This week, we shall conclude the study of the Book of Deuteronomy in the Old Testament. Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below each day.
30:1-10—A Concluding Charge — Exile Foretold—in a very pragmatic fashion, Moses speaks to a future generation that survives the judgment of exile:
(1) Having reiterated a good part of the commandments the Lord has already set for His people with the hope that they would take them to heart, what does Moses expect to see happen with the words, “whenever the Lord your God disperses you among the nations” (v. 1)
(2) What then is the purpose of giving them these commandments if Moses has already foreseen their disobedience? (vv. 2-3)
(3) According to history, what has happened to the nation of Israel? Will they have any hope? (vv. 4-5)
(4) What is the basis of this promised restoration? (vv. 6, 10)
(5) How will this come to pass? (Zech. 12:10ff; Rom. 11:25ff)
(6) Has this happened to Israel yet?
(7) When this actually happens, what are the promises they can count on? (vv. 6-9)
30:11-14—A Concluding Charge—Not Hard to Observe —the Apostle Paul applies this passage to explain righteousness through faith in Christ:
(8) What is Moses’ emphasis when he refers to the command he is giving as not up in heaven nor beyond the sea?
(9) To emphasize that “the word is very near you”:
a. What might “in your mouth” mean?
b. What might “in your heart” mean?
(10) Read Romans 10:1-11 carefully, paying attention to Paul’s explanation of the meanings of “heaven”, “deep”, “mouth” and “heart”. According to Paul
a. Who has been brought down to heaven to right where we are? (Rom. 10:6)
b. Who has been brought up from the deep (Paul’s adaption of the sea)? (Rom. 10: 7)
c. How then should we treat the word (Christ) with our mouth and with our heart? (Rom. 10:9)
d. Is this an exercise of “work” or of “faith”?
e. What will the exercise of our faith in the word (Christ) lead to? (Rom. 10:10)
(11) Of course, the people in Moses’ day would not have any knowledge of Christ; should they be able to obey the words commanded by Moses? Why or why not?
(12) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
本週我們會繼續研讀舊約申命記。請細心慢慢讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
30:1-10—重申律例的總結—被擄歸回的忠告—摩西在此向將來被擄歸回的世代發出忠告：
(1) 摩西已用很長的篇幅來重申神的誡命，希望百姓能盡心的遵守；他在此卻說：“你在耶和華你神追趕你到的萬國中”(30:1)：這是什麼意思？
(2) 既知道他們會不聽從，何以還如此費神再重申？(30:2-3)
(3) 歷史告訴我們以色列國遭受到什麼結局？他們尚有盼望嗎？(30:4-5)
(4) 能歸回的應許帶著什麼條件？(30:6, 10)
(5) 這應許至終會怎樣實現？（參亞12:10ff; 羅10:25ff）
(6) 你認為這應許是否已經完全應驗了？為什麼？
(7) 當這應許完全應驗時，他們會得到什麼褔趾？(30:6-9)
30:11-14—重申律例的總結—不是難遵守的—使徒保羅就以這小段來說明因信（基督）稱義的真理：
(8) 當時摩西論到誡命不是遠在天上或海外是要指出什麼？
(9) 論到“這話卻離你甚近”：
a. “就在你口中”是什麼意思？
b. “在你心裡” 是什麼意思？
(10) 請細讀羅馬書10:1-11；特別留意保羅對“天“、 “陰間”、“口”和“心”的引用：
a. 誰被從天領下？（羅10:6）
b. 誰被從陰間領上來？（羅10:7）
c. 我們當怎樣以口和心領受這話（基督）？（羅10:9）
d. 這樣做，是“信心”、還是“行為”？
e. 這樣使用口和心的信心，會帶來什麼果效？（羅10:10）
(11) 當然，當時的百姓尚未知道基督，他們能否照摩西所言遵守誡命？為什麼？
(12) 今天你得到的主要提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
“No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.’’ (Deut. 30:14)
Is it hard or difficult to obey the words of the Lord? I think, by experience, you will agree with me that there are times we find it easy and there are times that we find it hard, and it is not necessarily the kind of command of the Lord that matters, but what season our spirit is in.
Jesus says, “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jn. 15:5)
It was the same with Job who had an “intimate friendship” with God (Job 29:4); it was the same with Moses who spoke to the Lord as a friend (Exod. 33:11); and it was the same with Abraham from whom God would not hide His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 18:17). Not that these men would not make mistakes in their lives — they all did, but that their continuous walk with the Lord enabled them to obey and keep God’s words with all their heart and with all their soul (30:2). Of course, as Abraham had clearly demonstrated, their continuous walk with the Lord was not a righteous relationship based on work but on faith (Gen. 15:6).
To these men in the Old Testament, “righteousness by faith” may not have been as obvious to them as to us, and might belong to the “secret things” (29:29), but to us, it certainly belongs to “things revealed” (29:29), and we have no excuse in disobeying any of the commands of the Lord since we have confessed with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believed in our heart that God raised Him from the dead (Rom. 10:9) and thus have gained righteousness through faith in Christ. Therefore, let’s spend time with the Lord often, remain in His love and His word, and we shall bear fruit of all kinds, especially that of obedience.
「這話卻離你甚近，就在你口中，在你心裡，使你可以遵行。」(申30:14)
遵行神的話是易、是難呢？信主的人都會經歷到：有時易、有時難；這不一定是與那類的吩咐有關，乃是與我們內心的屬靈氣候有關。就如主耶穌說：“我是葡萄樹，你們是枝子。常在我裡面的，我也常在他裡面，這人就多結果子；因為離了我，你們就不能做甚麼。”(約15:5)
這於那與神為密友的約伯(伯29:4)是事實；於那與神像朋友般說話的摩西(出33:11)是事實；於那連神也不願向他隱瞞的亞伯拉罕也是事實。這並不是說他們沒有過錯，乃是說他們不斷的與神同行—常在祂裡面，使他們能盡心、盡性、盡力的遵行神的吩咐(30:2)。當然，亞伯拉罕就更清晰的顯明，這樣常與神同行的生命，是先基於與神有因信而稱義的關係（創15:6）。
對這些活在舊約時代的人而言，「因信稱義」的道理未必是非常清晰的，或許是屬“隱秘的事”(29:29)；但對我們這些活在新約中的信徒，確屬“明顯的事”了。所以，我們既已“口裡承認、心裡相信”，因信基督而稱義，就更沒有藉口不能遵守神的吩咐了。故此，我們務要常親近主，常留在祂的話語和愛之中，好叫我們能多結果子，特別是服從的果子！
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below each day.
