Deuteronomy Chapter 32

Commentary

The Song of Moses

(Judges 5:1-31)

1Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

2My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

3Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.

4He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

5They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.

6Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?

7Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.

8When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.

9For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.

10He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.

11As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:

12So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.

13He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;

14Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.

15But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

16They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger.

17They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.

18Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.

19And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters.

20And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.

21They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.

22For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.

23I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.

24They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust.

25The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.

26I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men:

27Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the LORD hath not done all this.

28For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.

29O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!

30How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?

31For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.

32For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter:

33Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps.

34Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures?

35To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

36For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.

37And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,

38Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.

39See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.

40For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.

41If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.

42I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.

43Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.

44And Moses came and spake all the words of this song in the ears of the people, he, and Hoshea the son of Nun. 45And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel: 46And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. 47For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

Moses' Death Foretold

48And the LORD spake unto Moses that selfsame day, saying, 49Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, unto mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession: 50And die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people: 51Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of MeribahKadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel. 52Yet thou shalt see the land before thee; but thou shalt not go thither unto the land which I give the children of Israel.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Song of Moses
(Revelation 15:1–4)

1 Give ear, you heavens, and I will speak. Let the earth hear the words of my mouth.

2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain. My speech shall condense as the dew, as the small rain on the tender grass, as the showers on the herb.

3 For I will proclaim the name of Yahweh. Ascribe greatness to our God!

4 The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice: a God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and right is he.

5 They have dealt corruptly with him. They are not his children, because of their defect. They are a perverse and crooked generation.

6 Do you thus requite Yahweh, foolish people and unwise? Isn’t he your father who has bought you? He has made you, and established you.

7 Remember the days of old. Consider the years of many generations. Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you.

8 When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the children of men, he set the bounds of the peoples according to the number of the children of Israel.

9 For Yahweh’s portion is his people. Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.

10 He found him in a desert land, in the waste howling wilderness. He surrounded him. He cared for him. He kept him as the apple of his eye.

11 As an eagle that stirs up her nest, that flutters over her young, he spread abroad his wings, he took them, he bore them on his feathers.

12 Yahweh alone led him. There was no foreign god with him.

13 He made him ride on the high places of the earth. He ate the increase of the field. He caused him to suck honey out of the rock, oil out of the flinty rock;

14 Butter of the herd, and milk of the flock, with fat of lambs, rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the finest of the wheat. Of the blood of the grape you drank wine.

15 But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked. You have grown fat. You have grown thick. You have become sleek. Then he forsook God who made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

16 They moved him to jealousy with strange gods. They provoked him to anger with abominations.

17 They sacrificed to demons, not God, to gods that they didn’t know, to new gods that came up recently, which your fathers didn’t dread.

18 Of the Rock who became your father, you are unmindful, and have forgotten God who gave you birth.

19 Yahweh saw and abhorred, because of the provocation of his sons and his daughters.

20 He said, “I will hide my face from them. I will see what their end shall be; for they are a very perverse generation, children in whom is no faithfulness.

21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God. They have provoked me to anger with their vanities. I will move them to jealousy with those who are not a people. I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.

22 For a fire is kindled in my anger, Burns to the lowest Sheol, Devours the earth with its increase, and sets the foundations of the mountains on fire.

23 “I will heap evils on them. I will spend my arrows on them.

24 They shall be wasted with hunger, and devoured with burning heat and bitter destruction. I will send the teeth of animals on them, With the poison of crawling things of the dust.

25 Outside the sword shall bereave, and in the rooms, terror; on both young man and virgin, The nursing infant with the gray-haired man.

26 I said, I would scatter them afar. I would make their memory to cease from among men;

27 were it not that I feared the provocation of the enemy, lest their adversaries should judge wrongly, lest they should say, ‘Our hand is exalted, Yahweh has not done all this.’”

28 For they are a nation void of counsel. There is no understanding in them.

29 Oh that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!

30 How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and Yahweh had delivered them up?

31 For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.

32 For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, of the fields of Gomorrah. Their grapes are grapes of gall, Their clusters are bitter.

