19. Now write down for yourselves the following song and teach it to the Israelites. Put it into their very mouths so that this song may serve as my witness against the Israelites!
20. For after I have brought them to the land I promised to their ancestors – one flowing with milk and honey – and they eat their fill and become fat, then they will turn to other gods and worship them; they will reject me and break my covenant.
21. Then when many disasters and distresses overcome them this song will testify against them, for their descendants will not forget it. I know the intentions they have in mind today, even before I bring them to the land I have promised.”
22. So on that day Moses wrote down this song and taught it to the Israelites,
23. and the Lord commissioned Joshua son of Nun, “Be strong and courageous, for you will take the Israelites to the land I have promised them, and I will be with you.”
24. When Moses finished writing on a scroll the words of this law in their entirety,
25. he commanded the Levites who carried the ark of the Lord’s covenant,
26. “Take this scroll of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God. It will remain there as a witness against you,
27. for I know about your rebellion and stubbornness. Indeed, even while I have been living among you to this very day, you have rebelled against the Lord; you will be even more rebellious after my death!
28. Gather to me all your tribal elders and officials so I can speak to them directly about these things and call the heavens and the earth to witness against them.
29. For I know that after I die you will totally corrupt yourselves and turn away from the path I have commanded you to walk. Disaster will confront you in the days to come because you will act wickedly before the Lord, inciting him to anger because of your actions.”
30. Then Moses recited the words of this song from start to finish in the hearing of the whole assembly of Israel.