Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

This whole chapter is in prophetic, poetic verse. It was the song God told Moses to write and teach ALL the people. This is not the last time it is mentioned in scripture. David clearly knew the song intimately because there are a multitude of references to it throughout the Psalms. For example: 5:8; 18:2; 72:6; 103:5; 105:1; 145:1-5. It goes on. This song is very much entwined in the history of the Jewish Nation. It is also full of Messianic references. Revelation 15:3-4 shows that the Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb are in all likelihood one and the same.

The song is meant to be a witness to the people. Evidence that God had both mercy and judgment locked up in His storehouses. They would need to choose which one they wanted to eat (Proverbs 18:21). It told of God’s treatment of the people, the people’s choices, the result, and what would ultimately occur. It was a song to cleave to and walk by – doing so would keep them from SO MUCH TROUBLE. Sadly, they did not listen. They sang it, but didn’t heart it.

Verses 1-6 is the introduction. Moses calls the two great witnesses of heaven and earth to mark the song. He acknowledges God’s Name and all that He is to them. Verses 7-14 list God’s many kindnesses to Israel. How GOOD He is. Even His corrections are loving and full of LIFE.

Verses 15-18 is a prophetic vision of the rebellion of the Israelites. Verses 19-25 show the RESULTS of that rebellion. Their exile, though God promises to stay with them. The effect on the land and the people themselves. About how God would gather them back through Messiah.

Verses 26-35 speak of God’s MERCY. His redemptive plan for His people. In verses 36-43, God comforts Israel. He speaks of atonement, their enemies punished, and being brought home from their LAST exile EVER.

When you see all the Messianic prophesies (like the final exile, for example), remember that while Messiah Jesus CAN come at any time, the Father has declared that certain things will occur first – just like He did with the BIRTH of Jesus. I don’t say that meaning we can slack off our readiness or assume it is a far off thing (Matthew 25:1-13). Because OUR ideas of what constitutes fulfillment and Adonai’s aren’t always the same until we look back and say ‘oh… I see now.’

After the song, God told Moses the details of his death. Where and why. And He promised Moses would SEE the land, but not ENTER it.

“Now this is the blessing with which Moses, the man of God, blessed the Israelites before his death.” (Deuteronomy 33:1)

Although he had been told that the people would rebel and reject God. Although he was intimately familiar with their character and behaviour. Although he was in a position to think VERY differently, Moses’ last public act was to BLESS the people of Israel. He did it by tribes.

Reuben he blessed with long life and a large populace.

Judah was blessed with being heard by the Lord and given help with their enemies – implying being safely brought home.

Levi was blessed in discovering God’s voice and will. With being priests and teaching Torah (the Law). Of physical prosperity and protection, even though they had no portion in the land.

Benjamin was blessed with God’s protection (spoiler: they NEEDED it – Judges 21); and blessed with water, crops, and land.

Ephraim and Manasseh in Joseph were blessed with abundance in all things.

Zebulun was blessed going out. The treasures of the seas.

Issachar was blessed in their tents. The treasures of the sands.

Gad was blessed with a large domain and fierce armies.

Dan was blessed with bravery in sudden leaps. Boldly taking what maybe he shouldn’t have – remember that his father called him a snake (Genesis 49:17).

Naphtali ws blessed with favour and fullness of blessing.

Asher was blessed with oil as well as strength throughout their days.

Israel itself was called blessed and upright. A nation with a God unlike any other. Held and cared for by God. Full of grain and new wine. Happy in the Lord, belonging as a nation to Him. Protected and fought for. Submitted to by their enemies.

A pretty good blessing!

Summary

Key Players: Moses

Key Themes: Prophetic Song, Blessing

Key Verse(s): Deuteronomy 32:44-47, 52; 33:1