33 Their wine is the poison of serpents, The cruel venom of asps.

34 “Isn’t this laid up in store with me, sealed up among my treasures?

35 Vengeance is mine, and recompense, at the time when their foot slides; for the day of their calamity is at hand. The things that are to come on them shall make haste.”

36 For Yahweh will judge his people, and have compassion on his servants, when he sees that their power is gone, There is none remaining, shut up or left at large.

37 He will say, “Where are their gods, The rock in which they took refuge;

38 Which ate the fat of their sacrifices, And drank the wine of their drink offering? Let them rise up and help you! Let them be your protection.

39 “See now that I, even I, am he, There is no god with me. I kill, and I make alive. I wound, and I heal. There is no one who can deliver out of my hand.

40 For I lift up my hand to heaven, And say, As I live forever,

41 if I whet my glittering sword, My hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to my adversaries, and will recompense those who hate me.

42 I will make my arrows drunk with blood. My sword shall devour flesh with the blood of the slain and the captives, from the head of the leaders of the enemy.”

43 Rejoice, you nations, with his people, for he will avenge the blood of his servants. He will render vengeance to his adversaries, And will make expiation for his land, for his people.

44 Moses came and spoke all the words of this song in the ears of the people, he and Joshua the son of Nun. 45 Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel; 46 He said to them, “Set your heart to all the words which I testify to you this day, which you shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. 47 For it is no vain thing for you; because it is your life, and through this thing you shall prolong your days in the land, where you go over the Jordan to possess it.”

Moses’ Death Foretold

48 Yahweh spoke to Moses that same day, saying, 49 “Go up into this mountain of Abarim, to Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and see the land of Canaan, which I give to the children of Israel for a possession; 50 and die on the mountain where you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died on Mount Hor, and was gathered to his people: 51 because you trespassed against me in the midst of the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah of Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because you didn’t sanctify me in the midst of the children of Israel. 52 For you shall see the land before you; but you shall not go there into the land which I give the children of Israel.”

The Song of Moses
(Revelation 15:1–4)

1 Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak;

hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

2 Let my teaching fall like rain

and my speech settle like dew,

like gentle rain on new grass,

like showers on tender plants.

3 For I will proclaim the name of the LORD.

Ascribe greatness to our God!

4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect;

all His ways are just.

A God of faithfulness without injustice,

righteous and upright is He.

5 His people have acted corruptly toward Him;

the spot on them is not that of His children,

but of a perverse and crooked generation. a

6 Is this how you repay the LORD,

O foolish and senseless people?

Is He not your Father and Creator?

Has He not made you and established you?

7 Remember the days of old;

consider the years long past.

Ask your father, and he will tell you,

your elders, and they will inform you.

8 When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance,

when He divided the sons of man,

He set the boundaries of the peoples

according to the number of the sons of God. b

9 But the LORD’s portion is His people,

Jacob His allotted inheritance.

10 He found him in a desert land,

in a barren, howling wilderness;

He surrounded him, He instructed him,

He guarded him as the apple c of His eye.

11 As an eagle stirs up its nest

and hovers over its young,

He spread His wings to catch them

and carried them on His pinions. d

12 The LORD alone led him,

and no foreign god was with him.

13 He made him ride on the heights of the land

and fed him the produce of the field.

He nourished him with honey from the rock

and oil from the flinty crag,

14 with curds from the herd and milk from the flock,

with the fat of lambs,

with rams from Bashan, and goats,

with the choicest grains of wheat.

From the juice of the finest grapes

you drank the wine.

15 But Jeshurun e grew fat and kicked—

becoming fat, bloated, and gorged.

He abandoned the God who made him

and scorned the Rock of his salvation.

16 They provoked His jealousy with foreign gods;

they enraged Him with abominations.

17 They sacrificed to demons, not to God,

to gods they had not known,

to newly arrived gods,

which your fathers did not fear.

18 You ignored the Rock who brought you forth;

you forgot the God who gave you birth.

19 When the LORD saw this, He rejected them,

provoked to anger by His sons and daughters.

20 He said: “I will hide My face from them;

I will see what will be their end.

For they are a perverse generation—

children of unfaithfulness.

21 They have provoked My jealousy by that which is not God;

they have enraged Me with their worthless idols.

So I will make them jealous by those who are not a people; f

I will make them angry by a nation without understanding. g

22 For a fire has been kindled by My anger,

and it burns to the depths of Sheol;

it consumes the earth and its produce,

and scorches the foundations of the mountains.

23 I will heap disasters upon them;

I will spend My arrows against them.

24 They will be wasted from hunger

and ravaged by pestilence and bitter plague;

I will send the fangs of wild beasts against them,

with the venom of vipers that slither in the dust.

25 Outside, the sword will take their children,

and inside, terror will strike

the young man and the young woman,

the infant and the gray-haired man.

26 I would have said that I would cut them to pieces

and blot out their memory from mankind,

27 if I had not dreaded the taunt of the enemy,

lest their adversaries misunderstand and say:

‘Our own hand has prevailed;

it was not the LORD who did all this.’ ”

28 Israel is a nation devoid of counsel,

with no understanding among them.

29 If only they were wise, they would understand it;

they would comprehend their fate.

30 How could one man pursue a thousand,

or two put ten thousand to flight,

unless their Rock had sold them,

unless the LORD had given them up?

31 For their rock is not like our Rock,

even our enemies concede. h

32 But their vine is from the vine of Sodom

and from the fields of Gomorrah.

Their grapes are poisonous;

their clusters are bitter.

33 Their wine is the venom of serpents,

the deadly poison of cobras.

34 “Have I not stored up these things,

sealed up within My vaults?

35 Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. i

In due time their foot will slip;

for their day of disaster is near,

and their doom is coming quickly.”

36 For the LORD will vindicate His people j

and have compassion on His servants

when He sees that their strength is gone

and no one remains, slave or free.

37 He will say: “Where are their gods,

the rock in which they took refuge,

38 which ate the fat of their sacrifices

and drank the wine of their drink offerings?

Let them rise up and help you;

let them give you shelter!

39 See now that I am He;

there is no God besides Me.

I bring death and I give life;

I wound and I heal,

and there is no one

who can deliver from My hand.

40 For I lift up My hand to heaven and declare:

As surely as I live forever,

41 when I sharpen My flashing sword,

and My hand grasps it in judgment,

I will take vengeance on My adversaries

and repay those who hate Me.

42 I will make My arrows drunk with blood,

while My sword devours flesh—

the blood of the slain and captives,

the heads of the enemy leaders.”

43 Rejoice, O heavens, with Him,

and let all God’s angels worship Him. k

Rejoice, O nations, with His people; l

for He will avenge the blood of His children. m

He will take vengeance on His adversaries

and repay those who hate Him; n

He will cleanse His land

and His people.

44 Then Moses came with Joshua o son of Nun and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people. 45 When Moses had finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all these words I testify among you today, so that you may command your children to carefully follow all the words of this law. 47 For they are not idle words to you, because they are your life, and by them you will live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”

Moses’ Death Foretold

48 On that same day the LORD said to Moses, 49 “Go up into the Abarim Range to Mount Nebo, in the land of Moab across from Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites as their own possession.

50 And there on the mountain that you climb, you will die and be gathered to your people, just as your brother Aaron died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people.

51 For at the waters of Meribah-kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin, both of you broke faith with Me among the Israelites by failing to treat Me as holy in their presence. 52 Although you shall see from a distance the land that I am giving the Israelites, you shall not enter it.”

