Deuteronomy 32:48-34:12

Deuteronomy 32:48-34:12

The end of Deuteronomy 32 explains how Moses will die. Because of his disobedience in the wilderness, God promised that he would no longer be able to enter into the Promised Land. However, God did want Moses to at least see it. So He commanded Moses to go up a nearby mountain so that he could gaze into the Promised Land before he died. Moses is a great example for us to live by in so many ways. He followed God even when everyone around him was living in disobedience. He allowed God to use him even when the future seemed uncertain and difficult. He stood in the face of opposition many times because he knew he was standing with God. Yet Moses was a sinner, just like us, and he had a weak moment as well. His moment of disobedience came in the wilderness, and because of it he lost his privilege to enter into the land. We can learn so much from Moses, especially from how he led Israel so faithfully. We can also learn from Moses’ life that God does not tolerate disobedience, so we must be careful to remain faithful to Him.

Before his death, Moses’ final words to Israel were a blessing to each tribe. He commended those who had done well. He gave instructions to others. He told them what they needed to do in the Promised Land, which was primarily to remain obedient to God. He praised God for who He is and all He had done for them up to that point. Moses knew that they were about to enter the land. He had no doubt in his mind about that. So he encouraged them to remember that God would continue to be with them. There was no enemy too great and no obstacle that could get in their way. Through obedience to God’s commands, they would be able to conquer every nation that stood in their way, for they would have God on their side.

Finally, in Deuteronomy 34, Moses went up the mountain to see the land. He saw the inheritance of each tribe, and then he died. God told him that the promise He had made to Abraham so many years before would indeed be fulfilled in the coming days. So Moses died in peace, knowing that he had done his best to follow God’s commands and knowing that Israel was still in good hands. Joshua rose up as the new leader of Israel, and immediately the people turned to him for guidance. Moses had asked them to follow Joshua just as they had followed him, for Joshua had been called out by God to be the new leader. It was not Joshua’s choice; it was not Moses’ choice. God was the one who had decided to use Joshua in this next phase of their history. Joshua had responded in obedience to God’s call, and now it was time for Israel to do the same. In following Joshua’s commands, they were following God. We can do the same by following those whom God has put in authority over us. We may not always like it, but if they are following God, and if God has put them in that position, then we should not hesitate to do as they say. That is where Israel was as they stood on the eastern side of the Jordan River ready to enter into the Promised Land.

Matt