Christ in all the scriptures
The Glory of God Deuteronomy 32v26-43
The song reaches its crescendo with the glory of God. The conclusion is in verse 43:
"Rejoice O ye nations with His people: for He will avenge the blood of His servants, and will render vengeance to His adversaries, and will be merciful to His land, and to His people".
This is quoted in Romans 15v10, "Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with His people", and linked with Psalm 117v1,"Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles, and laud Him all ye people". Thus the warnings and the blessings of this song apply way beyond the time of Moses, to the present day and beyond. Out of a seemingly impossible situation, where Gentile apathy was rife, and Jewish apostasy had reached the lowest level, God will, in glorious mercy, blend together a truly worshipping people, from Jew and Gentile, for His glory. This wonder is fully expounded in Romans 9-11, particularly in chapter 11v30-36, which is quoted below: writing to Gentiles he says,
"For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy, through their unbelief: even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy (the mercy shown by God to you) they also might obtain mercy. For God hath concluded all in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counsellor? or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen."
God's glory is His mercy, and abundant grace dispensed toward Jew and Gentile, creating "one new man"-one new humanity-to the praise of His glory. The depths to which His chosen nation had sunk (which is outlined in these verses) serve to magnify the heights of God's glory, who overcomes all in astonishing power. The apathy of Gentiles is met with Divine mercy; the apostasy of His people is turned with Divine
Such was their departure, that the Lord considered abandoning them altogether (32v26/27), and it was only the reputation of His name amongst infidels that caused Him to have mercy. Exodus 33v7-14 reveals that it was only on the intercession of Moses the people were spared from annihilation. Since this is the song of Moses he did not want to exalt himself before the Lord, so he passes over his role in this and said the Lord changed His mind.
Perspective for the future should regulate present actions
"For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them. O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!"-v28/29
As Jesus said, "Wisdom is justified of her children"-Matthew 11v19. It is defined by what we are, not what we profess to be. At this stage Israel was devoid of wisdom.
They will be victorious against overwhelming odds in the power of God
"How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their rock had sold them. and the Lord had shut them up?-v30
Paul wrote in Romans 8v31, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" He has powers over every human institution, and works everything for our good. Defeat comes when we forsake Him and He withdraws His favour. There is a difference between relationship with God, and fellowship with God. Relationship never changes but fellowship can. This important distinction is discussed in John's 1st epistle.
Verses 31-36 are difficult to interpret, where He is comparing His people to the heathen worshippers. Note, from v31 He speaks of "them" and "us"-"For their rock is not our Rock...our enemies...their vine...their grapes...their wine...". He reveals the character of heathen worship as corrupt, and corrupting. Also in v34 He is speaking of terminal judgment, when the "treasures of the Lord" will be vented upon the ungodly (refer Romans 2v5) where rejecters are said to "treasure up wrath against the day of wrath". Is it possible that God's people will be judged with the heathen? for remember they have followed other gods. The only answer seems to be that not all of God's ethnic people are His spiritual people, and this is made clear in Romans 9v6, "They are not all Israel which are of Israel". Those born into that chosen nation will perish with all the heathen who reject the true God. Solemn as all this is, we are faced with the God who will judge the world in righteousness, and that judgment begins with His people. The corruption of the heathen is applied to Israel in scriptures like Isaiah 1, which reveal the remnant only will be saved, also Isaiah 6, and many others. The reality is that in any community of God's professing people there will be real and unreal. God will judge all sinners whether Jew or Gentile, but will have mercy on all His people who repent.
Vengeance and vindication 32v35-43
These twin truths stand side by side in these verses and proclaim the awesome glory of God. Vengeance and reward is repeated twice in v35 and 41; unmitigated vengeance on evil and righteous reward for good. This is the very essence of His glory. He will avenge His enemies, and vindicate His people.
"To me belongeth vengeance, and recompense; their foot shall slide in due course: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them shall make haste. For the Lord shall judge His people, and repent Himself for His servants, when He seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up or left"-v35/36.
Glory to the God of matchless power and blessing 32v37-43
He stands alone as the only God of the universe, He is without a rival in all existence. He reigns supreme for all eternity, and He will destroy all enemies. He will create a truly worshipping people from the nations and from His people Israel, whom He used to bring salvation to the world. The hymn by James Allen (1761), now sung in many churches, captures the theme, and my prayer is that this will be our song from this day forward.
"Glory to God on high Let heaven and earth reply! Praise praise His name! Angels His love adore Who all our sorrows bore And saints cry evermore Worthy the Lamb!
All those around the throne Cheerfully join in one Praising His name We who have felt His blood Sealing our peace with God Sound His dear fame fame abroad Worthy the Lamb!
Join all the ransomed race Our Lord and God to bless Praise praise His name In Him we will rejoice Making a cheerful noise Shouting with heart and voice Worthy the Lamb!
Though we must change our place Yet we will never cease Praising His name To Him our tribute bring Hail Him our gracious King And without ceasing sing Worthy the Lamb!"
