Question 1

What is happening in this passage when God calls Moses and Joshua?

Accepted Answer

This scene takes place near the end of Moses’ life. God tells Moses that his death is near and calls him, along with Joshua, into the tabernacle of the congregation. There, the LORD appears in a pillar of cloud over the door of the tent. In that setting, God both confirms Joshua’s role as the new leader and reveals what will happen after Moses is gone. God explains that Israel will turn to other gods, break the covenant, and face many troubles because of their unfaithfulness.

Question 2

Why does God say Israel will go after other gods and break his covenant?

Accepted Answer

God tells Moses that after Israel enters the good land, eats, is filled, and grows “fat,” they will turn away from him. In their prosperity they will forget who gave them the land and start worshiping the gods of the nations around them. God calls this “going a whoring” after other gods, like a spouse being unfaithful. By chasing idols, they would forsake him and break the covenant he made with them. God also says he already knows the imaginations they are forming in their hearts, even before they enter the land.

Question 3

What does it mean when God says he will hide his face from Israel?

Accepted Answer

When God says he will hide his face, it means he will withdraw his favor and protection. Instead of watching over them for good, he will leave them to the results of their sin. Enemies will devour them, and many evils and troubles will fall on them. The people will feel that God is not among them and will even say so. Hiding his face does not mean God stops existing, but that he no longer shows his friendly presence and help, because they have turned to other gods.

Question 4

Why does God command Moses to write a song and teach it to Israel?

Accepted Answer

God tells Moses to write a song and put it in the mouths of the people so that it will be a witness for God against Israel. The song would remind them of God’s goodness, their covenant, and what would happen if they turned to idols. When troubles later came because of their sins, the words of the song would stand as evidence that they had been clearly warned. God also says the song will not be forgotten from the mouths of their children, so it would keep speaking to each new generation about faithfulness and the consequences of rebellion.

Question 5

What does this passage teach about God’s character and human sin?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows both God’s faithfulness and human unfaithfulness. God keeps his promise to bring Israel into a land flowing with milk and honey, even though he knows they will later rebel. He knows their hearts and still gives them warning and a song to remind them of the covenant. At the same time, the passage shows how quickly people can forget God when they become comfortable and full. It teaches that idolatry is like spiritual adultery, that God’s anger against it is real, and that losing his favor is far worse than losing material blessings.

Question 6

What is the purpose of the song being a witness against the children of Israel?

Accepted Answer

The song is meant to stand as a kind of testimony in future days. God says that when many evils and troubles come on Israel because they have turned to other gods, this song will testify against them. It will show that God had warned them clearly and that their suffering is not random, but the result of breaking the covenant. Because it would be memorized and passed down, it could not be easily ignored or forgotten. The song would prove both God’s patience in warning them and their own responsibility for walking away from him.

Question 7

How does Israel’s prosperity in the land relate to their future idolatry?

Accepted Answer

God explains that the turning point will come after he brings Israel into the rich land he promised, a land flowing with milk and honey. Once they have eaten, are full, and have grown fat, they will become careless. Instead of letting blessings lead them to deeper thankfulness, they will become self-satisfied and chase other gods. The passage shows how plenty can tempt people to forget God. It warns that a full stomach and an easy life can make the heart wander if people stop remembering who gave them those good things.

Question 8

Who are the main people in this passage, and what roles do they have?

Accepted Answer

The main people mentioned are the LORD, Moses, Joshua, and the children of Israel. The LORD is the one who speaks, appears in the pillar of cloud, and knows the future of his people. Moses is the aging leader who is told his death is near and who is commanded to write and teach the song. Joshua is Moses’ successor, called into God’s presence to receive a charge for his future leadership. The children of Israel are the covenant people who will receive the land, but who are also warned that they will later turn to idols and face judgment.

Deuteronomy 31:14

¶ And the Lord said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation

God Commissions Joshua

Israel Will Fall Away

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Deuteronomy 31:14

¶ And the Lord said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation

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God Commissions Joshua

Israel Will Fall Away

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