Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you- they are your life.
The last chapters of Deuteronomy show the Israelites facing a situation much like that of a prisoner who emerges into freedom after many years of incarceration. Four decades in the desert of Sinai had served as a kind of imprisonment, or probation period. And then the long-awaited day of freedom arrived.
It's difficult to read the last chapters of Deuteronomy without detecting a sense of fatalism in Moses' words. Pulling out all the stops, though, Moses orchestrated a dramatic object lesson that would live in their memories forever. (It actually took place after Moses' death, as recorded in Joshua 8:30-35). Representatives from all the tribes would climb two mountains, with a narrow valley in between. These designated speakers were to shout out curses and blessings on the Israelites. Then, as the Israelites entered the new land, their ears would ring with the dissonance of wonderful blessings and horrific curses.
And just in case the Israelites didn't get the message, Moses taught them a song given him by God here in chapter 32. It became a kind of national anthem, memorized by everyone and sung as they marched into Canaan. But the song is like no other national anthem. It has virtually no words of encouragement or hope, only doom.
Just before he died, Moses gave a final word to the Israelites, most of whom had lived their entire adult lives under his leadership. Now they would no longer have him to lean on. As they prepared to enter the promised land without him, he bequeathed to them something more valuable than money, stronger than power, deeper than learning: a blessing. Tribe by tribe, Moses spoke of God's personal care and salvation for the people of Israel.
And yet, to his great disappointment, Moses could not lead his people into Canaan. This sad final scene may have made the strongest impression of all. No one could get away with rebellion against God- not even Moses, "whom the Lord knew face to face". Yet, years later, in a very unexpected way, Moses did realize his dream of setting foot in the promised land for he returned with the prophet Elijah and visited Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17)
It's difficult to read the last chapters of Deuteronomy without detecting a sense of fatalism in Moses' words. Pulling out all the stops, though, Moses orchestrated a dramatic object lesson that would live in their memories forever. (It actually took place after Moses' death, as recorded in Joshua 8:30-35). Representatives from all the tribes would climb two mountains, with a narrow valley in between. These designated speakers were to shout out curses and blessings on the Israelites. Then, as the Israelites entered the new land, their ears would ring with the dissonance of wonderful blessings and horrific curses.
And just in case the Israelites didn't get the message, Moses taught them a song given him by God here in chapter 32. It became a kind of national anthem, memorized by everyone and sung as they marched into Canaan. But the song is like no other national anthem. It has virtually no words of encouragement or hope, only doom.
Just before he died, Moses gave a final word to the Israelites, most of whom had lived their entire adult lives under his leadership. Now they would no longer have him to lean on. As they prepared to enter the promised land without him, he bequeathed to them something more valuable than money, stronger than power, deeper than learning: a blessing. Tribe by tribe, Moses spoke of God's personal care and salvation for the people of Israel.
And yet, to his great disappointment, Moses could not lead his people into Canaan. This sad final scene may have made the strongest impression of all. No one could get away with rebellion against God- not even Moses, "whom the Lord knew face to face". Yet, years later, in a very unexpected way, Moses did realize his dream of setting foot in the promised land for he returned with the prophet Elijah and visited Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17)
Comment: Hey Greg...thanks so much for making this journey with me so far. It's taken a bit longer than I had anticipated. I suppose though that if it took 40 years for the Israelites to return home, 5 months isn't all that bad to get through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Your reflections have been truly inspiring to read and have provided much needed encouragement to continue this project. Get ready for Joshua and the Battle of Jericho!
1 comment:
Thanks Rob. A slow trip yields a better view. I am enjoying this format. It is good to have a friend run with you for encouragement. As iron sharpens iron ; so one man sharpens another.
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