Deuteronomy 1:3

Berean Standard Bible
In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses proclaimed to the Israelites all that the LORD had commanded him concerning them.
 
King James Bible
And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them;
 
NET Bible
However, it was not until the first day of the eleventh month of the fortieth year that Moses addressed the Israelites just as the LORD had instructed him to do.
 
Hebrew Text:

וַיְהִי֙ בְּאַרְבָּעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה בְּעַשְׁתֵּֽי־עָשָׂ֥ר חֹ֖דֶשׁ בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ דִּבֶּ֤ר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 

כְּ֠כֹל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֧ה יְהוָ֛ה אֹתֹ֖ו אֲלֵהֶֽם׃

Transliteration:
Vay'hi b'arba'im shanah b'esh-ti-'asar chodesh b'echad lachodesh diber Moshe el-b'nei Yisrael k'chol asher tzivah Adonai oto aleihem.
 
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In the fortieth year
This phrase marks a significant milestone in the journey of the Israelites. The "fortieth year" signifies the completion of a generation's wandering in the wilderness, a period of testing and preparation. Biblically, the number forty often symbolizes a time of trial and probation, as seen in the forty days of rain during the flood (Genesis 7:12) and Jesus' forty days of fasting (Matthew 4:2). This year marks a transition from wandering to entering the Promised Land, highlighting God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises despite human disobedience.
 
on the first day of the eleventh month
This specific timing underscores the precision and order in God's plan. The "first day" of the "eleventh month" situates the narrative in a real historical context, emphasizing the importance of this moment as a new beginning. The eleventh month, known as Shevat in the Hebrew calendar, is a time of preparation before the spring, symbolizing hope and renewal. This timing reflects God's perfect timing in preparing His people to receive His promises.
 
Moses proclaimed
The act of proclamation by Moses is significant as it underscores his role as God's chosen leader and prophet. The Hebrew root for "proclaimed" (דִּבֶּר, dibber) implies speaking with authority and purpose. Moses, as the mediator of God's covenant, faithfully communicates God's commands, demonstrating obedience and leadership. This proclamation is not merely a repetition of the law but a reaffirmation of God's covenantal relationship with Israel.
 
to the Israelites
The audience of this proclamation, "the Israelites," are the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, chosen by God to be His people. This designation reminds the reader of the covenantal promises made to the patriarchs and the unique identity of Israel as a nation set apart for God's purposes. It highlights the continuity of God's plan from the patriarchs to the present generation poised to enter the Promised Land.
 
all that the LORD had commanded him
This phrase emphasizes the completeness and divine origin of the message Moses delivers. "All" indicates that nothing is omitted, reflecting the comprehensive nature of God's instructions. The "LORD" (YHWH) is the covenant name of God, underscoring His eternal and unchanging nature. The commands are not Moses' own but are divinely mandated, reinforcing the authority and sacredness of the message.
 
concerning them
The focus "concerning them" personalizes the message, indicating that God's commands are directly relevant to the Israelites' current situation and future. It underscores God's intimate involvement in the lives of His people, addressing their specific needs and guiding them according to His will. This phrase reassures the Israelites of God's continued presence and guidance as they prepare to enter the land He promised to their ancestors.
 
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Commentary:
 
Context: This verse is part of the introduction to the Book of Deuteronomy, which is the fifth book of the Torah or Pentateuch. Deuteronomy is essentially Moses' final address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land, Canaan, without him.
 
Timing: "In the fortieth year" refers to the fortieth year after the Israelites left Egypt. This marks the end of their 40-year journey through the wilderness due to their disobedience and lack of faith after the initial spy mission into Canaan (Numbers 14).
 
Location: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, from broader context, this speech is delivered in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, just before the crossing into Canaan.
 
Moses' Role: Moses is acting here as both a leader and a mediator of God's commandments. He is conveying what God has instructed him to tell the people. This underscores Moses' role as a prophet and lawgiver.
 
Purpose of the Speech: The speech serves multiple purposes:
 
Recapitulation: Moses reviews the history of the journey from Egypt, reminding the people of God’s laws, their covenant with Him, and their past mistakes.
 
Teaching: He provides instruction on how they should live in the land they are about to enter.
 
Encouragement: Moses aims to motivate and prepare the new generation of Israelites for life in Canaan by emphasizing obedience to God's laws.
 
This verse sets the stage for the rest of Deuteronomy, where Moses will recount the law, give exhortations, and prepare the people for their new life under Joshua's leadership, as Moses himself will not cross into Canaan due to his own transgression (Numbers 20:12).