This small group Deuteronomy 32 Bible study guide contains commentary, discussion questions, cross-references, and application to encourage life change. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.
Deuteronomy 32 Bible Study – The Song of Moses – A Song Like You Have Never Heard Before
Outline
I. Ascribing greatness to God (1-4)
II. The Lord nurtured His people (5-14)
III. The people rebelled against the Lord (15-18)
IV. The Lord will recompense them for their deeds (19-43)
V. An exhortation to obey (44-47)
VI. Moses’ death foretold (48-52)
I. Ascribing greatness to God (1-4)
Discussion Questions
• What does the prelude (1-3) show us about the purpose of this song?
• From verse 2, what can you learn about the effects of good teaching?
• If you are not good at writing songs, how can you praise God?
• What other ways are there to praise God besides singing?
• Why does Moses call God “Rock?”
Cross-References
Hebrews 13:15 – Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
Psalms 115:1 – Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. The Song of Moses – This chapter records the Song of Moses. This song was given to Moses by the Lord (Deuteronomy 31:19). He wrote it down for all generations to learn and remember and then taught it to the people. The purpose of this song was to remind the people of God’s goodness, as well as their own failings. It was like a mirror reminding them of their sin, showing them how far they fell short of the law. Therefore it served as a call to wake up and repent.
You will seldom hear a church singing such a convicting song these days. Many songs instead focus on our faithfulness, devotion, and love for God.
While it is not comforting or enjoyable to sing this song from Deuteronomy 90, such lyrics would give us a dose of humility.
We can learn a lesson from this song. It can be very beneficial to review our history, including our shortcomings and mistakes. Doing this should drive us to our knees to seek help from the Lord. The good news is that when we come to the throne of mercy, He willingly gives it.
Hebrews 4:16 – Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
If a person does not know he is lost, he will not seek help. Similarly, if people think they are good, they will pridefully trust themselves. This chapter is a microcosm of the Old Testament. That teaches us three things. God is perfect. We are not. We need help.
The Song of Moses was not a pity party. The purpose was not to practice self-loathing. The application was not self-torture, mutilation, or despair. Rather, it was a wakeup call to repent and turn to a merciful God for salvation.
2. Good teaching is like rain and dew upon the grass –
Moses’ words nurtured and brought life as rain and dew bring life to the soil. Every person needs to be nourished. The Words of God give life (Psalm 1).
Reflect – Are you receiving the nourishment you need to grow? What are some practical ways you can be “watered” spiritually on a daily basis?
This verse also reminds us of the importance of placing ourselves under godly teaching. The best place to find that is in a Bible-practicing local church.
3. God is the Rock –
What are the characteristics of a rock?
A rock is firm, stable, and secure. It doesn’t erode or change (not quickly, anyway) due to water or wind. A strong rock can serve as a foundation, a refuge, or a fortress. It protects from the elements. It stands strong in the face of danger. Weapons that come against it are shattered by it.
God will do all of this for us and more. He is someone we can lean on. He is someone we can anchor ourselves to for support.
Reflect – When you are in trouble, who is the first person you will turn to for help?
When in trouble, we look for someone with a listening ear, someone emotionally stable whom we can depend on. God is the Rock on whom we can build our lives. Let us set the habit of turning to Him first.
Psalms 127:1 – Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
II. The Lord nurtured His people (5-14)
Discussion Questions
• Who are the “they” in verse 5?
• How are they described in verse 6?
• What do these verses teach you about God’s care for His people?
• What illustrations are used to paint a visual picture of the way God nurtured Israel?
• Why was it important for Israel to always remember God’s care for them?
• What are some specific ways God has cared for you? Do you have any recent testimonies of His provision?
• What do the curds, milk, honey, and wine represent?
Cross-References
Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 23:37 – O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!
Psalms 91:4-6 – He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Verses 5-6 set the tone for the song – This would not be a feel-good song. It would reflect the harsh truth in black and white. While God was the Rock, faithful, true, and just, the Israelites were corrupt, fickle, crooked, and twisted. They were like quicksand, dangerous, shifty, and unreliable.
They are described as “foolish” and “senseless.” Those labels would be earned. The following verses show us that their riches came from God. Yet, instead of graciously receiving prosperity from His hand and responding appropriately, they bit the hand that fed them, turning to powerless idols.
2. The Lord nurtured them – Verses 7-14 describe God’s tender care for His people. Here are some of the things it says about Him.
• He was a Father to them.
• He created them.
• He established them.
• He gave them land.
• He found them in the desert.
• He encircled them.
• He cared for them.
• He treasured them.
• He looked after them like a mother eagle.
• He gave wonderful gifts to them, including luxurious foods such as curds, milk, the finest wheat, and fine wine.
God did not give them the minimum necessary. He went above and beyond. That is His nature. That is who He is.
He delights in lavishing us with good gifts.
Ephesians 1:7-8 – In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.
The picture is of a kind and loving Father who dotes on His children. Our Lord is not a harsh taskmaster. He nurtures us. He protects us. He treasures us. With Him, we do not lack any good thing.
Psalms 34:10 – The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Reflect and Share – What good things has God given to you? How have you seen His hand of blessing in your life? Let’s testify to others of God’s goodness to us.
III. The people rebelled against the Lord (15-18)
Discussion Questions
• How did they react when they became prosperous?
• Why would they turn away from God, who had provided for them so well?
• Is the jealousy mentioned in verse 16 good or bad? Why?
• What does verse 17 tell us about the behind-the-scenes world of idol worship?
• How are demons still involved in misleading people today?
• What are some practical ways we can be careful not to forget God (18)?
Cross-References
Proverbs 30:8-9 – Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.
Proverbs 18:11 – A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.
Isaiah 2:12-17 – For the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low;
against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up; and against all the oaks of Bashan; against all the lofty mountains, and against all the uplifted hills;
against every high tower, and against every fortified wall; against all the ships of Tarshish, and against all the beautiful craft.
And the haughtiness of man shall be humbled, and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.
1 Samuel 15:23 – For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Jeshurun grew fat and forsook God – The word Jeshurun is derived from “upright.” It can also mean “blessed one.” This word appears four times in the Bible. In each of these four times, it refers to either Israel or Jacob. The word is a reminder that Israel was called to be upright. It is a term of endearment, a sign of the close relationship God desired with His people.
The people who were called to be upright were not upright anymore. The people who were blessed by God would not receive this blessing anymore.
Instead, Israel “grew fat… stout, and sleek. They “kicked” against God, forsook Him, and even scoffed Him.
Israel became rich and prosperous but did not give God glory. Their riches went to their heads. Becoming prideful, turned away from the Lord who had given them these good things and instead went after demons.
It is very similar to what Hosea describes.
Hosea 12:8 – Ephraim has said, “Ah, but I am rich; I have found wealth for myself.”
The people did not acknowledge God’s blessings.
The so-called “self-made man” believes that his success is due to his own strength and intelligence. However, all of the resources we have, the environment we grew up in, and even our health and IQ are all gifts from God. Every “good gift is from above.” (James 1:17).
Application – We should be careful to be humble about our successes. Instead of giving credit to ourselves, we should give glory to God where it is due. There is more to this than habitually saying, “Praise God” when someone compliments you. Words can become formulaic and e