31:30

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The song of Moses

(Deut 31:30-32:47)

Being aware of the people’s tendency to rebellion against God (see Deut 31:29), Moses left with them a song that he wanted everyone to take notice of (Deut 31:30).

The song reminded the people of God’s loving care for them and of the need for faithfulness on their part towards him. It dealt with the future as well as the past, and reminded the people that in justice God would punish them and in mercy he would forgive them.

As rain benefits young grass, so Moses’ words should benefit Israel (Deut 32:1-3).

Like a rock, God gave Israel (Jeshurun) protection and stability; as their Father, he gave them an honoured place among the nations and a land for an inheritance; but through stubborn selfishness they ruined themselves and disgraced their Father (Deut 31:4-9).

God cared for Israel with love and tenderness, giving his people all they needed for a life of contentment; but instead of being thankful, they treated him with contempt. Instead of worshipping him, they worshipped other gods (Deut 31:10-18).

Therefore, in his righteous anger, God punished them (Deut 31:19-25).

However, God would not allow the nation to be completely destroyed, lest people thought that they, and not God, controlled Israel’s destiny. If they had any understanding, these nations would realize that they could have no victory at all over Israel unless Israel’s God allowed it (Deut 31:26-30).

Israel’s God was just and mighty; the enemies’ gods were wicked, immoral and cruel (Deut 31:31-33).

Yahweh was still the supreme ruler. Even when he used other nations to punish his people, he would also punish those nations, along with their gods, for their own wickedness. Then Israel too would see the uselessness of false gods. They would return to Yahweh, and he would heal them (Deut 31:34-43).

The people were to memorize and sing this song, so that it would remind them to keep God’s law and warn them of what would happen if they ignored it. God gave the law for their good, and by keeping it they would enjoy life in the land he had given them (Deut 31:44-47).