 

Footnotes:

5 a Cited in Philippians 2:15
8 b DSS; LXX according to the number of the angels of God ; MT according to the number of the sons of Israel
10 c Literally the pupil
11 d Pinions  are the outer parts of a bird’s wings, including the flight feathers.
15 e Jeshurun  means the upright one , a term of endearment for Israel.
21 f Or not a nation ; see also LXX.
21 g Cited in Romans 10:19
31 h Hebrew; LXX but our enemies are void of understanding
35 i LXX; Hebrew Vengeance is Mine, and recompense ; cited in Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30
36 j Or will judge His people ; see also LXX; cited in Hebrews 10:30
43 k See DSS and LXX; MT lacks Rejoice, O heavens, with Him, and let all God’s angels worship Him.  Cited in Hebrews 1:6
43 l Cited in Romans 15:10
43 m DSS and LXX; MT servants
43 n LXX and Vulgate; MT lacks and repay those who hate Him
44 o LXX, Syriac, and Vulgate; Hebrew Hoshea , a variant of Joshua

The Song of Moses

(Judges 5:1-31)

1'Give ear, O heavens, and I speak; And thou dost hear, O earth, sayings of my mouth!

2Drop as rain doth My doctrine; Flow as dew doth My sayings; As storms on the tender grass, And as showers on the herb,

3For the Name of Jehovah I proclaim, Ascribe ye greatness to our God!

4The Rock! -- perfect is His work, For all His ways are just; God of stedfastness, and without iniquity: Righteous and upright is He.

5It hath done corruptly to Him; Their blemish is not His sons', A generation perverse and crooked!

6To Jehovah do ye act thus, O people foolish and not wise? Is not He thy father -- thy possessor? He made thee, and doth establish thee.

7Remember days of old -- Understand the years of many generations -- Ask thy father, and he doth tell thee; Thine elders, and they say to thee:

8In the Most High causing nations to inherit, In His separating sons of Adam -- He setteth up the borders of the peoples By the number of the sons of Israel.

9For Jehovah's portion is His people, Jacob is the line of His inheritance.

10He findeth him in a land -- a desert, And in a void -- a howling wilderness, He turneth him round -- He causeth him to understand -- He keepeth him as the apple of His eye.

11As an eagle waketh up its nest, Over its young ones fluttereth, Spreadeth its wings -- taketh them, Beareth them on its pinions; --

12Jehovah alone doth lead him, And there is no strange god with him.

13He maketh him ride on high places of earth, And he eateth increase of the fields, And He maketh him suck honey from a rock, And oil out of the flint of a rock;

14Butter of the herd, and milk of the flock, With fat of lambs, and rams, sons of Bashan, And he-goats, with fat of kidneys of wheat; And of the blood of the grape thou dost drink wine!

15And Jeshurun waxeth fat, and doth kick: Thou hast been fat -- thou hast been thick, Thou hast been covered. And he leaveth God who made him, And dishonoureth the Rock of his salvation.

16They make Him zealous with strangers, With abominations they make Him angry.

17They sacrifice to demons -- no god! Gods they have not known -- New ones -- from the vicinity they came; Not feared them have your fathers!

18The Rock that begat thee thou forgettest, And neglectest God who formeth thee.

19And Jehovah seeth and despiseth -- For the provocation of His sons and His daughters.

20And He saith: I hide My face from them, I see what is their latter end; For a froward generation are they, Sons in whom is no stedfastness.

21They have made Me zealous by 'no-god,' They made Me angry by their vanities; And I make them zealous by 'no-people,' By a foolish nation I make them angry.

22For a fire hath been kindled in Mine anger, And it burneth unto Sheol -- the lowest, And consumeth earth and its increase, And setteth on fire foundations of mountains.

23I gather upon them evils, Mine arrows I consume upon them.

24Exhausted by famine, And consumed by heat, and bitter destruction. And the teeth of beasts I send upon them, With poison of fearful things of the dust.

25Without bereave doth the sword, And at the inner-chambers -- fear, Both youth and virgin, Suckling with man of grey hair.

26I have said: I blow them away, I cause their remembrance to cease from man;

27If not -- the anger of an enemy I fear, Lest their adversaries know -- Lest they say, Our hand is high, And Jehovah hath not wrought all this.

28For a nation lost to counsels are they, And there is no understanding in them.

29If they were wise -- They deal wisely with this; They attend to their latter end:

30How doth one pursue a thousand, And two cause a myriad to flee! If not -- that their rock hath sold them, And Jehovah hath shut them up?

