We are almost at the end of our study of the life of Moses. This week, we see Moses give more words to the Israelites and then prepare to die.
Moses assures the people that even though he is about to die, God will be with them and Joshua will lead them. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (31:6). Moses reminds them to follow the commands he gave them through God.
Moses instructs the people to write down God’s law and give it to the Levitical priests. Moses instructs the priests to assemble all of the people and read the law to them every seven years. This ensured that all of the people knew God’s law and how to fear and obey Him.
God instructs Moses to commission Joshua. Moses tells Joshua that the people will forsake God and break their covenant with Him. The people will not turn away because of Joshua’s leadership. Moses assures Joshua that his leadership will not cause the people to sin. God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous and assure Joshua that He will be with him.
Then Moses presents a song to the Israelites. This song predicts that the Israelites will rebel and forsake God. There are four sections in Moses’ song:
  • The character of God (32:1-4)
  • The kindness of God (32:5-14)
  • The faithfulness of God (32:15-25)
  • The vengeance of God against his adversaries (32:26-43)

Moses’ song reminds the people of their past mistakes, warns them not to make the same mistakes in the future and offers hope that comes only from trusting God.
After Moses recites his song, he instructs the Israelites to take his words to heart and instruct their children to obey these words as well. Moses says these words are not idle words, but they are life.
God’s Word still is life to us today. We must memorize God’s Word to keep it before us at all times. God can change our lives when we allow His Word to penetrate our hearts. God also can change other people’s lives when we speak and live His Word to others.
In God’s grace and mercy, He allows Moses to see the Promised Land even though he will not enter it. Next week, God will gather Moses to his people and will bury him.
Things to Think About
  • God promised the Israelites that He never would leave them or forsake them (31:6). God never will leave me or forsake me.
  • How has the promise of God’s presence replaced my fear with godly courage? Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to obey and trust God in the face of fear.
  • What is creating fear in me? Will I face that fear with godly courage because God never will leave me or forsake me.
  • If God has called me to something, He will see me through it.
  • How do I respond when God’s plans differ from my own plans? Ask God for a heart that willingly embraces His Word and His will for me.
BSF 2014-2015: Deuteronomy 31-32