10 March

Bible In 365 Days

Deuteronomy 32-34

Deuteronomy 32

Here we have the song itself. The first part (Deuteronomy 32:13) consists of a call to attention. Heaven and earth are called to listen while the servant of God proclaims the name of God. This he does immediately (Deuteronomy 32:3-4), celebrating His greatness, His perfection, His justice, His faithfulness. Briefly he refers to the people (Deuteronomy 32:5) and nothing good is said of them.

Proceeding with the song, the tender government of God is illustrated in the figure of the eagle and its method with its young. A consideration of this figure shows that in their methods which may at the moment appear unkind, Love is perpetually working toward the higher development of those on whom it is set.

At this point the song becomes a wail, opening with the startling words, "But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked." Prosperity which was wholly due to the goodness of God was made the occasion of rebellion against Him. Consequently the tenderness of love becomes the burning of a fierce anger and benefits are replaced by chastisements. The song ends on the note, "Oh, that they were wise," and shows that if they were, the strength of God would be greater than all the forces of their foes.

The song ended, Moses once more earnestly appealed to the people, declaring that their very life depended on their obedience.

Immediately following, there came to him the final call. It was characterized by both tenderness and severity. The reason for his exclusion from the land was once more declared; and yet he was to die, not amid the mists and mysteries of the valley, but on the mount of vision itself.

Deuteronomy 33

Here we have the record of the final words of Moses to the nation. They also take the form of a song. Often he had set before the people cursing and blessing His last words were of blessing only.

First, in stately and majestic language he affirmed anew the majesty of Jehovah. In the midst of these statements is a word which arrests us: "Yea, He loveth the people." It may be that the Hebrew word there might be rendered "tribes," and that the reference was to Israel. Personally, however, I believe that it was a recognition of the larger purpose of God in dealing with Israel. While it is true that the holy ones are in His hands for safety and at His feet for communion, His purpose is not exhausted in them. "He loveth the people," that is, the nations beyond, and would reach them also in blessing.

The great words of blessing on the tribes follow, Simeon only being omitted. Reuben and Gad are referred to in terms which suggest that they will be saved so as by fire. Levi, having lost all earthly things for the special honor of bearing the Word of God, will receive the reward of such sacrifice. The word concerning Benjamin speaks of the safety of frailty. The choicest things said are those concerning Joseph. His are all "precious things and the good will of Him that dwelt in the bush" His therefore is the portion of government. In Issachar and Zebulun is to be seen triumph over disability. Gad, overcoming at the last, is made a judge. Dan becomes typical of conquest. Naphtali is satisfied. Asher is sustained.

Thus in his final benediction Moses made the peculiar realization of blessing by the tribes unfold the allsufficiency of God. The concluding words again affirm the greatness of God manifested in His tenderness and strength toward His people.

Deuteronomy 34

Here in all likelihood we have the writing of another hand. The section contains the story of the death of Moses, the equipment of Joshua for his work, with a last tender reference to the great leader and lawgiver.

The passing of Moses was full of beauty. As we have seen, his exclusion from the land towards which his face had so long been set was in fact a punishment. Yet how wonderfully it was tempered with mercy.

His force had not weakened. Everything ended in full strength. He went up to die and Jehovah gave him a vision of the land and buried him in the valley.

The last words are almost of the nature of a wail of sorrow. "And there hath not arisen a prophet . . . like unto Moses."

Notwithstanding this, a promise already had been made by God to Moses and uttered by him in his second discourse, "I will raise thee up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee." Long centuries elapsed and at last that Prophet came, and in His coming was greater than Moses.

Thus ends the last Book of the Pentateuch. The nation created for regeneration among the nations is seen standing on the margin of the possession of their land. The highways of the biblical revelation have led us thus far. The great story will now move on through the history of this people to the coming of the promised One.