Moses’ Final Song and Blessing: A Legacy of Faith and Promise

Welcome to Day 57 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are continuing the book of Deuteronomy. In Chapters 32-34, features a powerful poetic song by Moses, serving as a warning to the Israelites about the consequences of abandoning God and turning to idols, highlighting God's faithfulness despite their unfaithfulness; the song emphasizes God's protection and provision throughout their history, while also foretelling the coming judgment due to their rebellion; the final chapter, Deuteronomy 34, recounts Moses' death on Mount Nebo, highlighting his leadership and the appointment of Joshua as his successor to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy Chapter 32, often referred to as the "Song of Moses," is a poetic passage where Moses passionately recounts Israel's history with God, praising His faithfulness while lamenting their repeated unfaithfulness and idolatry; using powerful imagery like God as a "Rock," Moses warns of the consequences of abandoning God and prophesies future judgments upon them, but also offers a glimmer of hope for eventual restoration and redemption for a repentant remnant of Israel.

Deuteronomy Chapter 33 is a poetic chapter where Moses, before his death, delivers a final blessing upon the tribes of Israel, individually praising each tribe with unique imagery and highlighting God's special relationship with each one; this blessing serves as a prophetic declaration of God's protection and provision for the Israelites, emphasizing their unique identity as God's chosen people and their future destiny as a nation.

Deuteronomy Chapter 34 details the death of Moses, the great leader of the Israelites, after he is allowed to see the Promised Land from the top of Mount Nebo, but is not permitted to enter it due to a past transgression; God personally buries Moses in a secret location in the land of Moab, and the Israelites mourn him for thirty days, marking a transition in leadership as Joshua is appointed to guide the people into the land promised by God; this chapter concludes the book of Deuteronomy by highlighting Moses' unique relationship with God and his exceptional role as a prophet and leader.

"Moses’ Final Song and Blessing: A Legacy of Faith and Promise"

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The name Deuteronomy comes from the Greek word Deuteronomion, which means "Second Law" or "Repetition of the Law." This name is derived from the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) and refers to the book’s purpose—reaffirming God’s laws for the new generation of Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. The Hebrew name of the book, Devarim, translates to “Words,” taken from the first phrase in the book: “These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel...” (Deuteronomy 1:1, ESV).

Purpose of the Book of Deuteronomy

Deuteronomy serves as Moses’ final speech to the Israelites before they enter Canaan. It reaffirms God’s covenant, laws, and instructions given at Mount Sinai, emphasizing obedience, faithfulness, and love for God. The book warns Israel against disobedience and idolatry, reminding them of the blessings that come from following God and the curses that result from turning away. Deuteronomy also prepares the nation for life without Moses, ensuring they understand their responsibilities as God’s chosen people.

Authorship & Sources Supporting Moses as the Author: Traditionally, Moses is credited as the primary author of Deuteronomy, as well as the other books of the Torah (Genesis–Deuteronomy). Multiple references within the book itself and other biblical passages support Mosaic authorship:

Internal Biblical Evidence:
- Deuteronomy 31:9 (ESV) – “Then Moses wrote this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to all the elders of Israel.”
- Deuteronomy 31:24 – “When Moses had finished writing the words of this law in a book to the very end...”
- Joshua 1:7-8 refers to the "Book of the Law" given by Moses, showing that Joshua, Moses’ successor, acknowledged his writings.
- Jesus and the New Testament writers also affirm Moses as the author (Matthew 19:7-8; John 5:46-47).
External Sources & References:
- The Jewish Talmud (Baba Bathra 14b-15a) affirms Moses as the author of the Torah, including Deuteronomy.
- The first-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 4) credits Moses with writing the law and leading Israel.
- The Samaritan Pentateuch, an ancient version of the Torah, attributes the book to Moses.
- While some scholars argue that later scribes may have edited parts of Deuteronomy (such as Moses’ death in Deuteronomy 34), the bulk of the book is widely accepted as written by Moses himself.

