We finish Moses’ rather bloody song with a reminder as to why it was written and taught to the children of Israel: “These instructions are not empty words – they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River” (vs 47 NLT). Moses wasn’t trying to be unduly pessimistic. He was just warning them so they would realize how important obedience to the Lord was.
I wonder … how long did the Israelites know this song? At some point, did it get forgotten? Or, were the words so familiar that they stopped having meaning to them? Again, this makes me aware that I am no different. I, too, can sing hymns and praise songs “by rote” and not by heart. I, too, can forget the consequences of bitterness and unresolved anger. When I am busy, I am especially susceptible to brushing things aside in my own character that need to be dealt with swiftly. God shares these stories with us to warn us and help us. Let’s not forget the lessons within His Word!
My verse: Deuteronomy 32:36 “Indeed the LORD will give justice to his people and he will take revenge for his servants when he sees their strength is gone and no one is left, slave or free.”
My response: This verse confuses me, Lord. But I think You’re reminding us that though there are very real consequences when we follow other gods, when we finally run out of pride and willfulness and our strength is gone … instead of abandoning us to a deserved fate … You rescue Your people once again. You are “the one who kills and gives life … the one who wounds and heals” (vs 39) and when we turn back to You, You have mercy on us. Your grace is astounding, Lord!
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Deuteronomy 32:39 “See now that I alone am He; there is no God but Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal. No one can rescue anyone from My power.”
My response: God’s sovereignty is always a comfort. I love when He declares it. He’s always in control of everything. Nothing happens because someone got one over on Him, but because He allowed it and will use it for His good purposes. No death, no healing happens by chance. In Hebrew, “no one can rescue anyone from My power” reads more like “no one can snatch anyone out of My hand” — a warning that God’s justice is inescapable but also a reminder that once I am His child, I will never be taken from His hand. Thank you Lord for my assured salvation in Jesus.
I’ve always loved the reassurance that no one can snatch me out of God’s all-powerful hand! Yes. He’s in charge, and we can rest in that because He is good and just and merciful all perfectly woven together. I thank Him with you that He has saved us!
I’ve always loved the reassurance that no one can snatch me out of God’s all-powerful hand! Yes. He’s in charge, and we can rest in that because He is good and just and merciful all perfectly woven together. I thank Him with you that He has saved us!
vs 39 “See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.”
Lord, you are the Almighty – the Ancient of Days. The God above all. You are all powerful, all knowing, all present. You reside in me. I thank you for that gift. Lord I know the only way to life is through You. I have been healed through You. Thank you for all of these blessings Lord.
Praying with you! The only way to life is through You, Lord! Amen.
v. 39 “See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal and no one can deliver out of my hand.” I praise you, God, that you are sovereign, that you are fully in control of life, death, healing, and everything else under the sun, I praise you that you are trustworthy. Thank you, God, that in the midst of our human messes we can rejoice that you care and forgive.
Isn’t it wonderful that the One who is fully in control is also fully trustworthy and GOOD?!!