Deuteronomy 32

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Song of Moses; Moses Views the Land

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. God is great in the history contained in the Song of Moses.

  2. God is great in the prophecy contained in the Song of Moses.

  3. God is great in the vengeance contained in the Song of Moses.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Capture the content of Scripture in song.

QUESTIONS

  1. Where is Mount Nebo?

  2. What occurred on Mount Nebo?

  3. What is the theme of the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32?

  4. What downfall do we see in verses 15-18? What is the meaning of “Jeshurun”?

  5. While the Lord would discipline His people, why would He not destroy them (verses 26-27)?

ANSWERS

  1. Mount Nebo is a peak in the Abarim range of mountains overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea from the east. Even today when you stand on top of Mount Nebo you get a wonderful view of the Promised Land – all the way from south of the Dead Sea to the snow-capped Mount Hermon in the north.

  2. It was from Mount Nebo that Moses viewed the Promised Land from a distance, because in the Lord’s discipline of Moses He said that Moses could see the Land, but could not enter it (Numbers 20). It was also on Mount Nebo that Moses would die.

  3. The greatness of God (verse 3).

  4. Israel went from being called “Jeshurun,” meaning “upright one,” to a nation characterized by idolatry.

  5. Lest Israel’s enemies should think that they had destroyed them.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Which symbol of the greatness of God is most meaningful to you? That He is the Rock (verse 4)? That He is like a mother eagle (verse 11-12)? Or another?

  2. Review Deuteronomy 32:19-33. One way God disciplined Israel for their sin was to make them jealous of the Gentiles. Discuss how verse 21 has been fulfilled by the gospel going out to the Gentiles around the world. Discuss Romans 10:19 and Romans 11:11.

  3. Deuteronomy 32:34-43 addresses God’s vengeance upon the nations that He allowed to defeat Israel. God used their evil intentions to punish His people, but that in no way condoned their actions. Do you think present day Iran or Syria can escape the vengeance of God after making threats and plans to annihilate Israel?

CHALLENGE

  1. Songs can be a vehicle to memorize solid biblical teaching. Capture the content of Scripture in song.

KEY VERSES

  • “He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4

  • “Set your hearts on all the words which I testify among you today, which you shall command your children to be careful to observe – all the words of this law. For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess.” Deuteronomy 32:46-47

Deuteronomy, Old Testament, TalksRon ReidDEUTERONOMY 32