The song turns to lament: "If only they were wise…" God's people's lack of discernment causes them to miss the obvious: Who could stand against them unless the LORD had given them up? Even enemies of Israel saw the truth: Our rock is not like their Rock! Their gods were useless and could never defeat God's people - unless God had allowed it. God's use of such armies to subjugate his people should help them see he is sovereign over all the earth: "There is no god besides me." God, the living Creator, puts to death and gives life. None can deliver themselves from God's hand.

God's song also plants hope into the hearts of the people, for God will avenge his servants' blood. The final verse of the song emphasizes that God will atone for his land and people. God fulfills this promise in two ways: with the Israelites' return from exile (Ezra 2:1) and most importantly with the coming of Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29). To ensure the people hold onto this vision, Moses recited the song to the people and charged them to teach it to their children. Then, Moses went up to Mount Nebo and did not return. But God would continue to be with his people through his word of promise.


Application: Father, there is no God but you, our Rock in whom we find salvation and shelter. Help me to see contemporary culture for what it is and to put my hope in Jesus, not the idols of our age.
One Word: Our only hope is Jesus