Deuteronomy 32

Deuteronomy 32:1

B. Moses’ Song (Chap. 32)32:1-3 The song may be summarized as follows: The universe is summoned to hear the word of the Lord. It is refreshing and nourishing, like the rain and the dew. In verse 3 (which could serve as a title to the song) Moses speaks of ascribing greatness to their God. The song reveals God’s greatness in the context of His historical dealings with His people. 32:4-9 In spite of God’s greatness, justice, faithfulness, and holiness, the people of Israel forsook Him and sinned against Him. The glory of Jehovah’s attributes is displayed here against the dark backdrop of Israel’s perverse wickedness. It was small thanks He received for being their Father and Creator. When the Most High divided the earth among the Gentile nations, He first provided for the needs of His own people. Such was His love and care for them. 32:10-14 The birth and childhood of the nation of Israel are described in verse 10. After the Exodus from Egypt, God guided, instructed, and preserved His people with the love of a mother eagle (v. 11). There was no foreign god who had a part in Israel’s preservation. Why then should the nation turn to idolatry and ascribe the goodness of Jehovah to another? Beginning in verse 13, the song is prophetic. He brought them into the blessings of the Promised Land. 32:15-20 But Jeshurun (a poetic name for the people of Israel meaning “upright people”) rebelled against Jehovah by turning to idols. They chose to sacrifice to demons, many times offering up their own children. They even sank to the stupidity of worshiping new gods. Thus they neglected their true Rock; they forgot their true Father. As a result, the LORD hid His face from them. This hiding of His face was fulfilled in their being sold into captivity. 32:21-33 After setting Israel aside, God acted in grace toward the Gentiles, seeking to provoke Israel to jealousy (as in the present Church Age). Israel in the meantime would be scattered and persecuted. The people would not be totally destroyed, though, because Jehovah did not want Israel’s enemies to misinterpret the nation’s downfall. It was not that their enemies’ rock was stronger, but that Israel’s Rock had surrendered them to slaughter because of their wickedness. 32:34-43 This section has to do with God’s vengeance upon the nations that were used to punish Israel. Vengeance (v. 35) and vindication (v. 36) belong to the Lord. He has sworn by Himself (for there is no one greater) to deal with His adversaries. Notice how completely this judgment will be carried out (vv. 41, 42). As a result, God’s people and all the nations are to rejoice, because God has avenged Himself and made atonement for His land and His people. 32:44-47 The song thus gives a historical and prophetical outline of the nation of Israel. Having read the song, Moses solemnly urged the people to follow the Lord with the words: “For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life . . .“32:48-52 Then the LORD called Moses to the top of Mount Nebo, where he would be allowed to see the land. He would not be allowed to enter Canaan because of his sin at Meribah Kadesh, but would die on . . . Mount Nebo and be buried in a valley in Moab (cf. Deu_34:6).