Day 78: The Song of Moses

Today's readings: Numbers 33, Deuteronomy 32, and Psalm 118.

I. Numbers 33 records Israel’s journey from Egypt to the edge of the Promised Land. It’s essentially a travel log, kind of like the 4th-century Egeria’s Travels, but it carries a deeper meaning about remembrance, obedience, and identity. The chapter ends with instructions from God to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan and to eradicate all signs of their idolatry, with a warning that failure to obey this would result in those remaining becoming a source of trouble and conflict that would bring His wrath.

II. In Deuteronomy 32 we find the Song of Moses, a prophetic poem spoken by Moses shortly before his death. This poetic song serves as a witness against Israel if they later fall into sin, a summary of God’s faithfulness, and a warning about idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. It warns of God's wrath for idolatry, that every painful calamity will be inflicted upon Israel when they do this, yet He will not completely destroy them. 

III. Psalm 118 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A thanksgiving psalm. It was probably sung during a liturgical procession that passed through the gates of the Temple (or possibly Jerusalem) into God's presence. The Psalmist and fellow worshippers entered the sanctuary to give thanks to the Lord for being the Savior of his people. Parts of the psalm suggest the ceremony involved a dialogue between clergy and congregation. Psalm 118 is the last of the Hallel Psalms. It is featured in the Church's liturgy as the responsorial psalm for Easter Sunday. (p. 933)

In BIY Companion, Vol 1, we also have commentary on this psalm:

We hear in Psalm 118 that the mercy of the Lord endures forever. When we call upon the Lord, he will answer us and set us free. Psalm 118 also says that although the Lord chastens us, he will not give us over to death. This is essentially what the song of Moses proclaims as well... God can rightfully be jealous of us because we belong to him. We do not belong to other "gods." God lets us go after other things, though, so we will learn that he is the only one we really need 0 the only one who loves us and saves us. Even when we are faithless, God remains faithful. (p. 166)

That's it for today!