31For not as our Rock is their rock, (And our enemies are judges!)

32For of the vine of Sodom their vine is, And of the fields of Gomorrah; Their grapes are grapes of gall -- They have bitter clusters;

33The poison of dragons is their wine And the fierce venom of asps.

34Is it not laid up with Me? Sealed among My treasures?

35Mine are vengeance and recompense, At the due time -- doth their foot slide; For near is a day of their calamity, And haste do things prepared for them.

36For Jehovah doth judge His people, And for His servants doth repent Himself. For He seeth -- the going away of power, And none is restrained and left.

37And He hath said, Where are their gods -- The rock in which they trusted;

38Which the fat of their sacrifices do eat, They drink the wine of their libation! Let them arise and help you, Let it be for you a hiding-place!

39See ye, now, that I -- I am He, And there is no god with Me: I put to death, and I keep alive; I have smitten, and I heal; And there is not from My hand a deliverer,

40For I lift up unto the heavens My hand, And have said, I live -- to the age!

41If I have sharpened the brightness of My sword, And My hand doth lay hold on judgment, I turn back vengeance to Mine adversaries, And to those hating Me -- I repay!

42I make drunk Mine arrows with blood, And My sword devoureth flesh, From the blood of the pierced and captive, From the head of the freemen of the enemy.

43Sing ye nations -- with his people, For the blood of His servants He avengeth, And vengeance He turneth back on His adversaries, And hath pardoned His land -- His people.'

44And Moses cometh and speaketh all the words of this song in the ears of the people, he and Hoshea son of Nun; 45and Moses finisheth to speak all these words unto all Israel, 46and saith unto them, 'Set your heart to all the words which I am testifying against you to-day, that ye command your sons to observe to do all the words of this law, 47for it is not a vain thing for you, for it is your life, and by this thing ye prolong days on the ground whither ye are passing over the Jordan to possess it.'

Moses' Death Foretold

48And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, in this self-same day, saying, 49Go up unto this mount Abarim, mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, which is on the front of Jericho, and see the land of Canaan which I am giving to the sons of Israel for a possession; 50and die in the mount whither thou art going up, and be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother hath died in the mount Hor, and is gathered unto his people: 51'Because ye trespassed against me in the midst of the sons of Israel at the waters of Meribath-Kadesh, the wilderness of Zin -- because ye sanctified Me not in the midst of the sons of Israel; 52but over-against thou seest the land, and thither thou dost not go in, unto the land which I am giving to the sons of Israel.'

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 32?
2Introduction to Deuteronomy 32
3Context of Deuteronomy 32
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
6Deuteronomy 32 Unique Insights
7Deuteronomy 32 Connections to Yeshua
8Deuteronomy 32 Scriptural Echoes
9Deuteronomy 32 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 32?

Introduction to Deuteronomy 32

Deuteronomy 32, known as the Song of Moses (Shirat Ha’azinu in Hebrew), stands as one of the most powerful and prophetic poems in the Torah. This magnificent song, delivered by Moses on the last day of his life, serves as both a testimony against Israel’s future unfaithfulness and a profound declaration of God’s character and faithfulness. The chapter unfolds like a carefully crafted legal document, calling heaven and earth as witnesses to the covenant relationship between יהוה (Yahweh) and His chosen people, while simultaneously presenting a panoramic view of Israel’s history – past, present, and future.

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Context of Deuteronomy 32

The Song of Moses appears at a crucial transition point in Israel’s history. Moses, knowing his death is imminent (as stated in Deuteronomy 31:14), delivers this prophetic song as his final major address to the people. It follows the renewal of the covenant in chapters 29-30 and precedes Moses’ final blessing of the tribes in chapter 33. This positioning is significant as it serves as a witness against Israel’s future rebellion while simultaneously affirming God’s ultimate redemption of His people.

