Deuteronomy 32 - 34

The Song Of Moses
What Do You Call the Lord?
Note: Today completes the reading of the Pentateuch/Torah and ends our Old Testament reading for the next seven weeks.
Chapter 32 contains some of the most beautiful scripture in the Torah, in my opinion. In this song to the people of Israel, Moses bares his soul before all of heaven and earth and sets the stage for the blessings of the tribes in chapter 33.

Much could be written about the Song of Moses, but there is one theme in the song that has always impressed me. Moses refers to the Lord as "the Rock" five times in the song.  Each of these references highlights a special attribute of God and His relationship with Israel.  Why does Moses choose this particular appellation? The Rock?

I think this is tied to his experience at Meribah in the wilderness of Zin as described in Numbers 20:12 (see my commentary on this for a full description).  Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to the rock. This proved to be a defining moment in Moses' life and in His relationship with God.  This one act of disobedience cost him the privilege of leading the people into the Promised Land - something he begged the Lord to allow (see Deuteronomy 3:25-26 and my previous commentary) but was denied. In fact, he refers to his preclusion from crossing over up until his death.

So, once again, why this appellation? To me, it defines the greatness and the humility of Moses. Moses was the greatest prophet Israel ever had (34:10) yet, in all his greatness, he committed an act of unbelief and was willing to accept the consequences no matter how personally disappointing it was.  He should have spoken to the rock and obeyed the Rock, yet he did not.  Thus, in this song, he honors the greatness and strength of the Lord by employing the metaphorical name, Rock.

There are five references to this name:

1. Verse 4 - He is the perfect Rock. Every decision, every judgement is perfect in all aspects.
2. Verse 15 - He is the Rock of salvation. He saved Israel from their enemies and themselves.
3. Verse 18 - He is the Father Rock. The Lord is the progenitor of Israel, their very source of existence.
4. Verse 30 - He is the protective Rock. He is their hiding place, the deflection of the enemies weapons.
5. Verse 31 - Hes is the unique Rock. The defining attribute of Israel's God. His Oneness. He is the only true God.

After reading Moses' experience, one has to ask oneself, "What name does my experience give the Lord?" 

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.