30:15-20—A Concluding Charge—A Choice of Live or Death
(1) As Moses solemnly calls the people to make a choice before the Law:
a. Is it a choice of a better life? (v. 15)
b. Why or why not?
(2) While the blessings appear to be of this life, especially within the context of the entrance into the Promised Land (v. 16)
a. What does this life or death ultimately point to? (Jn. 3:16)
b. How does Moses sum up God’s requirement for them as he sets the “Law of Moses” before them? (v. 16a)
(3) Just as he set before them blessings and curses earlier, Moses now again reminds them of the curses (vv. 17-18)
a. How does he sum up the curses? (v. 18)
b. What does Moses warn them about as the factors (or reasons) that will cause them not to love the Lord and obey His commands? (v. 17)
(4) Why does Moses call upon the heavens and the earth as witnesses between God and His people? (v. 19) What does it mean?
(5) In urging them to choose life, what powerful reasons does Moses use? (vv. 19b-20)
(6) Given the reasons stated by Moses, how privileged should the people consider themselves?
(7) What is meant by, “For the Lord is your life”?
(8) If you were the people of Israel, what would you choose? Why?
(9) What did they choose subsequently? Why?
31:1-8—Moses’ Farewell (I)—Appointing Joshua as Successor
(10) In talking about not being able to lead the people into the Promised Land
a. What did Moses cite before as the reason? (3:26)
b. What reason does he now give? (v. 2)
(11) In encouraging the people under Joshua’s leadership:
a. What does Moses assure them of God’s role in their journey? (vv. 3, 8)
b. What proof does Moses cite for their assured success? (v. 4)
c. Why does Moses have to repeat so many times that they (the people and Joshua) should be strong and courageous and not be afraid and terrified? (vv. 6, 7, 8)
d. Twice Moses assures them the God “will never leave you nor forsake you” (vv. 6, 8)
i. What should it mean to them?
ii. What does it mean to you today?
(12) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
請細心慢慢讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
30:15-20—重申律例的總結—生死的抉擇
(1) 摩西在此嚴肅要求百姓作選擇：
a. 是選擇更美好的生命嗎？(30:15)
b. 為什麼？
(2) 這生死的抉擇(30:16)：
a. 是否單指進應許地，屬地的生死？(參約3:16)
b. 在此，摩西指出遵守律法的總意是什麼？(30:16a)
(3) 摩西在此再次論到會面臨的咒詛(30:17-18)
a. 這咒詛的根源是什麼？(30:17)
b. 這咒詛是怎樣嚴厲？(30:18)
(4) 為何摩西要呼喚天地作見證？這是什麼意思？(30:19)
(5) 在呼籲他們要選擇生命時，摩西道出什麼極重要的真理？(30:19b-20)
(6) 請細思摩西上述要他們選擇生命的原因：你說以色列人是多麼有福呢！對嗎？
(7) “祂是你的生命”是什麼意思？(30:20)
(8) 如果你是以色列人，你會作什麼抉擇？為什麼？
(9) 以色列人終於作出什麼抉擇？為什麼？
31:1-8—摩西的道別(一)—對約書亞和百姓的勉勵
(10) 論到他不能過約但河
a. 摩西曾指出原因是什麼？(3:26)
b. 現在所說的原因是什麼？(31:2)
(11) 勉勵百姓跟隨約書亞的引導：
a. 摩西如何論到神的參與？(32:3, 8)
b. 摩西舉出什麼作例證？(31:4)
c. 為何在短短篇幅中，他多次吩咐約書亞與百姓不要懼怕？(31:6, 7, 8)
d. 摩西亦兩次鼓勵他們，說神“必不撇下你，也不丟棄你”(31:6, 8)：
i. 這對百姓有多重要？
ii. 對你個人又如何？
(12) 今天你得到的主要醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deut. 31:8)
It is interesting to read that as Moses passed the baton, so to speak, to Joshua, he felt compelled to repeat quite a few times in urging the people not to be afraid or terrified, but to be strong and courageous.
On the one hand, we can understand that Moses knew his people just too well. He knew that they were prone to focus on the immediate hardship and danger and forget the mighty presence of the Lord, who had demonstrated time after time His faithfulness to His people by delivering them with powerful signs and miracles.
On the other hand, they were facing a rather unprecedented time in their journey, and that was the soon absence of Moses as their leader. To the people, Moses did represent God — his presence almost guaranteed God’s presence. To a certain extent, their trust in God has been tightly associated with their trust in Moses. Now, they have to shift such a medium of trust to Joshua. No matter how much they might respect Joshua, he is not Moses.
However, this change of leadership and a change of focus of trust is a must, if the people are going to learn to trust in God and God alone. As much as Moses is going to leave them, one day Joshua will too. If they are to learn to trust not in men, but in God alone, the departure of Moses is a must.
This is the same with us today. It is also necessary for God to take away circumstances, people or things in which we unknowingly have put our trust. The continuous presence of these “things” or “people” will only hinder our growth in faith—they have become crutches that hinder our true and intimate knowledge of God as the One who “will never leave us or forsake us” (31:6, 8).
「耶和華必在你前面行；他必與你同在，必不撇下你，也不丟棄你。不要懼怕，也不要驚惶。」(申31:8)
在離世前摩西勉勵約書亞和百姓時，多次重複的叫他們不要懼怕，也不要驚惶，要剛強壯膽。這是頂自然的。
一方面，摩西甚是了解他的百姓。他知道百姓一遇見困難與危難時，會完全忘卻神的同在與大能，雖然神已屢次顯出祂的信實，以神蹟奇事來救拔他們。
另一方面，摩西更曉得他們快要面對從未經歷過的景況，就是沒有摩西與他們同在，帶領他們。對百姓而言，摩西就好像神一樣—摩西的同在，就保證了神的同在。他們一向對神的信靠是與摩西分不開的。現在，他們要把信心的媒介由摩西轉移到約書亞身上，談何容易呢！
但是，這信心媒介的轉移是必須的！領袖的更換也是必須的！不然，他們不會學到把信心的對象單單放在神的身上。總有一天，不但摩西要離開他們，約書亞也會離開他們的。他們若要學到單單信靠神，摩西的離去是必須的。
今天，我們也是如此。神也必須把我們在不知不覺中信賴的環境、事物或人物挪去。不然的話，這些東西會成為我們信心成熟和增長的障礙。除去這些障礙會使我們真正的體驗到「祂必不撇下你，也不丟棄你」這寶貴的應許。
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below each day.
31:9-13—Moses’ Farewell (II)—Mandated Annual Public Reading of the Law
(1) When will the law given by Moses be read yearly? (v. 10)
(2) To whom will the law be read? (v. 12)
(3) What is the purpose for this mandate? (v. 13)
(4) How might we emulate this practice today?
31:14-29—Moses’ Farewell (III)—Commissioning of Joshua
(5) How does the Lord affirm Joshua’s leadership? (v. 15)
(6) At this commissioning, the Lord foretells the failures and sins of the people: why? (vv. 16-18)
(7) If you were Moses, how would you feel knowing that the people would rebel even more so after your death?
(8) What does the Lord ask him to do as a result? (vv. 19-22)
(9) Since God knew that what they were disposed to do even before He brought them into the land He promised them on oath, why then would He deliver them and give them the Promised Land? (v. 21)
(10) What kind of love is it?
(11) What might this foretelling mean to the would-be leader, Joshua?
(12) What command does the Lord give to Joshua as a result? (v. 23)
(13) The written book of the Law:
a. Where will it be placed? (v. 26)
b. Why does Moses say that this book of the law “will remain as a witness against” the people?
(14) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
請細心慢慢讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
31:9-13—摩西的道別(二)—公眾宣讀律法書的定例
(1) 摩西吩咐他們要在何時宣讀這律法書？(31:10)
(2) 宣讀的對象包括什麼人？(31:12)
(3) 這吩咐的目的是什麼？(31:13)
(4) 我們可以怎樣學習這吩咐的精意？
31:14-29—摩西的道別(三)—約書亞的按立
(5) 耶和華怎樣確認揀選約書亞？(31:15)
(6) 為何在這按立的時刻，就明顯的論到這百姓將來的叛逆？(31:16-18)
(7) 這對將要離世的摩西會有什麼影響？
(8) 神因此吩咐摩西在離世前要作什麼？(31:19-22)
(9) 神既在“未領他們到應許地以先”已知百姓所懷的意念，為何仍要領他們進去得地？(31:21)
(10) 這是什麼的愛？
(11) 這對將接任的約書亞會有什麼影響？
(12) 神因此怎樣吩咐約書亞？(31:23)
(13) 律法書：
a. 這書要放在何處？(31:26)
b. 為何說是要“見證以色列人的不是”？
(14) 今天你得到的主要醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
“I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.” (Deut. 31:21b)
At first, I found it strange that God would choose to foretell the failures and sins of the people upon their entrance into the Promised Land at the time of the official affirmation of Joshua as the successor of Moses, whose death is also mentioned in the same breath (31: 16).
To Joshua, it would signify not only a very daunting task ahead, but a task of futility as well. Why would Joshua want to take on a task that is doomed to fail?
To Moses, it must be heartbreaking. He has put up with the rebellion of these people for 40 years—at times risking to be stoned to death by them (Exod. 17:4). However, he has learned to love this people as his own, willing even to risk his eternal destiny in order to save the people from God’s wrath (Exod. 32:32). And now, he is told that all his efforts, including the writing of all the laws and decrees would come to naught—how heartbroken he must be!
Perhaps, it was exactly because how Joshua and Moses must have felt that God chose to reveal His own heart and said, “I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath” (31:21).
In other words, even though the Lord knew in advance that these people would rebel against Him, He still chose to save them, and to choose them as His own. Why? We might ask: the only possible explanation is love — love that would never give up on them. Therefore, in spite of what is bound to happen, there is only one thing that Moses and Joshua have to do and can do, and that is to love the people, as the Lord loves them.
Isn’t this the way the Lord loves you and me?
「我未領他們到我所起誓應許之地以先，他們所懷的意念我都知道了。」(申31:21b)
神當眾證實祂揀選約書亞來代替摩西時，祂不但同時宣布摩西的將亡，更預言百姓在進入應許地後會背棄祂(31: 16) 。祂豈不是在告訴約書亞，這工作不但艱巨，更會是徒然的嗎？誰願意承擔一個至終會失敗的使命呢！
對摩西而言，這也是叫他心碎的。他已忍受了這叛逆的百姓足足有40年了；甚至面對百姓要用石頭打死自己（如出17:4）。但漸漸的，他竟學會愛上神的百姓如同自己的百姓一般，甚至願意以自己的永生來換取他們獲免神的憤怒(出32:32）。現在，神告訴他，這一切，包括所宣告和重申的律法，都似是徒然的—摩西豈能不心碎呢！
或許，正因如此，神就把自己的情懷也坦然向二人顯露，說：“我未領他們到我所起誓應許之地以先，他們所懷的意念我都知道了。” (31:21b)
換句話說，雖然神早已知道這百姓是會背棄祂、轉去隨從外邦的神(31:16) ，祂仍定意拯救他們，甚至揀選他們作自己的聖民。我們不禁會問：為什麼呢？惟一的答案是：“愛” —一個永不放棄的愛！因此，不論是徒然與否，摩西和約書亞能作和當作的是像神愛這百姓一樣的去愛他們！
神豈不也是這樣的愛我們嗎？
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below each day.
Moses’ Farewell (IV)—The Song of Moses (Part 1)
(1) Why is the purpose of the song that the Lord asks Moses to write? (31:19)
(2) The introduction (vv. 2-4)
a. While Moses called on the heavens and the earth to be witnesses against the people earlier (30:19), he now expresses his desires before them that his words would be like rain or dew that falls on “new grass” and “tender plants”(v. 2): what does he mean by that?
b. Although the song is meant to be a witness for the Lord against the people (31:19), Moses still opens with words of adoration and praise:
i. What is the ultimate purpose of his song? (v. 3)
ii. What is the one analogy (or image) he uses to portray the Lord in this song? (v. 4) What does this image portray?
iii. In describing the Lord as “the Rock”, what attributes does Moses speak of the Lord? (v. 4)
(3) The disposition of the people (vv. 5-6; see 31:21) — in this song, Moses is inspired by the Lord not only to foretell their rebellion but to point out who they have always been:
a. Who are the people in essence? (v. 5)
b. Who is God to them? (v .6b)
c. How should they have repaid Him as their Father and Creator?
d. How do they treat God instead?
(4) A call to remember their past (vv. 7-26)
a. Chosen among the nations (vv. 7-9) — to the nations God is called “the Most High”, but to Israel (Jacob) He is called “the Lord”: what does that mean? (v.9)
b. From barrenness to abundance (vv. 10-14) — this does not appear to refer solely to the desert where God led them in the past 40 years, but rather, it refers to the entire history of Israel leading up to the present beginning with His “finding” of Jacob in this plight and changing his name to Israel. Within these verses:
i. What was Jacob’s condition when found by God? (v. 10)
ii. What has he (now called Israel) become (or will become in the future)? (vv. 13-14)
iii. What images does Moses use of God in His shielding and guarding of Israel? (vv.10-11)
iv. What marked this period of their history? (v. 12)
c. From abundance to apostasy (vv. 15-18)—“Jeshurun” means “the upright one” (i.e. Israel)
i. What image does Moses use to describe why they would abandon God in the future? (v. 15)
ii. What is the sin highlighted in this song? (vv. 16-17)
iii. How does this betrayal prove who they are as described in v.5?
d. Rejection by a jealous God (vv. 19-22)
i. God’s reaction to the sin of Israel is described as one of jealousy and anger: How does God justify such a reaction? (vv. 19-21a)
ii. How will He repay them? (vv. 21b-22)
e. God’s Judgment (vv. 23-26)
i. What calamities and “arrows” will God use to punish His people? (vv. 23-24)
ii. The main means of punishment appears to be “the sword” (vv. 25-26): how utter will their destruction be, as families and as a nation?
(5) What impact will this song have on the people as Moses teaches them to sing as part of his farewell?
(6) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
請細心慢慢讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
摩西的道別(四)— 摩西之歌(I)
(1) 神吩咐摩西作歌的目的是什麼？(31:19)
(2) 歌的引言(32: 2-4)
a. 雖然這歌在乎見證以色列人之不是，摩西卻先指出他的教訓（即律例典章）其實是如何的美？(32:2)
b. 這歌更是以讚美為始：
i. 這就表明不論是這歌或律例的本身，至終的目的是在乎什麼？(32:3)
ii. 在此，摩西喻神為「磐石」(32:4) 是要表明什麼？
iii. 這「磐石」顯出了神的什麼屬性？(32:4)
(3) 百姓的本性(32:5-6; 參31:21) —在聖靈感動之下，摩西不但預言他們將來的叛逆，也道出他們的本質：
a. 這些百姓的本性是怎樣的？(32:5)
b. 神與他們原是什麼關係？(32:6b)
c. 你說他們本該怎樣回報他們的父、他們的創造主？
d. 他們卻是怎樣待祂？
(4) 呼籲追想往昔(32:7-26)
a. 從萬國中被揀選(32:7-9) —論到列邦，摩西以「至高者」稱神；論到雅各(即以色列) 卻稱祂為「耶和華」：何故？
b. 由荒涼到豐盛(32: 10-14) —這段的內容相信不是單指四十年曠野的看顧，乃是由雅各被揀選一直到進入了迦南得業的歷史：
i. 當初遇見神時，雅各是什麼光景？(32:10)
ii. 神如何賜福給他(32:13-14)
iii. 摩西以什麼來喻神對他的保護與引導？(32:10-11)
c. 由豐盛到背道(32:15-18) —耶書崙是「正直者」之意，是即以色列。
i. 摩西以什麼來比喻以色列的背叛神？(32:15)
ii. 這歌特別指出他們什麼罪？(32:16-17)
iii. 這些罪如何正中32:5的判語？
d. 觸動神的怒氣（32:19-22）
i. 這裡如何支持神發烈怒是合理的？(32:19-21a)
ii. 神要怎樣回報以色列？(32:21b-22)
e. 神的審判(32:23-26)
i. 神要怎樣審判他們？(32:23-24)
ii. 論到刀劍的審判：他們個人、家庭和國家會得到什麼終極的災殃？(32:25-26)
(5) 你認為摩西以這歌作臨別的訓勉會對百姓產生什麼效果？
(6) 今日你得到的主要醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
“I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God!” (Deut. 32:3)
The Lord explicitly told Moses to write a song before his death, telling him “to teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them” (31: 19). From the contents of the song, it is obvious that it is a song of warning and punishment. Moses would have to write and sing it with a heavy heart, sensing that all his efforts in pronouncing, teaching and writing all the laws and decrees would be for naught. Instead, we find him opening the song with adoration and praise to the Lord:
“I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.” (32:3-4)
How could he praise the Lord in view of the fate of his people — destruction and death, especially in the hands of their enemies? Within these few words of praise and adoration, Moses reveals to us that
(1) The Lord, whatever He does, is just and fair. He does not make mistakes;
(2) He is a faithful God. As much as He will punish His children for their transgressions, He has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us (31:6, 8); and
(3) Perhaps, most important of all, we are not the center of the universe, God is. Whatever we do and however we live, our ultimate purpose, as the Apostle Paul reiterates many times, is for “for the glory of God” and “the praise of His glory” (1 Cor. 10:31; Eph. 1:6, 12, 14).
Indeed, as Moses also points in in his song, He is the God who made us, our Rock and our Savior who fathered us and gave us birth, especially our spiritual birth (32:15, 18); our lives are never about us, but about Him. Therefore, in all our situations, we are to “proclaim the name of the Lord… (and) praise the greatness of our God.” (32:3)
「我要宣告耶和華的名；你們要將大德歸與我們的神。」(申32:3)
神吩咐摩西要在離世前作一首歌，“教導以色列人，傳給他們，使這歌見證他們的不是” (31:19) 。故此，這歌主要的內容一定是與責備和警告有關的。也因這原故，我們會以為摩西不可能以歡樂的心來作這歌，反會因感到這多年的心血是白費，而以哀歌的形式和音調寫出。誰知，這歌是以讚美和敬仰為始的：
“我要宣告耶和華的名；你們要將大德歸與我們的神。祂是磐石，祂的作為完全；祂所行的無不公平，是誠實無偽的神，又公義，又正直。”(32:3-4)
為何面對百姓將來必亡在敵人手中的命運，還可以向神發出讚美和敬仰呢？藉著這幾句讚美詩詞，摩西告訴我們：
- 不論神如何處事，祂必定是絕對公平、絕無錯誤的—神從來是不會錯的！
- 祂更是誠實無偽的神。意思是說，祂是信實的。祂早已重複的應許過：永不撇下、永不丟棄我們(31:6, 8)；
- 這也是說：我們不要自以為在宇宙中是最重要的。神才是最重要的。不論我們作什麼、說什麼或遭遇什麼，使徒保羅提醒我們—都是為榮耀神、使祂的榮耀得著稱讚。（林前10:31；弗1:6, 12, 14）
是的，就如摩西在詩歌中提醒我們，祂是造我們的神、是我們的磐石、救主、生我們的父[相信是含永生之意] （32:15, 18）。故此，我們活著從來不應為己，乃是為神而活。故此，無論在什麼景況中，我們都要“宣告耶和華的名……將大德歸與我們的神(praise the greatness of our God)” 。（32:3）
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below each day.
32:27-47—Moses’ Farewell (IV)—The Son of Moses (Part 2)
(1) God and the nation He uses to punish Israel (vv. 27-33)
a. Although God will raise up a certain nation as Israel’s enemy, what does He dread about this nation? (v. 27)
b. What is this nation ignorant of? (vv. 28-30)
c. What should this nation know about their rock (the gods they trust) and the Rock of Israel? (v. 31)
d. Vines, grapes and wine likely point to the fruit of the enemy (vv. 32-33): as prosperous as they might be, what is the origin? What then is the implication?
(2) God’s vengeance and vindication (vv. 34-42)
a. When will God take His revenge on Israel’s enemy? (vv. 34-35)
b. The time of God’s vengeance is also the time for Israel’s vindication (vv. 36-38):
i. What does the Lord call Israel? (v. 36a)
ii. What will His punishment reduce His people to? (v. 36b)
iii. How will the Lord mock at their gods at that time? (vv. 37-38)
c. What will Israel and the nations come to realize or see who God is? (v. 39)
d. What will happen to God’s enemies? (vv. 40-42)
(3) The end of the song (v. 43)
a. Why does Moses call not only Israel, but the nations to rejoice?
b. In giving the reasons for all to rejoice, what characters of God are depicted in v. 43?
(4) Moses’ final word of exhortation (vv. 44-47)
a. What is the core message of his final word? (v. 47)
b. What should this song mean to the people of Israel today?
32:48-52—Moses Ordered to Ascend Mount Nebo to Die
(5) What is the reason reiterated here for not allowing Moses and Aaron to enter the Promised Land? (v. 51; Num. 20:7-13)
(6) What lesson might we learn from this “punishment”?
(7) While Aaron died in Mount Hor (near Edom), Moses is allowed to die in Mount Nebo: what is the significant difference between the two places? (v. 52)
(8) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
請細心慢慢讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
32:27-47—摩西的道別(四)— 摩西之歌(II)
(1) 神與那作以色列審判的國(32:27-33)
a. 雖然神要興起一國來審判以色列，祂卻有什麼顧慮呢？(32:27)
b. 這國所不曉得的是什麼？(32:28-30; 註：32:28的原文非指以色列，乃指“那國”)
c. 這敵國承認什麼？(32:31)
d. 葡萄與酒相信是指仇敵的豐盛：然而，這豐盛的根源是什麼？(32:32-33) ？這樣說是什麼意思？
(2) 神的伸冤與報應(32:34-42)
a. 仇敵何時才遭報？(32:34-35)
b. 遭報之日也是以色列伸冤之時(32:36-38)
i. 神現怎樣稱祂的百姓？(32:36b)
ii. 在伸冤之時，百姓已陷在什麼景況中？(32:36a)
iii. 那時神會怎樣取笑他們以前所投靠的諸神？(32:37-38)
c. 以色列與外邦會認識耶和華是誰？(32:39)
d. 神的仇敵要得到什麼報應？(32:40-42)
(3) 歌之末(32:43)
a. 為何摩西呼籲外邦與主的百姓一同歡呼？
b. 這末句表明了神那些屬性？
(4) 摩西最後的忠告(32:44-47)
a. 這最後的忠告的重點是什麼？(32:47)
b. 這歌對今日以色列有什麼信息？
32:48-52—神命摩西登山而死
(5) 神告訴摩西他要死在那山上的原因是什麼(32:51; 民20:7-13)
(6) 我們可從這「審判」學到什麼功課？
(7) 亞倫死在近以東的何珥山上，摩西則要死在近應許地摩押的尼波山上：這有什麼重大分別？(32:52)
(8) 今日你得到的主要醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
“But I dreaded the taunt of the enemy, lest the adversary misunderstand and say, ‘Our hand has triumphed; the LORD has not done all this.’” (Deut. 32:27)
As Moses penned his “swan song” to warn his people about their future apostasy and judgment, he highlights two different kinds of sins: one for their enemy — the nation used by God as His tool for judgment of Israel, and one for the people of Israel.
The sin of their enemy is basically one of “atheism” captured by these words, “but I dreaded the taunt of the enemy, lest the adversary misunderstand and say, ‘Our hand has triumphed; the LORD has not done all this’” (32:27). In other words, even though they witness victories that could only be explained by the supernatural—one man chasing a thousand, or two putting ten thousand to flight (32:30), they deny the presence and the power of the Almighty God, and attribute their triumph to their own ability.
On the other hand, the sin of the people of Israel is one of “polytheism” as they worship all kinds of gods as their rock, making sacrifices to them, instead of to their Creator God, their Father (32:6, 37-38).
As I reflect on these two kinds of sin, I wonder which is worse, which is more difficult to repent from! From a human perspective, the former might be easier to repent from, because sooner or later, even though people may pride themselves of their achievement and wisdom, they will come to realize their limitations—if not because of a sudden change of fortune, it will either be death or serious illness that causes them to realize their mortality. On the other hand, the polytheists might have experienced so-called miracles that they attribute to their gods and it would be hard for them to realize their folly. However, just the same, by the mercy of God, they will eventually face situations that even their gods cannot “rise up to help” (32:38).
In this song of Moses, he prophesies that one day, both the people of Israel and the unbelieving nations will come to rejoice as they witness God’s faithfulness—avenging the blood of His servants; God’s justice—taking vengeance on His enemies; and God’s mercy—making atonement for His land and His people (32:43).
While we still await the fulfillment of the first two prophecies, the world has already witnessed the fulfillment of the third—God’s mercy in His making atonement for all mankind through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ on the cross!
「惟恐仇敵惹動我，只怕敵人錯看，說：是我們手的能力，並非耶和華所行的。」(申32:27)
摩西寫他臨別的詩歌時，是要按神的吩咐來“見證以色列人的不是”(31:19) ，同時也要指出神用來審判以色列的那敵國的不是。
那敵國的罪，可以說是在乎他們的「無神主義」；就如神這話所顯示：“惟恐仇敵惹動我，只怕敵人錯看，說：是我們手的能力，並非耶和華所行的。” (32:27) 換句話說，雖然他們會見證到神蹟性的勝利—一人追趕千人、二人使萬人逃跑(32:30) ，他們卻拒絕相信是耶和華的作為，反而說是自己手的能力！
至於以色列的罪就恰恰相反，他們由一神主義轉向“泛神主義” —什麼外邦神也拜：不但不敬拜那造他們的主、生他們的父(32:6) ，反以外邦神靈為他們的磐石，向這些神靈獻祭牲(32:37-38) 。
想到以上兩種不同的罪，我不禁在想：那一個更糟呢？那一個更難叫人悔改呢？
從某個角度來看，無神論者的悔改可能較容易；因為不管人是如何狂傲、自信；總有一天會遇到自己能力不能勝過或解決的困境—特別是面對絕症或死亡。這些突然生命的轉變，往往可以叫人明白自己的有限，而想到永恆。
相反地，我遇見不少什麼神也拜的迷信者，因曾經歷到他們以為所拜的神靈驗，就絕對不敢得罪這些神靈、也不願意信我們這位創天造地、惟一的真神！不過，間中也有人至終遇到連他們的神靈也不能“興起、幫助” 他們的事情(32:38) ，因而悔改歸向耶穌的。
摩西在詩歌終結時，他預言到有一天，無論是曾離棄耶和華改拜外邦神的以色列民，或是原本不信耶和華的外邦人，都要一起歡呼，因為他們會一同見證到：（1）神的信實—祂要伸祂僕人流血的冤；（2）神的公義—祂要報應祂的敵人；和（3）祂的憐憫—祂要潔淨祂的地、救贖祂的百姓(32:43) 。
誠然，我們似乎尚待第一、第二個應許實現，卻已見證到第三個應許的實現—就是神憐憫的彰顯，藉著祂愛子耶穌基督在十字架上所成就的救贖，已拯救了凡相信祂的人—不論是以色列或是外邦人。他們已一起的歡呼了！
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below each day.
Moses’ Farewell (V)—Blessings on Each Tribe (1)—we should note that these blessings differ from the ones pronounced by Jacob in that they presumably are meant for the more immediate future of occupying the Promised Land (with Simeon not being mentioned), and we shall consider each in light of the early blessings by Jacob in Genesis 49:
(1) The introduction to the blessings (vv. 2-5)
a. What significant event is being highlighted by Moses in terms of the history of God revealing Himself to Israel? (v. 2)
b. What is being emphasized in this epiphany? (v. 2)
c. What does this epiphany show? (v. 3)
d. What does the giving of the “Law of Moses” mean to the nation of Israel? (vv. 4-5)
e. What additional information might we have about the setting of the giving of the law in Sinai because of this introduction? (see Acts 7:53; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 2:2)
(2) The blessing of Reuben (v. 6)
a. Who was Reuben? (Gen. 49:3-4)
b. Though he had lost his birthright to Judah, what blessing does he receive from Moses?
(3) The blessing of Judah (v. 7)
a. What role had Judah assumed? (Gen. 49:10)
b. How does this blessing of Moses relate to his role?
(4) The blessing of Levi (vv. 8-11)
a. What role has Levi assumed since the time of Jacob? (v. 8; Exod. 28:29-30)
b. In all the testing of the Lord by Israel (with Massah and Meribah simply cited as examples), what have the Levites demonstrated to the Lord (v. 9; see the incident in Exod. 32:26-29)
c. What are their three main responsibilities highlighted by this blessing (vv. 8, 10)
d. How does this blessing of Moses relate to their responsibilities? (v. 11)
(5) The blessing of Benjamin (v. 12)
a. What was the emphasis in the blessing of by Jacob? (Gen. 49:27)
b. How different is this blessing by Moses, as much as Benjamin still “played a prominent part in the war against the Canaanite armies” (NICOT, 397)? Why?
(6) The blessing of Joseph (vv. 13-17)
a. How similar is this blessing (especially in vv. 13-16) to that pronounced by Jacob (Gen. 49:22-26)
b. How relevant is Moses’ blessing in v.17 as they enter into the Promised Land, with the tribes of Joseph’s two sons taking over the name of their father (and Joseph is not mentioned as a tribe later on in Israel’s history)?
(7) The blessings of Zebulun and Issachar (vv. 18-19)
a. What were the original blessings by Jacob on the two tribes? (Gen. 49:13-14)
b. Apart from prosperities and peace, what does Moses bless them with in terms of their role in the worship of the Lord?
(8) The blessing of Gad (vv. 20-21)
a. What was the emphasis in the blessing by Jacob? (Gen. 49:19)
b. But now, Gad has already “chosen” the best land east of Jordan (3:12ff), but they have agreed to fight for and with their brothers: how does the latter part of the blessings relate to their role among the tribes? (see the fulfillment of their responsibilities in Jos. 22:1-6)
(9) The blessing of Dan (v. 22)
a. When compared to the blessings by Jacob (Gen. 49:17), how similar is this blessing?
b. In what way is it different?
(10) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
請細心慢慢讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
摩西的道別(五)—摩西為各支派祝福(I) —我們會把摩西的祝福與雅各死前為各兒子的祝福(創49)一併思想；不過摩西的祝福似著重他們得地後的生活：
(1) 引言(33:2-5)
a. 這祝福的引言特別重提神在歷史上向以色列人顯現的那一件事？(33:2)
b. 這顯現的特點包括什麼？(33:2)
c. 這顯現是什麼彰顯的？(33:3)
d. 在這顯現中把律法傳給以色列的要義是什麼？(33:4-5)
e. 這引言給我們對神傳律法給以色列的過程中，有什麼進一步的領會？(參徒7:53；加3:19；來2:2)
(2) 流便的祝福(33:6)
a. 流便本是誰？(創49:3-4)
b. 他雖失去長子名份，摩西卻在此給他什麼祝福？
(3) 猶大的祝福(33:7)
a. 猶大承擔了什麼特別位份？(創49:10)
b. 摩西在此的祝福可與他的位份有關？
(4) 利未的祝福(33:8-11)
a. 自出埃及後，利未承擔了什麼特別位份？(33:8; 出28:29-30)
b. 在以色列不斷對神的試驗中（這裡只舉二例），利未曾怎樣顯出與其他支派有別？(33:9; 出32:26-29)
c. 這裡的福道出利未那三樣職責？(33:8, 10)
d. 摩西在此的祝福可與他的位份有關？
(5) 便雅憫的祝福(33:12)
a. 雅各給他祝福的重點是什麼？(創49:27)
b. “雖然便雅憫在與迦南人的爭戰中佔重要的地位”(NICOT, 397) ，摩西的祝福重點是怎樣不同？何解？
(6) 約瑟的祝福(33:13-17)
a. 這裡的祝福（特別是33:13-16）與雅各給予的祝福有什麼相似之處？(創49:22-26)
b. 摩西現在的祝福對進迦南地有什麼重要性（33:17; 註：自始之後，約瑟兩兒子的名取代了父親的名）
(7) 西布倫、以薩迦的祝福(33:18-19)
a. 雅各給這兩兒子什麼祝福？(創49:13-14)
b. 除喜樂和豐盛的祝福外，摩西更論到什麼福份是與敬拜神有關的？
(8) 迦得的祝福(33:20-21)
a. 雅各祝福的重點是什麼？(創49:19)
b. 現在，迦得既已選擇了河東美地(3:12ff)，卻答應會為其他支派爭戰取地：摩西現在的祝福與他的承諾有什麼關係？(參書22:1-6)
(9) 但的祝福（33:22）
a. 摩西的祝福與雅各的祝福有什麼相似之處？(創49:17)
b. 有什麼不同之處？
(10) 今日你得到的主要提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
“The LORD came from Sinai and dawned over them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran. He came with myriads of holy ones from the south, from His mountain slopes.” (Deut. 33:2)
In pronouncing his final blessing to Israel before his death, Moses’ blessings appear to be focused on their well-being while in the Promised Land they are about to possess and their military ability to conquer their foes. However, he prefaces his blessings with a reminder to his people of the true bases of their blessings which include:
(1) Who the Lord is:
Moses reminds the people what they have witnessed at Sinai—the glorious appearance of the Lord which could be seen from Seir in the east and Paran in the north. In this reminder, Moses gives us additional insight into the setting of the giving of the Law in that the Lord in fact appeared with “myriads of holy ones” (33:2) who “bow down” at His feet, and from whom Moses received the law. This allow us to understand what the NT writers say about the role of angels in the giving of the law (Acts 7:53; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 2:2);
(2) The giving of the Law shows that God loves them:
This glorious epiphany of the Lord together with the giving of the Law to the people show unmistakably God’s love for them in choosing them as His people and in entering a covenant with them (33:3)
(3) God is their king:
Because of the above, Jeshurun (the upright one, referring to Israel) should know that only the Lord is their King (33:5)
Therefore, as much as these blessings are important and relevant to each of the tribes, the message is quite clear: the granting of these blessings is based on their fear of the awesome God, their love of the Lord who first loved them and their obedience to the Lord as their King.
「耶和華從西乃而來，從西珥向他們顯現，從巴蘭山發出光輝，從萬萬聖者中來臨，從祂右手為百姓傳出烈火的律法。」(申33:2)
摩西臨別祝福的內容，似是以各支派將來進應許地的生活和所要面對的挑戰而說的。不過，在宣布這些祝福之前，他先提醒百姓這福趾的源頭是誰：
(1) 祂是那威嚴、榮耀的神：摩西提醒百姓，這是他們親眼目睹的事實。神降臨在西乃山時，祂的榮光是由東面的西珥、以至北面的巴蘭都可以看見的。祂的權能更是從萬萬聖者的陪伴和腳下（跪拜）中顯出的(33:2-3)— 這句話相信是新約論到律法是藉著天使傳過來的根據(徒7:53；加3:19；來2:2) ；
(2) 賜律法顯明神的愛：這榮耀的顯現和律法在其中傳遞，是因“祂疼愛百姓”(33:3) 。是的，全因是愛，驅使神揀選他們作自己的聖民，與他們立約；
(3) 神是他們的王：因這緣故，以色列該成為正直的（這是耶書崙之意），並以耶和華為他們惟一的主、惟一的王(33:5) 。
當然這些祝福絕非空言，也是對他們能得地、享平安至為重要。他們需要謹記那賜福的源頭是誰，以致他們在蒙福之餘，能敬畏這威嚴的耶和華、愛那揀選他們的神、聽從他們真正的王。
Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below each day.
33:22-29—Moses’ Farewell (IV) — Blessings on Each Tribe (2)
(1) The blessing of Naphtali (v. 23)
a. What was the original emphasis of Jacob’s blessing? (Gen. 49:21)
b. What additional blessing is being pronounced by Moses?
(2) The blessing of Asher (vv. 24-25)
a. What was the original emphasis of Jacob’s blessing? (Gen. 49:20)
b. The name of Asher means “happed, blessed”: in what ways does Moses say they will be blessed?
c. Some years ago, upon reading the blessing given by Moses on Asher, someone decides to spend money drilling for oil in the land of Asher: do you think it is the proper way to understand Moses blessings? Why or why not? (Note: oil, in the OT always refers to olive oil understandably, or as an image of overflowing with blessings)
(3) Conclusion of blessings (vv. 26-29) — as Israel is about to enter the Promised Land
a. What should they know about their God?
b. How can they be sure of victory over their enemies and that they will dwell in safety and abundance?
c. How blessed are the people of Israel? (v. 29)
34:1-12—The Death of Moses
(4) As much as Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, for him to behold the land before his death, and especially shown by God Himself: what might this have meant to Moses? (vv. 1-4)
(5) Who was the one who buried Moses? (v. 6)
(6) Why does the editor of Deuteronomy mention that “but to this day no one knows where his grave is”? It is a good thing or a bad thing? (v. 6)
(7) Why does the Bible emphasize that even at 120 years old, Moses’ eyes were not weak nor was his strength gone? (v. 7)
(8) How special was Moses among his people? (vv. 10-12; you may want to pause at this time and write a short reflection on the life of Moses)
(9) Given the gigantic stature of Moses, do you think Joshua could really be his successful successor? Why or why not? (v. 9; see note below)
(10) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?
Note: The Book of Joshua describes the entrance into the Promised Land led by Joshua and it represents one of the most united eras in the history of Israel.
請細心慢慢讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反複思考問題。
33:22-29—摩西的道別(五)—摩西為各支派祝福(II)
(1) 拿弗他利的祝福(33:23)
a. 雅各祝福的重點是什麼？(創49:21)
b. 摩西現在加上什麼祝福？
(2) 亞設的祝福(33:24-25)
a. 雅各祝福的重點是什麼？(創49:20)
b. 亞設是“快樂、蒙福” 的意思：摩西怎樣論到他的福？
c. 多年前，有信徒讀到這裡的祝福，因而在亞設地努力的探石油：你認為他這樣解經對嗎？(註：舊約時代提到“油” ，主要是指橄欖油，或指極蒙福之意）
(3) 祝福的總結(33:26-29)
a. 以色列該認識神的那方面？
b. 他們如何確知能勝敵，安居和享豐盛？
c. 你說：以色列是何等的蒙福！對嗎？
34:1-12—摩西之死
(4) 雖然摩西不能進入應許地，但他能遠望這整個美地，特別是蒙神指給他看的（加爾文認為是神開他眼睛而看得這麼遙遠）：你認為這對摩西有什麼重大意義？(34:1-4)
(5) 是誰埋葬摩西的？(34:6)
(6) 為何申命記的編者要說：“只是到今日沒有人知道他的墳墓” ？(34:6) 這是好還是壞？
(7) 為何聖經刻意說摩西死前“眼目沒有昏花、精神沒有衰敗” ？(34:7)
(8) 摩西在眾神僕中佔什麼地位？（34:10-12；不妨停下來，試寫下你對摩西一生的感受）
(9) 要承繼摩西這屬靈巨人的位份，約書亞能否真的勝任呢？你意下如何？（註：約書亞記可以說是以色列歷史中最團結的一個時期）
(10) 今日你得到的主要提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
“Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses.” (Deut. 34:10)
The entire Pentateuch ends with an epitaph for Moses — what a tremendous privilege for a man of God to be remembered in such a way in the Holy Scriptures. The epitaph begins with this lavish commendation: “Since then no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses” (34:10).
Indeed, it is a great honor to be remembered in the Bible as such. However, among the things that have made him so great are the unmatched wonders and signs he did to “Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land”, plus other awesome deeds and mighty power he did in the sight of all Israel (34:11-12). But, the greatest of all his greatness appears to lie in that fact that he was the one “whom the Lord knew face to face” (34:10) because this is what was mentioned first before everything else.
Indeed, all the signs and wonders that Moses had performed, as great they were, were 100% the works of God; he was just an instrument. In essence, the performance of a miracle is really nothing for anyone to brag about. However, the greatest reward a servant of the Lord can receive is being known by the Lord face to face.
To know the Lord face to face is already something to be admired, because it depicts one’s intimate friendship with the Lord. However, to be known by God face to face means that he is totally transparent and honest with the Lord, and based on what God knew about Moses, he was considered trustworthy enough to perform unprecedented signs and wonders on God’s behalf, and yet all the times, he remained, “a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth” (Num. 12:3) In that sense, we might even say that no servant of the Lord has risen greater than Moses!
「以後以色列中再沒有興起先知像摩西的。他是耶和華面對面所認識的。」(申34:10)
整本摩西五經以摩西的「碑文」為結束，這是合宜的，因為他確是神偉大的忠僕：“以後以色列中再沒有興起先知像摩西的”(34:10) 。這樣被聖經記念確是一項殊榮！
不過，值得留意的是在這稱許後面所列出的原因，包括了：“耶和華（曾）打發他在埃及地向法老和他的一切臣僕，並他的全地，行各樣神蹟奇事，又在以色列.眾人眼前顯大能的手，行一切大而可畏的事”(34:11-12) 。最突出還是所列的第一個原因：“他是耶和華面對面所認識的”(34:10) 。
是的，無論摩西所行的神蹟奇事是屬“前無古人、後無來者” ，這些其實100%都是神自己的工作，他只是神使用的器皿而已！故此，能行神蹟奇事絕非是人能誇口的。反而，能認識神、更是被神所認識的，就極其寶貴了。
當然，能認識神，特別是「面對面」的認識神已是很寶貴的了。因為這表明這人是與神非常的親密。但若是「面對面的」為神所認識，就更為寶貴。試想，能自稱是總統的密友，和被總統稱你為他的密友是有很大的分別。後者表明總統信任你、認為你甚了解他、放心與你分享他的心事；這是可等的權利。這出自神的口，更是不可思議的殊榮！