Deuteronomy Chapter 32
Just as scripture was written by man under the inspiration of God, so were the words of the song inspired by God. Isn’t it wonderful to think that God writes songs? Verses 1 through 43 make up all the words of the song that Moses wrote. Deuteronomy 31: 19 Now therefore write this song and teach it to the people of Israel. Put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the people of Israel. God told Moses to “put it in their mouths” which meant it would be repeated several times until the people learned the song.
God knew that it was easier for people to memorize a song because of its poetic arrangement. The words of this song would serve as a reminder of the warnings of a future turning to idolatry and how they should turn back to God when it does happen. God gave Moses the song to also set a reminder that it would be their own disobedience that would cause trouble to come upon them in the future. This song would be passed down to future generations and the words would be remembered.
Deuteronomy 31:21 And when many evils and troubles have come upon them, this song shall confront them as a witness (for it will live unforgotten in the mouths of their offspring). For I know what they are inclined to do even today, before I have brought them into the land that I swore to give.
Let's Reflect
1. Verses 1-3 describe how God wanted His words to rest upon His people. What metaphors did He use to describe how important His words are to His people?
2. In verse 4 Moses gave praise to God for who He is. God is the Rock, He is righteous (or just), and He is upright. He also praised God for what He does. Moses said that God’s work is perfect, and all His ways are ________________. These are attributes of God that we should never forget.
3. In verses 5-9 God no longer recognizes His children (in the future) because of their disobedience. The words of the song ask them to remember how they got where they are. What does verse 8 remind them of?
4. In verses 10-14 the words of the song reminded them how God took care of them. What bird did God use to describe Himself as the one that took care of them?
5. In the promised land they would be blessed by God and there would come a day that in their prosperity (fatness) they would forget about Him. They would begin to worship other gods. God warned them that these other gods are controlled by who? See verse 17.
6. In verse 20 we see the phrase again that God warns He will “hide His face from them,” which means He will remove His hand of protection and blessing. The following verses talks about God’s anger being so hot against them that it will cause fire to burn all the way down to Sheol (the graves). There would be literal fires set by the Babylonians when they came to take captive of the Israelites. What would be burned according to these verses?
7. Verses 23-33 describe the judgements that will fall upon Israel in those days. We need to remember that God is just. What words jumped out to you in this section that described horrible judgement that would befall the idolatrous nation of Israel?
8. Verse 39 tells us about the power of God. What power does He have?
9. In verse 43 we see the great mercy of God. He will avenge those who have brought destruction on the nation of Israel. Who will bow down to God?
10. According to Moses what was the purpose of this song and why was it so important that they learn the song? See verses 46-47.
11. The very same day that Moses wrote the song and taught it to the people was the day that God told Moses about the ending of his life. What did He tell Moses to do?
