Deuteronomy 32 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

Deuteronomy 32 Summary - A Quick Overview

WHEN:

• Moses’ speech, recorded in the opening chapters of Deuteronomy, occurred immediately following the Israelites’ 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.  

• The Israelites were in the wilderness from approximately 1490-1450 B.C.

• The Book of Deuteronomy opens on the 1st day of the 11th month in the 40th year (Deu 1:3) following the Israelites departure from Egypt (approximately 1450 B.C.).

CHARACTERS:

• Israelites (Hebrews) – The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God granted them freedom after several hundred years in slavery in Egypt. Leading up to the book of Deuteronomy, the Israelites had spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness as they made their way to Canaan, the land God promised to give them as a home.

• Moses – Moses was selected by God to lead the Israelites to Canaan. God spoke directly to Moses and Moses communicated God’s words and laws to the people.    

• Joshua - Moses’ assist and while he led the people in the wilderness. God selected Joshua to lead the Israelites after Moses’ death.

WHERE:

• Deuteronomy 1:5 tells us Moses spoke the words recorded in Deuteronomy while in Moab, probably on the plains of Moab near Pisgah (Numbers 22:1).

• Mount Nebo (Mount Pisgah; 34:1) is highlighted in this chapter. God appointed Mount Nebo as the place where Moses would die.

OUTLINE:

• GOD’S SONG FOR THE ISRAELITES (32:1-47):

  • Deuteronomy 32 contains the words of the song God gave to Moses to teach to the children of Israel.

  • The song was to be passed down through the generations and it would act as a “witness” if the Israelites broke their covenant with God.

  • The song begins by praising God for His justice and faithfulness.

  • It describes how God nurtured Israel into a strong nation, as an eagle cares for her young.

  • But though God cared for them, they forgot about Him and ignored His guidance.

  • They gave their worship and love to fake gods who had never done anything for them.

  • God was enraged by this, God was “jealous” for the affection of His people, and His anger burned “to the depths of Sheol.”

  • He promised to send curses on Israel: plague, arrows, disasters, poisonous pestilence, hunger, wild animals, violence by the sword, etc.

  • Several verses are devoted to God rebuking Israel for their shortsightedness and in not considering the end result of their decisions.

  • But the song also mentions the compassion of God on those who choose to love Him. God promises to vindicate His servants.

  • The end of the song is a powerful reminder of the superiority of God over everything and everyone who opposes Him.

  • “Rejoice with him, O heavens; bow down to him, all gods, for he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people's land” (32:43).

  • Moses and Joshua taught the song to the Israelites and told them to take the words to heart.

• THE IMMENENT DEATH OF MOSES (32:48-52):

  • God told Moses to go to up Mount Nebo (to the top of Pisgah; 34:1) because it was time for him to die.

  • Moses was allowed to look over the land of Canaan from the top of the mountain, but he was not allowed to enter the land due to a mistake he made in the wilderness (Num 20).
    

APPLICATION:

• What does it mean when the Bible says God is “jealous”? Isn’t jealousy a bad thing? It’s important to ask this question because the jealousy of God comes up a lot in the Bible.

• Jealousy can be a bad thing, but it’s not always bad.

• If you’re married, you should be jealous for your spouse. You aren’t going to share your spouse with someone else, they belong to you and no one else.

• The jealousy described in this chapter may be best understood in the parent-child relationship. A parent who pours love over a child and raises it from birth has the right to expect love, respect, and appreciation from the child.