The death of Moses is recorded in the last chapter of Deuteronomy.

So, Biblically speaking, Moses’ last words (his last “recorded” words anyway) are shared in the last few verses of Deuteronomy 33.

I have chosen there a short paragraph to constitute today’s Lesson.

“There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky. The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew. Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! And thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.” Deuteronomy 33:26-29

This chapter (Deuteronomy 33) is more God-oriented than either Genesis 49 (Jacob’s blessings upon these same Israelites) or Genesis 27 (Isaac’s blessings on his offspring)!

Clearly in his “swansong” … Moses magnifies the Lord!

Dozens of truths “cry” for one’s attention is these four verses!

God has so blessed Israel!

There is None like Him, the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob!

He cares for the Jewish Nation … “from the sky!”

But is also “underneath them,” as a Pair of everlasting Arms!

God is also the successful Defender of Israel!

Plus the Giver of food, crops … a plenty!

Here Israel is even called “saved” by the Lord!

He’s the God Who gives “victory!”

This Pericope is astounding!

The name God uses here for His people, “Jeshurun,” means “upright ones.” They who live “righteous” … thus “straight” (in God’s Eyes) … lives.

Wow!

Talk about positive words!

Talk about thinking of: “true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report” things … Philippians 4:8!

Then, with little intervening time …

Moses walks (climbs) to Mount Nebo, to die!

And I recently (and delightfully) learned the Hebrew meaning of “Nebo.” Its “root” word is their equivalent of the noun for “prophet.”

Moses dies, yes, under God’s Hand of discipline.

But nonetheless God takes him “home” as an honored “prophet” indeed!

Grace!

Grace!

Grace!

There’s a lot more Grace in Deuteronomy than I ever thought. I am really thankful God allowed us this study over the past few weeks, folks. My view of the fifth Book of the Bible has deepened. No wonder Jesus loved Deuteronomy like He did, does!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell