Purpose: To identify the tribes of Israel and understand the prophecies regarding them.
Deuteronomy 31
Summary
Moses, aged 120, addresses Israel, announcing he won't enter the promised land.
Joshua appointed to lead Israel into the land.
Commands to read the law every seven years to all Israel, including children and strangers.
Prophecy about Israel's future rebellion and consequences.
Key Verses and Concepts
Verse 6-8: Moses instructs Joshua to be strong and courageous.
Verse 9-13: Instructions on reading the law to ensure Israel remembers and follows God’s commandments.
Verse 14-23: God foretells Israel’s future rebellion, Moses instructed to write a song as a witness against Israel.
Verse 24-30: Moses commands Levites to place the book of law beside the ark as a witness.
Deuteronomy 32
The Song of Moses
Verses 1-4: Praise to God for His perfection and justice.
Verses 5-6: Israel's corruption and rebellion against God’s favor.
Verses 7-14: Reminding Israel to consider past generations and God's provisions.
Verse 15-18: Israel becoming complacent and turning to idol worship.
Verses 19-22: God's reaction to Israel's disobedience - His anger and the resulting punitive actions.
Verses 23-27: Predictions of disastrous events as consequences of their disobedience.
Verses 28-43: God’s ultimate deliverance and vengeance upon nations that harm Israel. Restoration and rejoicing for Israel.
Key Concepts
Verse 7: Importance of learning and remembering history.
Verse 21: God will provoke Israel to jealousy using a non-people (prophetic about Gentiles and reconciliation of Israel).
Verse 39-43: God’s sovereignty and promise of vengeance and redemption.
Deuteronomy 33
Moses Blesses the Tribes
Verses 1-2: Preface and mention of God coming from Sinai and Paran with His saints.
Tribal Blessings:
Verse 6: Reuben to live and not die out.
Verse 7: Judah: Hear the voices of Judah, bring him to his people.
Verses 8-11: Levi: Scattering functions among Israel; sacrifices, teaching of the law.
Verse 12: Benjamin: Safety, blessing, covering by the Lord.
Verses 13-17: Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh): Favorable land, vast resources.
Verses 18-19: Zebulun and Issachar: Blessings in their journeys, abundance.
Verses 20-21: Gad: Expansion and dwelling as a lion.
Verse 22: Dan: Described as a lion's whelp.
Verses 23: Naphtali: Abundance and possession of the southwest.
Verses 24-25: Asher: Blessed with children, wealth, resources.
Verses 26-29: God's greatness highlighted and the ultimate safety and victory for Israel.
Deuteronomy 34
The Death of Moses
Verses 1-4: Moses views the Promised Land from Mount Nebo.
Verses 5-7: Moses' death and burial by God. He was 120 years old, not weakened by age.
Verses 8-12: Mourning for Moses, Joshua assumes leadership full of wisdom. Moses' unparalleled prophetic stature recounted.
Conclusion
Notable for detailing prophecies about Israel's future, blessings assigned to tribes, and emphasizing the importance of God's commandments and the history of Israel.
Introduction to the Book of Joshua coming next, focusing on leadership transition and conquests in the Promised Land.