18. Yet I will surely hide my face at that time because of all the evil they have done in turning to other gods.
19. Now, write out this song for yourselves. Teach it to the Israelites and have them recite it, so that this song may be a witness for me against the Israelites.
20. For when I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey which I promised on oath to their ancestors, and they have eaten and are satisfied and have grown fat, if they turn to other gods and serve them, despising me and breaking my covenant,
21. then, when great evil and distress befall them, this song will speak to them as a witness, for it will not be forgotten if their descendants recite it. For I know what they are inclined to do even at the present time, before I have brought them into the land which I promised on oath.
22. So Moses wrote this song that same day, and he taught it to the Israelites.
23. Then he commissioned Joshua, son of Nun, and said to him, Be strong and steadfast, for it is you who will bring the Israelites into the land which I promised them on oath. I myself will be with you.
24. When Moses had finished writing out on a scroll the words of this law in their entirety,
25. Moses gave the Levites who carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord this order:
26. Take this book of the law and put it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord, your God, that there it may be a witness against you.
27. For I already know how rebellious and stiff-necked you will be. Why, even now, while I am alive among you, you have been rebels against the Lord! How much more, then, after I am dead!
28. Assemble all your tribal elders and your officials before me, that I may speak these words for them to hear and so may call heaven and earth to witness against them.