scatter them into corners = disperse them, scatter as with the wind. The verb pa ' ah occurs only here. The Severus Codex ( App-34 ) divides the one word 'aph'eyhem (disperse them) into the three words ' aph , ' ey , hem , "[I said] in anger, Where are they? " men. Hebrew. 'enosh = mortals. App-14 . read more
2. The song itself 32:1-43One Old Testament scholar called the Song of Moses "one of the most impressive religious poems in the entire Old Testament." [Note: W. F. Albright, "Some Remarks on the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy XXXII," Vetus Testamentum 9 (1959):339-46.] It contrasts the faithfulness and loyal love of God with the unfaithfulness and perversity of His people. As other important poems in the Pentateuch (e.g., Genesis 49; Exodus 15; Numbers 24), it also teaches major themes."The song... read more
Israel’s unfaithfulness would not thwart God’s purposes for her, however. God would use other nations to discipline His people, but He would judge them too (cf. Habakkuk 1-2). The Old Testament writers compared Israel to Sodom and Gomorrah many times (Deuteronomy 32:32), but they never compared the heathen nations to those wicked cities."One of the well-known sermons in American history was preached by Jonathan Edwards in 1741 from this verse [Deuteronomy 32:35] and particularly from this... read more
The Song of MosesThe theme of this noble Song is the goodness of Jehovah in choosing Israel and bringing them into a rich land. When they provoke Him with their forgetfulness and unfaithfulness, He disciplines them. But He does not utterly reject them; when they repent He takes part with them against their enemies and delivers them. It will be observed that the exodus begins and concludes with a Song of Moses: see Exodus 15:1-18. Psalms 90 is also attributed to him.1-6. Heaven and earth are... read more
(26, 27) The argument of these verses is such as no man would dare to put into the mouth of the Most High. Moses had pleaded it (in Numbers 14:13-16; Exodus 32:12), but none but Jehovah Himself would say for Himself, “I feared the wrath of the enemy.” read more
THE SONG AND BLESSING OF MOSES(A) THE SONG OF MOSESDeuteronomy 32:1-52CRITICS have debated the date, authorship, and history of this song. For the present purpose it is sufficient, perhaps, to refer to the statement on these points in the note below.But in discussing the meaning and contents of the song the differences referred to cause no difficulties. On any supposition the time and circumstances, whether assumed as present, or actually and really present to the prophet’s mind, can clearly be... read more
2. The Song of Moses CHAPTER 32:1-43 1. The introduction and the theme (Deuteronomy 32:1-4 ) 2. The foolish people (Deuteronomy 32:5-6 ) 3. How Jehovah loved them (Deuteronomy 32:7-14 ) 4. Their apostasy (Deuteronomy 32:15-18 ) 5. The results of the apostasy (Deuteronomy 32:19-33 ) 6. Jehovah’s final dealing with Israel (Deuteronomy 32:34-42 ) 7. The glorious consummation (Deuteronomy 32:43 ) The song of Moses is a great prophecy. The first great prophetic utterance is found in... read more
GOD: MAJESTIC AND FAITHFUL (vs.l-4) In these four verses the introduction of this song of Moses is both magnificent and beautiful. The heavens and the earth are called to hear the faithful words from the mouth of the Lord. His teaching drops as the rain, not like a cloudburst, but as the refreshing, nourishing dew on the land or as showers on the grass. How well it would be with us if we received it as such, appreciating its living value and refreshment. For it begins, not with what we may... read more
THE CLOSE OF MOSES ’ LIFE ENCOURAGEMENT (Deuteronomy 31:1-8 ) The law has been rehearsed and Moses’ exhortation is drawing to a conclusion. Several days may have been occupied in the review covered by Deuteronomy thus far. And now, Israel, by its leaders, having been gathered together at the place of meeting, Moses is apprising them of his imminent departure. Though advanced in years (Deuteronomy 31:2 ), was he conscious of mental or physical decay (Deuteronomy 34:7 )? Can you perceive a... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Deuteronomy 32:1-47
The song of Moses (31:30-32:47)Being aware of the people’s tendency to rebellion against God (see v. 29), Moses left with them a song that he wanted everyone to take notice of (30). The song reminded the people of God’s loving care for them and of the need for faithfulness on their part towards him. It dealt with the future as well as the past, and reminded the people that in justice God would punish them and in mercy he would forgive them.As rain benefits young grass, so Moses’ words should... read more