This chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter. Moses recites the song God wanted him to teach to the people of Israel as a reminder and witness to their disobedience. He begins,
“Listen, O heavens, and I will speak! Hear, O earth, the words that I say!
My teaching will fall on you like rain; my speech will settle like dew.
My words will fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants.
I will proclaim the name of the Lord; how glorious is our God!
He is the Rock; his work is perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!
But they have acted corruptly toward him; when they act like that, are they really his children? They are a deceitful and twisted generation.
Is this the way you repay the Lord, you foolish and senseless people? Isn’t he your Father who created you? Has he not made you and established you?
Remember the days of long ago; think about the generations past. Ask your father and he will inform you. Inquire of your elders, and they will tell you.” (Deuteronomy 32:1-7)
This song has 43 verses. I encourage you to read the rest when you have an opportunity.
Moses recites the rest of the 36 verses and then tells the people of Israel to take to heart everything he has shared with them today so they will enjoy a long life in the land they are going to occupy.
The chapter ends with the Lord talking to Moses: “Go to Moab, to the mountains east of the river, and climb Mount Nebo, which is across from Jericho. Look out across the land of Canaan, the land I am giving to the people of Israel as their own possession. Then you must die there on the mountain and join your ancestors, just as Aaron, your brother, died on Mount Hor and joined his ancestors. For both of you broke faith with me among the Israelites at the waters of Meribah at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. You failed to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel there. So you will see the land from a distance, but you may not enter the land I am giving to the people of Israel.” (Deuteronomy 32:48-52)
Wow! Everytime I read something regarding Moses not entering the Promised Land, it saddens me. It’s hard to comprehend Moses, this faithful servant, not making it to the land when others, less worthy, did. However, it gives me great pleasure knowing that it’s not for me to understand. God’s plan is the perfect plan, and “all things work together for good...according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to not be a deceitful, twisted, foolish, and senseless people. You have always taken care of us and established us. We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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