NOTES for Deu 31:1-30

Moses' view of his people, judging by the words of the Book of Deuteronomy, is rather pessimistic. He has no doubt that sooner or later apostasy will become a fact of national life. He says this directly to his successor Joshua and composes a special song of reminder for future generations.

One can, of course, think that this whole impressive scene is only a literary reworking of an ancient tradition. But even if that is so, its meaning makes one stop and think, since the vividness of the description changes nothing in substance. The saddest thing is that Moses turned out to be right. What looks like pessimism in fact turned out to be realism, and the reality turned out to be sad.

Why is this so? After all, the people had traveled a path that would seem to have taught them something. The simplest explanation would be the well-known saying about history, that it teaches only that it teaches no one anything. But such an explanation would be only a statement of fact, not an explanation. The question asked becomes all the more important considering that we are speaking not simply about one people among the many on earth, but about the people of God. A people with whom God works in a special way, giving them more attention than any other people. Why, then, are the lessons not learned? The main problem here is that the fallen human being, whether separately or as part of a people, skims over the surface of events in his life, usually not recognizing the spiritual depth that stands behind them.

The cause of any event always lies in the spiritual sphere, where the wills of different people act and interact with one another, and sometimes also the will of God, if God considers it necessary to become actively involved in what is happening and not simply watch from the side. Meanwhile, the fallen human being usually sees only a chain of events, including his own collective or individual spiritual failures, which he connects with anything at all except his own condition. When something happens in our life, it always seems to us that the event itself already makes us different, while in reality we remain the same until we become aware of what has happened to us, including its spiritual causes.

This is true both for an individual person and for an entire people. Meanwhile, fallen humanity has always had problems with awareness, and the people of God are no exception. That is why the most pessimistic forecasts come true: in the fallen world they are the most probable. For them to be fulfilled, nothing has to be done; it is enough simply to do nothing. Understanding this perfectly, Moses tells Joshua that his ministry will not be easy, although the people will receive the land promised by God.

Moses' final instructions to Joshua and the Israelites bring an entire era in the history of the Old Testament Church to a close. For Israel, “adult life” is beginning. God will not abandon His people, but the people themselves can now freely fall away from God. Sooner or later, such a period comes in every person's life: a time to make decisions independently, to choose between faith and unbelief. It is a time of personal, responsible relationship with God. The Lord warns the Israelites that difficult times lie ahead: a struggle for their faith, a struggle against external paganism and their own unfaithfulness. On the threshold of this time, it is very important not to fear the difficulties ahead or one's own weakness and instability in faith. This fear is overcome only by complete trust in God, by faith that He is near, that He will never abandon us and will always sustain us.

It is wonderful to receive such a promise and encouragement from God. The people of God, both Old Testament and New Testament, can rejoice. Indeed, how wonderful it is to live: God is near; He will not withdraw and He will not abandon us.

So then, everyone else can go where they like, but I am off to sin! After all, God is always with me; more than that, He goes before me! Will you say that I am blaspheming? No, I am simply carrying to absurdity what all of us do every day when we say to God in prayer: "I want this and that, I plan to do this and that, and You do not abandon me!"

Of course, one cannot do this. God is with me when I fear leaving Him; God goes before me when I have first taken care to learn where He is going and have tried to follow Him. Lord, teach us to hear and see Your will!