Deuteronomy 31:29
For I know that after my death you will become utterly corrupt and turn from the path I have commanded you. And in the days to come, disaster will befall you because you will do evil in the sight of the LORD to provoke Him to anger by the work of your hands."
For I know
The phrase "For I know" reflects Moses' deep understanding and prophetic insight into the future behavior of the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "know" is "yada," which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge. Moses, having led the Israelites for decades, possesses a profound awareness of their tendencies and weaknesses. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but is rooted in his long experience with their faithfulness and failures.

after my death
"After my death" signifies a pivotal transition in leadership and spiritual guidance for Israel. Moses, the great prophet and leader, is preparing to pass the mantle to Joshua. Historically, the death of a leader often leads to uncertainty and challenges. Moses anticipates that his absence will create a vacuum that could lead to spiritual decline, emphasizing the importance of strong, godly leadership.

you will surely become utterly corrupt
The phrase "you will surely become utterly corrupt" is a strong warning. The Hebrew word for "corrupt" is "shachath," which means to spoil, ruin, or destroy. This indicates a complete moral and spiritual decay. Moses foresees that without adherence to God's commandments, the Israelites will deviate from their covenant relationship, leading to their downfall.

and turn from the way I have commanded you
"Turn from the way" suggests a deliberate departure from the path of righteousness. The "way" refers to the Torah, the law given by God through Moses. Historically, the Israelites' journey was marked by moments of obedience and rebellion. This phrase underscores the importance of steadfastness in following God's commands to maintain a covenant relationship with Him.

And in the days to come
This phrase points to the future, indicating that the consequences of their actions will unfold over time. It serves as a prophetic warning that their choices have long-term implications. The historical context of Israel's future, including periods of exile and restoration, reflects the fulfillment of such warnings.

disaster will befall you
"Disaster will befall you" is a foretelling of the consequences of disobedience. The Hebrew word "ra'ah" for "disaster" can also mean evil or calamity. This highlights the principle of divine justice, where turning away from God results in negative repercussions. The history of Israel, including invasions and captivities, illustrates the reality of this prophecy.

because you will do evil in the sight of the LORD
"Do evil in the sight of the LORD" emphasizes the moral and spiritual dimension of their actions. The phrase "in the sight of the LORD" indicates that God is always watching and aware of human actions. The Hebrew word for "evil" is "ra," which encompasses wickedness and wrongdoing. This serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the expectation of righteousness from His people.

and provoke Him to anger
"Provoke Him to anger" reflects the relational aspect of Israel's covenant with God. The Hebrew word "ka'as" means to provoke or irritate. This phrase underscores the personal nature of God's relationship with His people, where their disobedience not only breaks laws but also grieves His heart. It serves as a call to repentance and restoration.

through the work of your hands
"Through the work of your hands" refers to the tangible actions and idolatrous practices that lead to their downfall. The phrase highlights the connection between belief and behavior, where the Israelites' actions reflect their spiritual state. Historically, this includes the worship of idols and neglect of God's commandments, which are seen as direct affronts to God. This serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of aligning one's actions with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who is delivering his final words to the people before his death. He is warning them of their future disobedience.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are being warned by Moses about their future rebellion and the consequences that will follow.

3. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter. It is a place of blessing but also a place where they will face the temptation to turn away from God.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who has given them commandments and expects their obedience.

5. Disaster
The consequences of Israel's future disobedience, which Moses predicts will come as a result of their actions.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
Moses emphasizes the necessity of following God's commandments. Disobedience leads to corruption and disaster.

The Consequences of Sin
Sin provokes God's anger and leads to negative consequences. This serves as a warning to remain faithful.

The Role of Leadership
Moses' leadership and warnings highlight the importance of godly leaders who guide people in righteousness.

The Human Tendency to Stray
Despite witnessing God's miracles, the Israelites are prone to corruption. This reflects the human condition and the need for constant vigilance.

The Faithfulness of God
Even in warning of disaster, God's faithfulness is evident. He provides guidance and warnings to lead His people back to Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Moses' warning in Deuteronomy 31:29 reflect the human tendency to stray from God's commandments, and how can we guard against this in our own lives?

2. In what ways do the consequences faced by the Israelites for their disobedience serve as a warning for us today?

3. How can we apply the lessons of leadership and obedience from Moses' life to our roles in our families, churches, and communities?

4. What are some modern-day "idols" or distractions that might lead us away from God's path, and how can we remain vigilant against them?

5. How does understanding the faithfulness of God, even in the face of human disobedience, encourage us to return to Him when we have strayed?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Judges 2:11-15
This passage describes how the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD after the death of Joshua, fulfilling Moses' prediction.

2 Kings 17:7-23
This passage recounts the eventual exile of Israel due to their persistent disobedience and idolatry, echoing the warning given by Moses.

Romans 1:18-32
Paul describes the consequences of turning away from God, which parallels the warning Moses gives about the Israelites provoking God to anger.
The Honor Appertaining to God's LawD. Davies Deuteronomy 31:9-13, 24-29
The Last Precaution Against IdolatryD. Davies Deuteronomy 31:16-22, 29
God's Foresight of Israel's DeclensionJ. Orr Deuteronomy 31:16-22, 28-30
Farewell Song of MosesA. H. Drysdale, M. A.Deuteronomy 31:22-30
The Dying Song of MosesJ. M. Gibson, D. D.Deuteronomy 31:22-30
The Farewell OdeW. M. Taylor, D. D.Deuteronomy 31:22-30
The Last SongJ. Parker, D. D.Deuteronomy 31:22-30
The Divine Testimony Deposited in the ArkR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 31:24-30
People
Amorites, Israelites, Joshua, Levi, Levites, Moses, Nun, Og, Sihon
Places
Jordan River, Moab
Topics
Act, Anger, Angry, Aside, Befall, Commanded, Corrupt, Corruptly, Deal, Death, Disaster, Evil, Fall, Hands, Latter, Met, Mischief, Moving, Overtake, Provoke, Provoking, Sight, Sin, Sure, Surely, Turn, Utterly, Wandering, Wise, Wrath, Yourselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 31:29

     4020   life, of faith
     5156   hand
     6021   sin, nature of
     6130   corruption
     6218   provoking God

Library
Pilgrim Song
Gerhard Ter Steegen Deut. xxxi. 8 On, O beloved children, The evening is at hand, And desolate and fearful The solitary land. Take heart! the rest eternal Awaits our weary feet; From strength to strength press onwards, The end, how passing sweet! Lo, we can tread rejoicing The narrow pilgrim road; We know the voice that calls us, We know our faithful God. Come, children, on to glory! With every face set fast Towards the golden towers Where we shall rest at last. It was with voice of singing We
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

First Sunday in Lent
Text: Second Corinthians 6, 1-10. 1 And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain 2 (for he saith, At an acceptable time I hearkened unto thee, and in a day of salvation did I succor thee: behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation): 3 giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed; 4 but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities,
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
"Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before Me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place."--2 Kings
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
Hence, let us learn, my brethren, the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopia of Scripture,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

Jesus Makes a Preaching Tour through Galilee.
^A Matt. IV. 23-25; ^B Mark I. 35-39; ^C Luke IV. 42-44. ^b 35 And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose up went out [i. e., from the house of Simon Peter], and departed into a desert place, and there prayed. [Though Palestine was densely populated, its people were all gathered into towns, so that it was usually easy to find solitude outside the city limits. A ravine near Capernaum, called the Vale of Doves, would afford such solitude. Jesus taught (Matt. vi. 6) and practiced solitary
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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