Within the broader biblical narrative, this chapter functions as a prophetic overview of Israel’s relationship with God throughout history. It anticipates the nation’s cycles of rebellion, punishment, and restoration that would be detailed throughout the historical and prophetic books. The song’s themes of divine faithfulness amidst human unfaithfulness echo throughout Scripture, from the prophets to the writings of Paul in Romans 9-11.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • Ha’azinu (הַאֲזִינוּ) – “Give ear” or “Listen”: This opening command in verse 1 uses a term that implies not just hearing but actively inclining one’s ear. The root אזן (ozen) relates to weighing and balancing, suggesting careful consideration of what follows.
  • Tzur (צוּר) – “Rock”: Used multiple times in the song as a title for God, this term connotes absolute stability, protection, and unchanging nature. Unlike other ancient Near Eastern references to deity as “rock,” this usage emphasizes both strength and nurturing care.
  • Shirah (שִׁירָה) – “Song”: More than just a musical composition, this term in Hebrew indicates a carefully crafted poetic work designed for memorization and transmission across generations. It shares the same root as “to thread” or “to chain,” suggesting interconnected thoughts.
  • Yeshurun (יְשֻׁרוּן) – A poetic name for Israel meaning “upright one”: This rare term appears only four times in the Torah, carrying both affection and irony in this context, as it contrasts Israel’s calling with their actual behavior.
  • Nachala (נַחֲלָה) – “Inheritance”: This term goes beyond mere property rights to express a divinely appointed portion and special relationship. It’s used to describe both God’s people as His inheritance and the land as Israel’s inheritance.
  • Nevel (נָבָל) – “Foolish”: This term describes more than intellectual deficiency; it indicates moral corruption and spiritual insensitivity. It’s the same word used in Psalm 14:1 to describe those who deny God.
  • Kinim (קִנֵּא) – “Jealousy”: When applied to God, this term expresses His righteous zeal for exclusive devotion, not human possessiveness. It’s rooted in the covenant relationship and God’s passionate love for His people.
  • Neshef (נֶשֶׁף) – “Dark places”: This word carries connotations of twilight or dawn, metaphorically representing times of transition and uncertainty in Israel’s history.

Compare & Contrast

  • Verse 4’s description of God as “The Rock, His work is perfect” (הַצּוּר תָּמִים פָּעֳלוֹ) deliberately uses the term tamim (perfect/complete) rather than tov (good). This choice emphasizes not just quality but the comprehensive nature of God’s work – nothing can be added or taken away to improve it.
  • In verse 6, the phrase “foolish and unwise people” (עַם נָבָל וְלֹא חָכָם) employs a double negative construction that intensifies the rebuke. The author could have simply said “foolish people” but chose this construction to emphasize the depth of Israel’s spiritual blindness.
  • Verse 11’s eagle imagery (כְּנֶשֶׁר יָעִיר קִנּוֹ) was chosen over other available bird metaphors because eagles are known for their unique training method of pushing their young out of the nest while simultaneously swooping beneath to catch them – a perfect picture of God’s pedagogical relationship with Israel.
  • The phrase “gods they had not known” (אֱלֹהִים לֹא יְדָעוּם) in verse 17 uses the verb yada (to know intimately) rather than hakir (to recognize/be acquainted with), emphasizing the personal relationship Israel abandoned rather than mere acknowledgment of deity.
  • Verse 20’s “children in whom is no faithfulness” (בָּנִים לֹא־אֵמֻן בָּם) uses the term emun (faithfulness) rather than emunah (faith), stressing the lack of reliability in their character rather than just their belief.

Deuteronomy 32 Unique Insights

The structure of the Song of Moses follows an ancient Near Eastern lawsuit pattern, but with a crucial difference. While typical suzerainty treaties of the time ended with curses for covenant violation, this song concludes with promise of vindication and restoration. This reflects the unique character of יהוה as a God of both justice and mercy, distinguishing Him from the deities of surrounding nations.

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The Midrash Rabbah notes that the song is written in the Torah scroll in a unique format of two parallel columns, suggesting its role as a witness document. This formatting, known as “brick over brick,” is said to represent the building of history itself, with each stanza serving as a foundational element in understanding God’s redemptive plan.

