The Message

Deuteronomy 32:36-38-51-52 The Message (MSG)

36-38. Yes, God will judge his people,but oh how compassionately he’ll do it.When he sees their weakened plightand there is no one left, slave or free,He’ll say, “So where are their gods,the rock in which they sought refuge,The gods who feasted on the fat of their sacrificesand drank the wine of their drink-offerings?Let them show their stuff and help you,let them give you a hand!

39-42. “Do you see it now? Do you see that I’m the one?Do you see that there’s no other god beside me?I bring death and I give life, I wound and I heal—there is no getting away from or around me!I raise my hand in solemn oath;I say, ‘I’m always around. By that very life I promise:When I sharpen my lightning swordand execute judgment,I take vengeance on my enemiesand pay back those who hate me.I’ll make my arrows drunk with blood,my sword will gorge itself on flesh,Feasting on slain and captive alike,the proud and vain enemy corpses.’”

43. Celebrate, nations, join the praise of his people.He avenges the deaths of his servants,Pays back his enemies with vengeance,and cleanses his land for his people.

44-47. Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshua son of Nun. When Moses had finished saying all these words to all Israel, he said, “Take to heart all these words to which I give witness today and urgently command your children to put them into practice, every single word of this Revelation. Yes. This is no small matter for you; it’s your life. In keeping this word you’ll have a good and long life in this land that you’re crossing the Jordan to possess.”

48-50. That same day God spoke to Moses: “Climb the Abarim Mountains to Mount Nebo in the land of Moab, overlooking Jericho, and view the land of Canaan that I’m giving the People of Israel to have and hold. Die on the mountain that you climb and join your people in the ground, just as your brother Aaron died on Mount Hor and joined his people.

51-52. “This is because you broke faith with me in the company of the People of Israel at the Waters of Meribah Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin—you didn’t honor my Holy Presence in the company of the People of Israel. You’ll look at the land spread out before you but you won’t enter it, this land that I am giving to the People of Israel.”