There are those rare opportunities when we get to sit at the feet of an elderly person and hear all that God has taught them throughout their life. Moses was roughly 120 years old and had lived through so many experiences from his unique birth and upbringing by his biological mother (his Hebrew wet-nurse) and his adopted mother (pharaoh’s daughter). Then, his years of wrestling with his identity and calling both in Egypt and then while basically exiled in Midian. Following the burning bush, we become more familiar with his daily experiences as the mouthpiece of God during the ten plagues and the leader of the brand new nation of Israel as they grumbled their way through the wilderness for 40 years.
Now, he stands in sight of the Promised Land, and knows he will never step foot in it. So, he shares his wisdom and with a final command and blessing couched in a song of worship to God, Moses leaves Israel in the capable hands of Joshua, reminding them that they really have the same leader and protector – Yahweh.
There is none like God, O Jeshurun,
Deuteronomy 33:26 ESV
who rides through the heavens to your help,
through the skies in his majesty.
No matter who he is addressing, he points them heavenward. He could no longer lead them physically, but his words would linger in their minds and hearts. He wanted them to walk in confidence into their next battle.
Just a few snippets from the verses in these chapters:
- God is your dwelling place, in His everlasting arms
- He is your shield of help
- He is the sword of triumph
- All his ways are justice
- He is your father, creator, savior
- Remember where you came from
- Pass this on to your children
And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,
Deuteronomy 34:10 ESV
I am thankful that Moses’ words are recorded here. His final thoughts and warnings. No one else experienced life the way he did. Knowing God face to face, walking in step with Him almost everyday. I want to soak in the wisdom of the final words of this man of God. While many of them only had immediate practical applications as the people of Israel went to conquer the Promised Land, many of the concepts filter through in some form to us today.
Father God, creator, sustainer, savior, help me carry these wise words of Moses into my pattern of life as well. Remind me to rest in You, knowing your everlasting arms shelter me. You are my shield, my victory, my help. Bring to mind all You have done in my life and throughout the Bible to demonstrate that You are trustworthy and deserving of my obedience. Keep my tongue active in recounting Your faithfulness and wisdom to my children and others in the next generation as well. In Jesus name, Amen.
Erin (6intow)
Sixty-six books in a year 