The song contains several prophetic elements that have found remarkable fulfillment throughout history. For example, verses 21-26 predicted Israel’s dispersion among the nations, while verses 36-43 foretold their eventual restoration. Rabbi Saadiah Gaon (882-942 CE) interpreted these passages as pointing to both the Roman exile and the final redemption through the Messiah.

The repeated use of the “Rock” metaphor throughout the song carries special significance in Jewish mystical tradition. The Zohar connects this imagery to the “Rock that followed them” mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10:4, seeing it as a prophetic allusion to the Messiah who would be both foundation stone and stumbling block.

Deuteronomy 32 Connections to Yeshua

The Song of Moses powerfully foreshadows the ministry of Yeshua the Messiah. The description of God as the Rock in verse 4 finds its fulfillment in Yeshua, whom Paul identifies as the spiritual Rock that accompanied Israel (1 Corinthians 10:4). This connection is further strengthened by Yeshua’s use of rock imagery in His own teaching (Matthew 7:24-27).

The theme of divine jealousy for His people’s devotion (verses 16-21) parallels Yeshua’s role as the bridegroom of the renewed covenant, who zealously purifies His people through His sacrificial death and resurrection. The song’s conclusion, promising vindication for God’s people and judgment on their enemies, points to the ultimate victory of the Messiah described in Revelation 19.

Deuteronomy 32 Scriptural Echoes

The Song of Moses resonates throughout Scripture, forming connections that illuminate God’s consistent character and plan. The eagle imagery in verse 11 echoes Exodus 19:4 and finds fulfillment in Isaiah 40:31. The theme of God’s faithfulness despite Israel’s unfaithfulness is developed further in Hosea 11 and Romans 11.

The song’s judicial framework influences later prophetic literature, particularly Isaiah 1 and Micah 6, where heaven and earth are similarly called as witnesses. The promise of vengeance belonging to God (verse 35) is quoted by Paul in Romans 12:19 and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Revelation 19:2.

Deuteronomy 32 Devotional

This profound song calls us to examine our own faithfulness in light of God’s unwavering commitment to His people. Just as ancient Israel was prone to forget God’s benefits and turn to other sources of security, we too must guard against taking His blessings for granted and placing our trust in temporary solutions rather than the eternal Rock.

The song’s emphasis on remembering God’s mighty acts challenges us to maintain an active gratitude practice, regularly recounting His faithfulness in our lives. This spiritual discipline helps prevent the kind of amnesia that led to Israel’s repeated falls into idolatry.

Consider keeping a journal of God’s faithfulness in your life, recording specific instances where He has proven Himself to be your Rock. When facing challenges, return to these testimonies as reminders of His unchanging character and promises.

Did You Know

  • The Song of Moses is one of only two songs in the Torah that God specifically commanded to be written down and taught to the people (the other being the Song at the Sea in Exodus 15).
  • The Hebrew text of this chapter contains exactly 70 lines, traditionally understood to correspond to the 70 nations listed in Genesis 10, suggesting God’s ultimate plan for all peoples.
  • Ancient Jewish tradition holds that this song is written in the Torah scroll in a unique parallel column format, different from the regular writing pattern.
  • The phrase “Rock of salvation” used here becomes a foundation for many Hebrew names, including “Yeshua” (Jesus), meaning “יהוה is salvation.”
  • This chapter contains one of the rare anthropomorphic descriptions of God as a mother eagle (verse 11), providing insight into the maternal aspects of divine care.
  • The song is considered prophetic, containing predictions about Israel’s history that span from the exodus to the end times.
  • In Jewish tradition, this song is read in synagogues on the Sabbath between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, highlighting its themes of repentance and return.
  • The chapter contains several unique Hebrew words that appear nowhere else in the Bible, suggesting its distinctive literary character.
  • The song’s structure follows an ancient Near Eastern covenant lawsuit pattern, but uniquely concludes with hope rather than just judgment.
  • Jewish mystical tradition sees in the song’s 43 verses a reference to God’s 42-letter name plus one verse representing His unity.

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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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