Deuteronomy 32

 “He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Moses spoke these important words twice in the prior chapter. Though Israel would fail, though they would be disciplined, though God would even hide from them, He would not leave them or forsake them.

The song that God gave to Israel through Moses begins with the Lord's greatness. The One who is the Most High God speaks.

The problem that would come between Israel and God would not be a result of some flaw in the Lord's being or character. The Lord is Israel's Father. He made Israel to be His people. He rescued them, provided for them, and blessed them. But when they prospered, they rebelled. They forgot the Rock of their salvation and provoked Him to anger.

The glorious work of God was known to Him before the ages began. Even this sad story was a part of the mystery of His plan. The other nations, who were not God's people, would be brought in by the Lord's sovereign will. One day they would make the Jews jealous again for the Lord.

In the meantime the Lord would bring the curse of the Law upon His own beloved people. They would face the horrors of siege and exile. Many would die.

Though God would use foreign armies as agents of discipline against Israel, He would eventually vindicate them and have compassion on His servants. He would do this in the faithfulness of His eternal love, but especially for the glory of His own Name.

God would display His justice and His faithfulness through the story of Israel. Later, through the gift of the Messiah, He would show how He could both punish their rebellion and be their Companion who would never leave them or forsake them.

This song that God gave Israel was a warning to them, and it became the story of their life together as a people. But it was also a powerful Word about the character of their Lord and God.

Who can stand in the glory of the holiness of God's character? Even Moses was not able to enter the land. Even Moses' faith had failed.

But now a Man has been found who kept the Lord's commandments perfectly. He won for us the security of eternal blessing. Through Him we walk not only in the fear of the Lord, but also in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. In Him perfect love casts out all fear. In Him we have peace with God forever.