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Deuteronomy 32

Deuteronomy 32:1

The Song of Moses · Deuteronomy 32:1–47
Read Deuteronomy 32

Translations

Modern
Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
Traditional
Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
Literal
Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
Latin
Audite, cæli, quæ loquor: audiat terra verba oris mei.

Original

Hebrew
English
Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.

Notes

Deuteronomy 32:1

Give ear, O heavens … hear, O earth: Moses called on the witnesses of the covenant to observe Israel's confession and commitment, as well as its expected disobedience and disloyalty (see 30:19).

Deuteronomy 31:30–32:47

In ancient times, vows from both parties secured a treaty between individuals or nations. Israel's promise was in a song of witness that Moses composed under divine inspiration (31:19–22).

Israel probably sang the song during a regular covenant-renewal ceremony (31:21). They invoked upon themselves the covenant's judgments and reminded themselves of its promises.

Parallels

Revelation 15:1–4

Glossary

Deuteronomy, Book of Song of Moses

Topics

Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Death: Scenes of Death of Moses Instruction in Religion Moab: Plains of The Law Rehearsed In, by Moses Poetry: Didactic: Moses' Song Psalms: Didactic Songs Composed by Moses, Celebrating the Providence, Righteousness Religion: Outstanding Religious Persons: Moses Song: Didactic