specific context—the Promised Land. The land is not just a physical territory but a place of divine promise and blessing. Living in the land is contingent upon obedience to God's commandments, and the prosperity of the people is linked to their faithfulness. This underscores the conditional nature of the covenant and the importance of maintaining a right relationship with God.

you are crossing the Jordan to possess
The act of "crossing the Jordan" is symbolic of entering into a new phase of God's promise. The Jordan River represents a boundary between the wilderness and the Promised Land, a transition from wandering to settlement. "To possess" (יָרַשׁ, yarash) implies not just occupation but stewardship and responsibility. The Israelites are called to take possession of the land in accordance with God's will, living out their covenantal obligations in this new environment. This phrase serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and the call to live in obedience to His commands.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who is delivering his final instructions before they enter the Promised Land.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, preparing to enter the land promised to their ancestors.

3. Children
The next generation of Israelites who are to be taught the law.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, whom the Israelites are to fear and obey.

5. The Promised Land
The land across the Jordan River that God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Teaching the Next Generation
The verse underscores the responsibility of parents and leaders to ensure that children understand and respect God's laws.

Fear of the LORD as a Foundation
Instilling a reverent fear of the LORD is crucial for a life of obedience and wisdom. This fear is not about being afraid but having a deep respect and awe for God.

Living in the Promised Land
The Israelites' success in the Promised Land is tied to their adherence to God's laws. This principle applies to Christians today as they navigate their spiritual journey.

The Role of Community in Spiritual Education
The community plays a vital role in teaching and reinforcing God's laws, highlighting the importance of fellowship and collective worship.

Generational Faithfulness
Faithfulness to God is not just an individual pursuit but a communal and generational one, ensuring that the knowledge of God is passed down.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we effectively teach the fear of the LORD to the next generation in today's context?

2. What are some practical ways to incorporate the teaching of God's laws into daily family life?

3. How does the concept of fearing the LORD influence our decision-making and lifestyle choices?

4. In what ways can the church community support parents in the spiritual education of their children?

5. How can we ensure that our faith and knowledge of God are passed down to future generations, both within our families and our communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Emphasizes the importance of teaching God's commandments to children, reinforcing the idea of generational faithfulness.

Proverbs 9:10
Highlights that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, connecting to the purpose of learning the law.

Joshua 4:21-24
Describes the importance of remembering God's acts and teaching them to future generations.

Psalm 78:5-7
Speaks about the responsibility to teach the next generation about God's laws and deeds.

Ephesians 6:4
Encourages parents to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, echoing the Old Testament command.