John Calvin Commentary Deuteronomy 31:10

"And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of [every] seven years, in the set time of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles," — Deuteronomy 31:10 (ASV)

And Moses commanded them. The object of this precept is the same as that of the preceding one. He wanted (the Law²³⁸) to be represented and constantly kept before their eyes; now He commands that it should also be recited every seventh year, lest knowledge of it ever depart. But let us follow the order of the words.

First of all, Moses says that “he wrote” the Law. Before this, the doctrines of religion had only been expressed by word of mouth, for their fathers had handed down traditionally to their children whatever had been declared to them from heaven. Thus the religion and faith of the people in Egypt was founded only on ancient revelations (oracles) and the traditions of their fathers.

But, because it is very easy for human minds, in their vanity, to quickly forget true doctrine and to involve themselves in many errors, God, wishing to provide against this evil, committed the rule of piety to public records,²³⁹ so that there might be no excuse of ignorance if their descendants should turn away from it. This, then, is the reason why the Law was written down: that God’s truth might be witnessed throughout the passing of ages.

He does not mean that the Law was “delivered” to the Levites in such a way that they should suppress it, or be its only keepers. Rather, if he had urged them all without distinction to read it, hardly anyone would have devoted themselves to its study; for it usually happens that individuals neglect what is enjoined generally upon all. Therefore, the Levites were appointed to be the guardians of the Law (nomophylaces), to watch diligently, amidst the neglect and contempt of others, so that the knowledge of God would not fail.

There is no doubt that the Law was therefore entrusted to their hands so that they might be its interpreters. To this, the passage of Malachi refers (Malachi 2:7): “For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.”

For what is added immediately after, that they should read the Law every seventh year, cannot be properly understood as if, during the rest of the time, it should remain hidden among themselves. God wanted them to teach daily and constantly to remind the people of their duty. But so that this practice would not become obsolete, either through the reluctance of the people or the laziness of the priests, this solemn rite was added: every seventh year, when the largest assembly of the people took place, the proclamation of the Law was to be renewed.

From this it appears that nothing is too sacred nor so abundantly fortified by precautions as to escape violation and breaking by human wickedness. For when the recitation of the Law was so specifically commanded to the Levites, it was surely astonishing and detestable that it was, so to speak, discovered in the time of Josiah, and that all were stirred by its newness, as if they had never heard of it before (2 Kings 22:3 and following).

The same thing did not happen exactly under the Papacy; but when its scarecrow²⁴⁰ bishops desired to dominate and tyrannize, they used the trick of declaring it unlawful to inquire into the mysteries of Scripture. As a result, they could safely indulge in their ridiculous foolishness, and the monks, their agents, could spread with impunity whatever fables they concocted.

But, in short, God’s intention was that every seventh year the people should be reminded to meditate diligently on the Law.

²³⁸ Added from the French.

²³⁹ En chartes authentiques. — Fr.

²⁴⁰ Larvati. — Lat. Les Eveques comus et masquez. — Les Eveques comus et masquez. — Fr.