Bible Commentaries
Deuteronomy 31

Verse 14

DEATH APPROACHING

‘Behold, thy days approach that thou must die.’

Deuteronomy 31:14

I. Those who live chiefly for this world try not to think of death, because they would like nothing better than to live on here for ever. But the shutting of our eyes to the approach of death does not make him turn away from us, and therefore our wisest and safest course is to prepare for his coming, whether it be near or far off.

II. Death does not occupy that place in the Word of God which it does occupy in that religion of ours which professes to be derived from the Word of God.—In the New Testament, death is simply treated as an abolished thing. The second coming of Christ is always, in the exhortations of the New Testament, substituted for death. Death, in the eye of faith, is not the end, but the beginning, of all; it is the commencement of the ‘life that knows no ending.’

III. If Christ has robbed death of its sting, it does not behove us to look at death as if He had not done so.—Let us view the approach of death as something which He means should bring us nearer to Him. We must pray Him, since the days approach in which we must die, that death may not find us unprepared. And as we look forward to the future, we must commit our way and ourselves into His keeping.

—Rev. F. E. Paget.

Illustration

(1) ‘The life of Moses breaks into three forties: the first in Egypt; the second in the wilderness; the third as leader of the Exodus. His natural force was not abated; but his career was closed by the Divine decree. He, however, comforts the people by saying that though he could not go with them into the promised land, yet Israel would have the presence and care of God, with the assurance that He would precede them, destroy before them, and give their enemies into their hands. Does not God always treat His people thus? Expect it to-day!’

(2) ‘Unrealised hopes, frequent disappointments, unfulfilled purposes, often characterise human life, and to the affections and to the philosophy of life are so mysterious and painful. Mark the conditions under which death came to Moses. (1) He died while as yet his physical strength was undiminished. “His eye was not dim, and his natural force unabated.” (2) Moses died while as yet there seemed a great work for him to do—the Jordan to be passed, Jericho to be conquered, the Canaanites driven out, the tribes led to their inheritance, the social, legislative, and religious organisation of the people to be completed. (3) Moses died just when bright prospects of realisation filled his eye; when all the hope of his life was about to be fulfilled the cup was dashed from his lips, just as it was lifted that he might drink.’

(3) ‘There is a thing Moses will do for the people before he leaves them, which may help to fix the words of God in their memory. He is to write a song and teach it to them. Sometimes the words of a song linger in the memory longer than do the words of a sermon; and Israel was to have a song setting forth the same things as Moses’ sermon. God leaves nothing undone to fortify Israel at every point against turning unto other gods.’

Verse 23

MOSES AND JOSHUA

‘(Moses) gave Joshua … a charge.’

Deuteronomy 31:23

I. Moses, the great leader, is about to leave Israel; Joshua, the new leader, was untried, and it is no wonder if their courage began to ebb. But see with what stirring words Moses encourages the people. He points them far above and beyond Joshua, to their true leader, God. It matters little what human leader stands before them when the great God Who has led them thus far is still at their head. To Joshua, who no doubt realises the heavy responsibilities which are being laid upon him, and is feeling keenly being thus left alone without Moses, the words of this charge must have been peculiarly strengthening—‘And the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee. He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee; fear not, neither be dismayed.’

II. Christians, this is what confronts us; enemies strong and fierce, battles hard and bitter, loss of those upon whom we have leaned most heavily for comfort and advice, loneliness and discouragement; but shall we not let these precious words, ringing down through the ages, touch our hearts, and stir us to fresh courage and resolve, as we realise that they are just as true for us as they were for Israel?

‘Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.’

III. How touching and beautiful it is to see Moses, the white-haired faithful old servant of God, standing there among them, the only one of the company who may not enter Canaan, and yet perceive his sweet submission to God’s will! Not a word of murmuring, not the least reproach, not the slightest envy or jealousy of the one who should take his place. Instead of thoughts of self, Moses’ great thought is to encourage others to press forward, even though he must be left behind.

Illustrations

(1) ‘Fain would Moses himself have entered “the good land beyond Jordan,” but God willed otherwise. It was announced to him that he was about to be gathered to his people on Mount Abarim, as Aaron had been on Mount Hor. While silently submissive, he prayed “the God of the spirits of all flesh” to set a man over the congregation, that they might not be as sheep without a shepherd. In answer to this request he was directed to ordain Joshua as his successor in presence of Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation. This was done with all solemnity; “he laid his hands upon him and gave him a charge.” The new leader had great qualities. He had led Israel in battle; his faith was equal to his courage; and he is described as “a man in whom is the Spirit.” The knowledge that Joshua had inherited somewhat “of his honour” must have allayed the anxiety of Moses, and while opportunity lasted he gave him counsel and encouragement in connection with the trust committed to him.’

(2) ‘In no part of Deuteronomy do we get away from Moses’ oft-repeated exhortation and insistence upon familiarity with God’s Word. It is the great burden of the book from beginning to end. Here, in addition to the daily home reading and teaching and talking of God’s Word, we have the command that at the end of every seven years, all Israel should be gathered together at a central meeting-place which God should appoint, and this Law should be publicly read, so that all the people, men, women, and children, should be acquainted with its contents.’