Today's passages continues the discussion of blessings and curses from yesterday and reveals much about God's character and the people's path upon inheriting the land.
In the beginning, we see the transition of authority from Moses to Joshua. Both men demonstrated a humility and consecration that should define Godly leaders. They did not exalt their own standings or call upon their positions in order to "lord over" others. Instead, they looked to serve the Israelites, as God had directed them. Much as David claimed God's presence as his source of confidence, Moses urges the people: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6) God then commissions Joshua for service and declares His support: "Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you." (Deuteronomy 31:23)
The next section includes a "song of unfaithfulness" that God places into Moses's mouth. The song and the passage preceding it foretell of the people's coming unfaithfulness, despite Moses's clear admonitions to the contrary. God explains that the people will turn to Him in recognition of their separation from Him and the song He shares with Moses will serve as a "witness" to this truth. The song highlights how God has shown faithfulness to the Israelites in the desery but that the people will abandon God to pursue other foreign gods upon coming into the land; this spiritual adultery will then cause God to "heap calamities upon them/ and spend my arrows against them." (Deuteronomy 32:23) God then indicates that "they are a nation without sense;/ there is no discernment in them." (Deuteronomy 32:28)
Still, despite the people's unfaithfulness, God stays faithful and will have "compassion on his servants/ when he sees their strength is gone." (Deuteronomy 32:36) God's justice comes in His timing, and it will reveal His goodness and awesome power: "See now that I myself am He!/ There is no god besides me./ I put to death and I bring to life,/ I have wounded and I will heal,/ and no one can deliver out of my hand." (Deuteronomy 32:39) While the people have let God down, He will protect them from their enemies.
In the end, Moses points to the great value in the Scriptures: "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. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess." (Deuteronomy 32:46,47)
QUESTIONS
1. In what areas of your life do you need more discernment?
2. While we live in challenging days, how have you seen God's faithfulness in them? How can the remembrance thereof spur you on during discouraging moments?
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