Preparation For Moses Death
January 4, 2021
Commentary
The enemies who bring God’s judgment on Israel were as evil as Sodom and Gomorrah (v. 32). This points out the depth of evil into which Israel had fallen. Through this detailed analysis of the law, it has been made clear that God’s standards are absolute and that He will not tolerate sin. Even though God would let His enemies bring judgment on Israel He would still hold those enemies accountable for their wickedness and repay them for evil (vv. 34-35).
Moses ironically calls on Israel to seek help from their false God’s, knowing, of course, they would be unable to help (vv. 36-38). God’s goal in judging Israel was not to annihilate her but to bring her to a point of repentance (vv. 39-43). Think of it! Even though His chosen people will stray far from His will, He will still remember His Holy covenant with the patriarchs (vv. 43). The song is ended and now Moses brings his instruction to an end (vv. 46-57).
The nation of Israel was not to obey God simply as a matter of routine but was to set her heart (v. 46) to cleave to the revealed will of God gladly, spontaneously, and enthusiastically. Furthermore, they were to teach this to their children.
Moses was instructed to climb Mt Nebo from which he could see the promised land, and having viewed this land that was forbidden him, to die. He was the representative of the Law, the lawgiver, but he could not enter the land. The Law cannot save. It could not bring Moses into the land (vv. 48-52). Neither can it bring us into the place of blessing.
Application
Moses urged the people to think about God’s Word and teach it to their children. This is what I have tried to do with my children and want to do with my grandchildren.
Deuteronomy 32:28– 52 (NET)
28 They are a nation devoid of wisdom, and there is no understanding among them.
29 I wish that they were wise and could understand this, and that they could comprehend what will happen to them.â
30 How can one man chase a thousand of them, and two pursue ten thousand, unless their Rock had delivered them up â and the Lord had handed them over?
31 For our enemiesâ rock is not like our Rock, as even our enemies concede.
32 For their vine is from the stock of Sodom, and from the fields of Gomorrah. Their grapes contain venom; their clusters of grapes are bitter.
33 Their wine is snakesâ poison, the deadly venom of cobras.
34 âIs this not stored up with me?â says the Lord, âIs it not sealed up in my storehouses?
35 I will get revenge and pay them back at the time their foot slips; for the day of their disaster is near, and the impending judgment is rushing upon them!â
36 The Lord will judge his people, and will change his plans concerning his servants; when he sees that their power has disappeared, and that no one is left, whether confined or set free.
37 He will say, âWhere are their gods, the rock in whom they sought security,
38 who ate the best of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise and help you; let them be your refuge!
39 âSee now that I, indeed I, am he!â says the Lord, âand there is no other god besides me. I kill and give life, I smash and I heal, and none can resist my power.
40 For I raise up my hand to heaven, and say, âAs surely as I live forever,
41 I will sharpen my lightning-like sword, and my hand will grasp hold of the weapon of judgment; I will execute vengeance on my foes, and repay those who hate me!
42 I will make my arrows drunk with blood, and my sword will devour fleshâ the blood of the slaughtered and captured, the chief of the enemyâs leaders.ââ
43 Cry out, O nations, with his people, for he will avenge his servantsâ blood; he will take vengeance against his enemies, and make atonement for his land and people.
44 Then Moses went with Joshua son of Nun and recited all the words of this song to the people. 45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel 46 he said to them, âKeep in mind all the words I am solemnly proclaiming to you today; you must command your children to observe carefully all the words of this law. 47 For this is no idle word for youâit is your life! By this word you will live a long time in the land you are about to cross the Jordan to possess.â
48 Then the Lord said to Moses that same day, 49 âGo up to this Abarim hill country, to Mount Nebo (which is in the land of Moab opposite Jericho), and look at the land of Canaan that I am giving to the Israelites as a possession. 50 You will die on the mountain that you ascend and join your deceased ancestors, just as Aaron your brother died on Mount Hor and joined his deceased ancestors, 51 for both of you rebelled against me among the Israelites at the waters of Meribah Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin when you did not show me proper respect among the Israelites. 52 You will see the land before you, but you will not enter the land that I am giving to the Israelites.â
Illustration: Resisting Temptation
Survey respondents noted temptations were more potent when they had neglected their time with God (81 percent) and when they were physically tired (57 percent). Resisting temptation was accomplished by prayer (84 percent), avoiding compromising situations (76 percent), Bible study (66 percent), and being accountable to someone (52 percent). (Discipleship Journal, November / December 1992)