Deuteronomy 31: 1-30
The VaYelech constitutes Deuteronomy 31: 1-30. This is a narrative of Moses’
last days: his preparation for death, the appointment of Joshua as his successor, and the
final instructions he issues to Joshua in the end. The main focus is on Deuteronomy 31:
1-13. Moses tells the Israelites that he is 120 years old that day and could no longer go
out and come in. God has informed him that he could cross the Jordan River into the
Promised Land. The Israelites are unable to enter the Promised Land and Moses assures
the people of success and appoints Joshua to take the lead. Moses is aware that he is
about to die. He will not be able to cross over the Jordon and enter the land; instead God
and Joshua will cross before the Israelites to ensure victory as they settle the land. God
will go before them and destroy the nations ahead of then, as he had destroyed Sihon and
Og, and the kings of the Amorites. Since Joshua assumes the role, Israel should accept his
equally important function as the one who divides the land among the tribes. Then Moses
reassures the Israelites that Joshua and God will not forsake or abandon them. Moses tells
Joshua to be strong and courageous, as he will be leading the people into the land that
God ad sworn to their fathers. He told him that God would not forsake him. Moses then
wrote the law and delivered it to the priests, the sons of Levi. He commanded them to
read the Ark of the Covenant before all of Israel at the end of every seven years during
Sukkot. He informed them to gather everyone=men, women, children and strangers- so
that they may hear, learn and fear God. Also so that they observe the law as long as the
Israelites lived in the Promise land.
This portion of the text could relate to us in real life really well. It is never easy to
let go. Whether it is letting go of a bad relationship, getting fired from a job or walking
Kaushik 1
