13 Deuteronomy 31-34 – Moses’ Last Days and Death

The final section of Deuteronomy brings the life and work of Moses to a dramatic climax. Arrangements are made for succession of leadership and the regular public reading of the Law, the covenant document. The song of Moses and the blessing of Moses lead to the death of Moses, who is buried by the LORD Himself after seeing the beauty and breadth of the Promised Land.

All written materials for this series will be posted on this website, http://servingandsharing.com/, under the category, “Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy – Life in the Desert.” Here is my video presentation introducing this series – https://youtu.be/Lynx51p0tJA. The video of this specific class presentation, as well as all the others in this series, will be posted to this playlist as they are recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKKB1uvyHFM&list=PL7JRppjEn33bCHyqZFRQ2JDiJnGRnOYyR. Please use the “Contact” button to request corresponding handouts and outlines.

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Deuteronomy: Moses’ Three-Part Sermon Series

Deut 1:1-4:43   REVIEW – “What God Has Done for Israel”

Deut 4:44-26:19   REQUIREMENTS – “What God Expects from Israel”

Deut 27:1-34:12  REWARD – “What God Will Do for Israel”

Deuteronomy: Dangers

Abundance – Complacency – Paganism – Tolerance – Contamination

Deut 31 Moses’ Preparation

31:1-8 Joshua to Succeed Moses

Moses: 40 yrs in Egypt; 40 yrs in Midian; 40 yrs in desert; now 120. “Joshua will lead. Israel, you must follow!” Discuss. Sihon and Og again! (Dt 2:24–3:11). “Be strong and courageous.”

31:9-13 The Law to be Read

Moses – author. Every 7th year, Feast of Booths. “Learn to fear God.”

31:14-23 Israel to Disobey God and Suffer

Other gods. Penalty. Write and teach (to sing) this song as witness.

31:24-30 The Law to Serve as Witness

The two tablets placed in the ark; the entire Law beside it.

Deut 32 Moses’ Song

32:1-4 Praise of God’s Character – Faithful

Heavens and earth as audience.

32:5-6 Irony of Israel’s Response – Unfaithful

32:7-14 History of God’s Care

Supreme. Gave all nations their lands. Chose Israel as His own.

32:15-18 Indictment of Israel’s (Jeshurun’s) Sin

Jeshurun = “Upright one,” used sarcastically.

Grew “fat and sassy,” made God angry, jealous.

Traded their Rock for strange gods. Forgot Him. How could they?

32:19-33 Consequences of Israel’s Sin

Reversal: God will make Israel jealous, angry.

32:26-27 Not to destroy Israel fully, lest God’s enemies misunderstand.

32:34-43 Vindication of God’s Character

“Where are their gods? None can deliver them.” “I, Yahweh, will!”

32:44-47 Significance of Moses’ Song

“Take it to heart. It is not an idle word but rather your very life.”

32:48-52 Nearness of Moses’ Death

“[Moses,] You broke faith and did not treat Me as holy.” Num 20:8-13.

Deut 33 Moses’ Blessing

33:1-5 Declaration of God’s Glory

Mt. Sinai. Myriads of holy angels (Acts 7:38, 53; Gal 3:19; Heb 2:2).

Initial obedience, submission, and unity of the tribes of Israel.

33:6-25 Blessing of Israel’s Tribes (cf. Gen 49)

Reduction of Reuben. Promotion of Judah. Approval of Levi, criticized at Massah and Meribah, faithful re: golden calf incident (Ex 32:26-29). Extended blessing of Joseph through his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Omission of Simeon, which was soon absorbed into Judah (Josh 19:9).

33:26-29 Uniqueness of God and His People

“He rides through the heavens to your help.” “Underneath are the everlasting arms.”

Deut 34 Moses’ Death

34:1-8 Moses’ Death and Burial

Pisgah: one of the peaks of Mt. Nebo. Last sight he saw: the Promised Land. Age 120, eye undimmed, vigor unabated.

Buried by the LORD Himself. Mourned for 30 days. Did the grief end?

34:9 Joshua’s Role as Moses’ Successor

Full of the Spirit via Moses’ laying hands.

34:10-12 Moses’ Unique Stature and Influence

Joshua was not the “prophet like Moses.” Face-to-face (in person, Deut 5:4). Signs, wonders, power, deeds of terror. “Prophet like Moses” – Jesus. Acts 3:22-24; Matt 17:1-13; Heb 3:1-6.

Leaving This Land – with Eyes on That Land!

Heb 11:13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. ……. 39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.

Written by Cory Collins