Scripture Notes: The Song of Moses, Part 1 (Deuteronomy 32)

The Book of Deuteronomy is, in essence, Moses’ last will and testament, his final message to the stubborn people that he has led out of Egypt and through the wilderness, or rather, that God has led through Moses. Moses is now speaking to the second generation of Israelites who are getting ready to enter into the Promised Land, but Moses will not be going with them. Because of his own disobedience, he will die right on the border. He will see the land, but he will not take possession of it. Therefore, Moses has a special message for the people of Israel, and he delivers it in the form of a song that they can memorize and sing even after he is gone.

Moses begins with a prayer that his teaching will be fruitful, will be as drops of rain that water the earth, that get right into people’s minds and hearts and bring forth life. Then he lays out the primary purpose of his song: “For I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Ascribe greatness to our God!” (Deut 32:3). This will be a song of praise, first and foremost. Moses wants the people to know Who God is, how truly awesome He is, because, as we shall see, they desperately need the reminder.

Moses continues with further praise. God is the Rock, the One Who does not move, Who is constant, reliable, to Whom we can cling for protection and stability. God’s “work is perfect, for all His ways are justice” (Deut 32:4). Whatever He does is right. There is nothing missing, nothing lacking, nothing in error. His decisions are exactly what they should be, even when we do not understand them, for He knows us better than we know ourselves. God is faithful and perfect. We can trust Him fully, for He keeps His promises. 

So what has gone wrong? Moses explains without hesitation. The people have become corrupt. They have sinned. They have broken the covenant. “They are a perverse and crocked generation” (Deut 32:5). They are “foolish and senseless,” repaying God’s great love and mercy with iniquity and stupidity (Deut 32:6). They have turned their backs on God, and their minds and hearts are far from Him. They have forgotten all the wonderful things He has done for them. Moses is about to prod them into remembering.