Deuteronomy 31:11

“When all Israel is come to appear before the Lord thy God, etc.] As all the males were obliged to do three times in the year, and one of those times was the feast of tabernacles, and so a proper season for the reading of the law; (see <022314>Exodus 23:14-17); in the place which the Lord shall choose; the city of Jerusalem, and the temple there: thou shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing; the book of Deuteronomy, as Jarchi, or it may be the whole Pentateuch: who were to read it is not expressly said; the speech seems to be directed to the priests and elders, to whom the law written by Moses was delivered, (<053109>Deuteronomy 31:9); and who were either to read it themselves,…”

“Compare the marginal references. It is not to be supposed that the whole of the Pentateuch was read, nor does the letter of the command require that it should be so. This reading could not be primarily designed for the information and instruction of the people, since it only took place once in seven years; but was evidently a symbolic transaction, intended, as were so many others, to impress on the people the conditions on which they held possession of their privileges and blessings. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Thou shalt read - Thou shalt cause it to be read by the priest or Levites; for he could not read it himself in the hearing of all Israel, but this was to be done by several persons, and so the people met in several congregations. Deuteronomy 31:12”

“to appear: Deu 16:16, Deu 16:17; Exo 23:16, Exo 23:17, Exo 34:24; Psa 84:7 in the place: Deu 12:5 shalt read: Jos 8:34, Jos 8:35; Kg2 23:2; Neh 8:1-8, Neh 8:13, Neh 8:18, Neh 9:3; Luk 4:16, Luk 4:17; Act 13:15; Act 15:21 Deuteronomy 31:12”