Tradition attributes the hymn given in this chapter to Moses, as it does the whole Book of Deuteronomy. Biblical scholars have more than once expressed doubts that it belongs to Moses, but in any case there can hardly be doubt...
Tradition attributes the hymn given in this chapter to Moses, as it does the whole Book of Deuteronomy. Biblical scholars have more than once expressed doubts that it belongs to Moses, but in any case there can hardly be doubt that the tradition reflected in it goes back to Moses. The hymn became a continuation of the vivid description of the handing on of spiritual authority to the successor, which is described in the previous chapter. There, instructing his disciple and successor Joshua, Moses speaks about the inevitability of apostasy.
Here, in the hymn attributed to him, Moses sets forth the logic of the spiritual processes that he undoubtedly had to observe personally, and not only he: Joshua in his turn had to become convinced that his spiritual mentor was right. The hymn given in the book reflects the experience of both Moses and Joshua, and in this case it is no longer so important exactly when it was written. The logic of the spiritual processes reflected in the text of the hymn is quite transparent. On the way to the land promised by God, God repeatedly showed His people both His presence and His miracles. God's intervention in what was happening was too obvious for anyone to doubt it.
Obviousness, however, does not by itself guarantee trust, and the history of the people, the history of the path to the promised land, became a remarkable confirmation of this. The people believed while they saw, and when the miraculous events were behind them, they essentially became unbelieving again. This is not surprising: to change, it is not enough simply to live through one or another event, even a spiritual one. One must also become aware of it. Without awareness, any miracles remain real for a person only as long as they are happening, or as long as the emotions connected with them have not faded. The absence of awareness made easy apostasy possible: the life with which the people came into contact on the land promised to them by God, once they stepped onto it, became for them the only reality, along with all the paganism rooted in it. The people became pagan, partly without noticing it themselves, as happens with anyone who lives unreflectively and without awareness.
32 The song of Moses contains the preface, Deu 32:1-2.
A high character of God, Deu 32:3-6.
A recital of the great things God had done for them, and as their carriage toward him, Deu 32:7-18.
A prediction of judgments for their aggravated impieties, Deu 32:19-35.
A promise of vengeance upon their enemies, and deliverance for a remnant, Deu 32:36-43.
An exhortation annext, Deu 32:44-47.
Orders given to Moses, to go up to the mount and die, Deu 32:48-52.
32:2 As the rain - Look what effect rain and dew have upon herbs and grass which they make fresh and fragrant and growing, the same effect may my discourse have upon your hearts, that is, to make them soft and pliable and fruitful.