Moses warned that Israel would corrupt themselves after his death because he knew the tendency of the people to stray from God when leadership was absent and when they grew comfortable in the land. His statement was not based on speculation but on decades of observing their rebellion, even under his guidance.
“For I know that after my death you will become utterly corrupt, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you. And evil will befall you in the latter days, because you will do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger through the work of your hands.” (Deuteronomy 31:29)
Moses had already witnessed their idolatry with the golden calf and their repeated complaints and disobedience in the wilderness. He understood human nature and the spiritual danger of prosperity and complacency once they settled in the Promised Land.
This warning was also prophetic. Moses was speaking by divine revelation, preparing the people and their leaders for what would inevitably come if they abandoned the covenant. His words were a call to vigilance, reminding them that faithfulness to God required ongoing commitment.
Rather than leave them without direction, Moses ensured they had the written law, the leadership of Joshua, the song as a witness, and the Levites to teach the law. The warning was a mercy, it exposed their future failure so that they might guard against it.
