52 verses
Moses delivers the prophetic Song of Moses, recalling Israel’s covenant with God, lamenting their idolatry, warning of divine judgment, and affirming God’s sovereignty, then concludes with instructions for the people and a reminder of His promise.
The chapter opens with Moses calling upon the heavens and earth to listen as he speaks of God’s perfect covenant and justice. He laments Israel’s corruption and idolatry, depicting them as a perverse generation that has forgotten the Lord’s guidance. Moses warns that God will judge them, describing vivid images of punishment such as hunger, heat, and the wrath of beasts. He stresses that Israel’s failure to honor the covenant will bring calamity and that only the faithful will endure. The passage concludes with Moses commanding the people to heed his words, promising that obedience will prolong their days in the promised land, and instructs them to ascend Mount Nebo to see the land that will be granted to Israel while acknowledging that they cannot enter it because of their sin.
mixed
The chapter contains stern warnings and judgment alongside promises of mercy and deliverance.