Question 1

What is the main message of the Song of Moses in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The Song of Moses in this passage tells Israel who God is and who they have been. It starts with praise: God is the Rock, His work is perfect, all His ways are just, and He is a God of truth without any wrong. Then it shows Israel’s corruption and ingratitude. God found them in a desert, cared for them like an eagle for its young, gave them a rich land, but they turned to strange gods. The song warns of painful judgment, yet also shows that God will not forget His servants and will have mercy on His land and people.

Question 2

What does it mean that God is “the Rock, his work is perfect”?

Accepted Answer

Calling God “the Rock” shows He is steady, strong, and dependable. He does not change or fail. Saying “his work is perfect” means that everything He does is complete and right. All His ways are judgment, meaning He always acts with wise justice. There is no lie or sin in Him. In this song, that truth is set against Israel’s behavior. If there is failure, it is not in God’s character or His plan, but in the people who have corrupted themselves and left the Rock of their salvation.

Question 3

Why is Israel called “Jeshurun” and how did they “wax fat, and kick”?

Accepted Answer

“Jeshurun” is a gentle, honorable name for Israel, pointing to what they were meant to be as God’s upright people. The song says Jeshurun “waxed fat, and kicked,” which pictures a well-fed animal that rebels against its owner. God had given Israel rich blessings: good land, food, safety, and honor. Instead of growing more thankful and obedient, they became proud and comfortable. They forgot the God who made them and lightly esteemed the Rock of their salvation, turning to idols instead of the Lord who had saved and cared for them.

Question 4

What does the image of the eagle over its young teach about God’s care?

Accepted Answer

The song says God cared for Israel like an eagle that stirs up its nest, flutters over its young, spreads its wings, takes them, and bears them. This picture shows both tenderness and training. The eagle does not abandon the young; it stays near, carries them, and teaches them to fly. In the same way, God found Israel in a desert land, led them, instructed them, and guarded them as the apple of His eye. Every step of their journey, His care and guidance were over them, even when they did not see it.

Question 5

Why does God say He will “hide my face” from His people?

Accepted Answer

When God says He will “hide my face,” it means He will withdraw His favor and clear help because of Israel’s stubborn sin. They had moved Him to jealousy with what is not God and sacrificed to new, empty gods. Hiding His face does not mean He stops existing or loses control, but that He lets the people taste the results of turning from Him: hunger, fear, enemies, and loss. This is both judgment and wake-up call, so they may see that their idols cannot save and that their life depends on the Lord alone.

Question 6

What does “their foot shall slide in due time” mean in this song?

Accepted Answer

The phrase “their foot shall slide in due time” pictures people walking on the edge, thinking they stand firm, while judgment is actually near. God says vengeance and repayment belong to Him. He has stored up the sentence, and at the right time their unstable footing will give way. It reminds Israel that sin is not safe or hidden. The day of calamity is at hand, and the things coming on them hurry forward. This is meant to humble proud hearts and show that no one can escape God’s hand when He rises to judge.

Question 7

How does this passage show both God’s judgment and His mercy?

Accepted Answer

The song strongly describes judgment: fire of anger, hunger, enemies, beasts, and the sword. God says He will heap troubles on His people because they traded Him for idols. Yet it does not end there. He also says He will judge His people and change His treatment of His servants when He sees their power is gone. He mocks the false gods that could not save them, then declares that He alone kills and makes alive, wounds and heals. In the end He promises to avenge the blood of His servants and be merciful to His land and people.

Question 8

What does “Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people” point toward?

Accepted Answer

“Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people” comes near the end of the song, after God has spoken of punishing His enemies and having mercy on Israel. It invites the nations to share in the joy of what God does for His people. God will avenge the blood of His servants and repay His foes, and at the same time He will show kindness to His land and His people. The line hints that God’s plan reaches beyond Israel alone, so that other peoples will see His justice and mercy and have reason to rejoice with His own.

Question 9

Why is the law called “your life” and not a vain thing in this chapter?

Accepted Answer

After teaching the song, Moses tells Israel to set their hearts on all the words he has spoken and to command their children to keep them. He says, “it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life.” God’s word to them is not empty talk or a light matter. It is the way their relationship with God is kept, the way of true life. By holding to these words they would prolong their days in the land across the Jordan. The law was meant to guard them from the sins just described and keep them close to the God who saves.

Question 10

What was happening with Moses at the end of this passage on Mount Nebo?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the passage, God speaks to Moses on the same day he finishes teaching the song. God tells him to go up Mount Nebo, in the Abarim range, across from Jericho. From there Moses will see the land of Canaan that God is giving to Israel, but he will not enter it. He will die on the mountain and be gathered to his people, as Aaron had died on Mount Hor. This is because Moses had trespassed against God at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh and did not honor Him as holy in front of Israel.

Deuteronomy 32:1

Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

The Song of Moses

Moses’ Death Foretold

The Song of Moses

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Deuteronomy 32:1

Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

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The Song of Moses

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