Highlights:
The prophetic Song of Moses (Deut. 32:1-43). Don't miss "the Words of Life" and how to prolong your days (32:46-47)! Moses blessed the 12 tribes; death of Moses on Mount Nebo; Joshua succeeds Moses.
Verses for Today:
Ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He 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 (Deut. 32:3-4).
Moses foretold the blessings and happiness the Israelites would have if they lived in obedience to the Word of God (33:6-29). After conferring spiritual blessings upon each of the tribes, Moses concluded with praise to God: The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and He shall thrust out the enemy from before thee (33:27). Although it is written: There arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face (34:10), he forfeited the privilege of leading Israel into Canaan because of his sin (32:48-52; comp. Num. 20:1-13). Thus he became an example for all Israel that God is Holy and cannot allow His Word to be broken without consequences.
Moses' life had been almost perfect. However, even though he had been the Lord's lawgiver, he sinned by striking the rock, and the Law did not permit one exception. For whosoever shall keep the whole Law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all (James 2:10).
Just before his death, Moses is seen alone, climbing one of the most prominent mountain peaks in Moab from which he could view the promised land though he could not personally enter it. Moses' penalty illustrates that even forgiveness of sin does not remove its earthly consequences.
Centuries later, Moses, symbolizing the Law of God, stood on Mount Hermon in the promised land with Elijah, who symbolized the prophets of God. Together they talked with Jesus as He was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias (Elijah) talking with Him. Then answered Peter, and said . . . let us make here three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias (Elijah). While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud . . . said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him (Matt. 17:2-5).
Thought for Today:
For the Commandment is a lamp; and the Law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life (Prov. 6:23).
Christ Revealed:
As our Rock (Deut. 32:31). Christ was that spiritual Rock (Petra) that followed (accompanied) them (I Cor. 10:4).
Word Studies:
32:3 publish =proclaim; 32:19 abhorred =despised; 32:20 froward =disloyal, perverse, corrupt; 32:41 whet =sharpen; 32:44 Hoshea =Joshua; 33:9 Covenant =binding agreement with all qualifications given by God; 33:28 corn =grain; 33:29 tread upon their high places =trample down their heathen altars; 34:2 utmost sea =Mediterranean; 34:6 sepulchre =grave; 34:7 abated =lessened; 34:12 great terror =marvelous deeds.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Officials: Sen. Kent Conrad (ND) and Gov. Mitt Romney (MA) • Country: Bosnia and Hercegovina (4 million) on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe • Major language: Serbo-Croatian • Little evangelism being done • 40% Muslim; 28% Serbian Orthodox; 14% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that our Savior lives (John 20:15-18).
Optional Reading: John 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:3-6