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I lift up My hand to heaven: This way of speaking about God as if he had human actions (anthropomorphism; see study notes on 4:34 and 8:2) shows that God is serious about keeping his covenant promises to rescue his people from their enemies. When God makes an oath, he is not relying on any external force in case he fails. Instead, the statement emphasizes that God’s promises are completely reliable, beyond even his character (see Numbers 14:21, 28; Isaiah 49:18; Ezekiel 20:5–6).
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.
Moses Ancient Law Codes God’s Instructions Music in Ancient Israel
Parallels
Glossary
Topics
Arrows of God's Judgment Death: Scenes of Death of Moses God: Eternity of Instruction in Religion Judgments: Denounced Against Disobedience Life: from God Psalms: Didactic Songs Composed by Moses, Celebrating the Providence, Righteousness