Key People in Deuteronomy:

Moses – The central figure in Deuteronomy, he delivers the final sermons and instructions to Israel before his death.
Joshua – Moses’ successor, who is commissioned to lead Israel into the Promised Land.
The Israelites – The new generation standing at the border of Canaan, preparing to enter the land after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.
Aaron (mentioned in past references) – The first high priest of Israel, who had already passed away by the time of Deuteronomy’s events.
The Canaanite Nations – Various nations (Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites) that Israel is commanded to conquer and drive out.
King Sihon of the Amorites & King Og of Bashan – Two kings defeated by Israel before entering Canaan, demonstrating God’s power and faithfulness.

Deuteronomy serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, justice, and love, calling His people to live in obedience and trust in His promises.

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In Deuteronomy Chapter 32, also known as the Song of Moses, several Hebrew names of God are used, each revealing aspects of His character. El Elyon (God Most High) (v. 8) emphasizes His supreme authority over nations. Tzur (The Rock) (v. 4, 15, 18, 30) signifies His unchanging faithfulness, strength, and reliability. YHWH (The LORD) (v. 6) represents His covenantal relationship with Israel. These names highlight God's justice, faithfulness, and sovereign power. The chapter teaches that God is perfect in His ways, a just Judge who repays wickedness but also a merciful Redeemer to those who return to Him. The key lesson is to remain faithful, recognizing that turning from God leads to consequences, but His mercy is always available to the repentant.

In Deuteronomy Chapter 33, Moses blesses the tribes of Israel, invoking several Hebrew names of God that reveal His character. YHWH (The LORD) (v. 2, 27) signifies His covenantal love and faithfulness. El Yeshurun (God of Jeshurun) (v. 26) reflects His special relationship with Israel as their protector and King. Me’onah Elohei Kedem (Dwelling Place, Eternal God) (v. 27) highlights His eternal nature and role as a refuge. These names emphasize God’s power, protection, and faithfulness. The chapter teaches that God is a strong, loving, and ever-present refuge for His people, blessing those who trust in Him. The key lesson is that obedience to God leads to His blessings and favor, and He remains the unshakable foundation for His people.

In Deuteronomy Chapter 34, the final chapter of the Torah, God’s sovereignty and faithfulness are emphasized through His actions rather than explicit names. However, YHWH (The LORD) (v. 4-5) is mentioned, highlighting His covenant-keeping nature. Elohim (God) is implied in His power to show Moses the Promised Land and fulfill His promises. This chapter reveals God's faithfulness in keeping His word, His justice in allowing Moses to see but not enter the land, and His mercy in personally burying Moses (v. 6). The key lesson is that while human leaders pass away, God’s plans endure. It teaches humility, obedience, and trust in God's perfect timing, reminding us that He is the ultimate leader who guides His people beyond any one individual.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions: Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character:

What does the name Tzur (The Rock) in Deuteronomy 32 teach us about God’s faithfulness and strength?
How does God demonstrate His justice and mercy in these chapters?
What does God’s role as El Yeshurun (God of Jeshurun) in Deuteronomy 33 reveal about His relationship with Israel?
How do we see God’s sovereignty and faithfulness fulfilled in Moses’ life and death in Deuteronomy 34?
How does God’s personal care in burying Moses reflect His love and compassion?

Questions About Themes:

What is the significance of the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32, and how does it serve as both a warning and a promise?
How does Deuteronomy 33 emphasize the blessings of obedience and faithfulness to God?
What does Deuteronomy 34 teach us about God’s plans continuing beyond individual leaders?
How do these chapters emphasize the importance of remembering and passing down God’s teachings?
What themes of God’s justice and redemption are evident in Deuteronomy 32-34?

Reflective Application Questions:

In what ways do I rely on God as my Rock, and how can I trust Him more in difficult times?
How do I respond to God’s correction, as seen in the warnings of Deuteronomy 32?
What blessings has God given me, and how can I use them to glorify Him, like the tribes of Israel in Deuteronomy 33?
How can I better prepare the next generation to follow God, as Moses did for Israel?
What legacy of faith am I leaving behind, and how can I ensure my life points others to God?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans