Deuteronomy 31:10 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 31:10 mean?

Deuteronomy 31:10 sets the time for a public reading of Israel’s law. Moses tells those responsible to hold the reading every seven years, during the Feast of Tabernacles in the year of release.

Moses addresses the priests and elders who received the written law in the preceding verse. His command begins here but continues into verse 11, where he tells them what to do when Israel gathers.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 31:10

• “solemnity” — מוֹעֵד (moʿed): This word can mean an appointed time. Here it points to a set occasion, rather than simply describing a serious mood.
• “release” — שְׁמִטָּה (shemittah): This word carries the sense of letting go or releasing. Deuteronomy 15 connects the release year with creditors letting go of claims on debts owed by fellow Israelites.
• “tabernacles” — סֻכּוֹת (sukkot): This word means shelters or booths. The feast’s name points to the temporary shelters associated with the festival.

Why Deuteronomy 31:10 matters

• The reading was meant for the whole community, not only its leaders. Verse 12 calls for men, women, children, and foreigners living among them to gather and hear.
• The timing joins the reading to an occasion when people would already be gathering. Verse 11 places the reading when Israel comes before the Lord at the chosen place.
• Children who had not yet learned the law were included. Verse 13 names them as listeners, showing that the gathering would also introduce a new generation to the law.