Deuteronomy 31:16-21
“This people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers... and they will forsake me, and break my covenant... that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.”
King James Version
God foretells to Moses that Israel will forsake the covenant after his death, giving the Song (ch. 32) as a witness against them.
Fulfillment References
Judges 2:11-13 Deuteronomy 32:1-43 2 Kings 17:7-23 Nehemiah 9:26
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalGod foreknew the forsaking, yet His covenant purpose holds — fulfilled in the one Lord who keeps a faithful people.
JewishGod's foreknowledge of Israel's apostasy and the Song as a perpetual witness — read soberly in the history of the Judges and the monarchy.
CatholicGod's foreknowledge of covenant unfaithfulness, with the Song as a prophetic witness.
ProtestantA striking prediction of Israel's apostasy, fulfilled repeatedly (Judges; the divided kingdom); the Song stands as witness.
OrthodoxGod's foreknowledge and the prophetic witness against unfaithfulness.
DispensationalThe foretold apostasy of Israel, framing the covenant's outworking.
AcademicAn introduction framing the Song of Moses (ch. 32) as a covenant-lawsuit witness, central to Deuteronomistic theology.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.