John Calvin Commentary Deuteronomy 31:1

"And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel." — Deuteronomy 31:1 (ASV)

And Moses went and spoke these words. By the word went, he signifies that, having received the commands from God, he came to the people to report them. From this we gather that they were warned early enough to take heed, if they had possessed good sense. And it was necessary that the people should hear from his own mouth these messages, which were not at all pleasing, as they were full of both harsh threats and severe rebukes. For, if they had been delivered after his death, they would have immediately all exclaimed that they had been fraudulently invented by someone else, and that his name was therefore falsely attributed to them.

Moreover, the particular time of their delivery contributed significantly to increase their impact, so that the people would not only submit with humility and a willingness to learn to his instruction at that time, but also that it might remain afterward deeply impressed upon their hearts. We know with what attention the last words of the dying are usually received. And Moses,²³⁰ now prepared to die at God’s command, addressed the people as if saying a final goodbye to them. To the respect and dignity belonging to his office as a Prophet, there was as a result added all the force and authority of a final testament.

Just as throughout his life he had been deeply concerned for the people’s welfare, so he now carries his care, which was more than paternal, even further. And truly, it is fitting for all devout teachers to ensure, as much as they are able, that the results of their work should outlive them. Of this concern, Peter presents himself to us as an example:

“I think it meet (he says), as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; moreover, I will endeavor that you may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.” (2 Peter 1:13, 15)

²³⁰ “Ayant desia un pied levd et s’estant appreste a aller & la mort ou Dieu l’appeloit;” having already one foot raised, and being ready to go to death whither God called him. — Fr.