SPECIAL PRÉCIS ON THE SONG OF MOSES: JUSTICE OR MERCY IS UP TO US

SCRIPTURE. “For I will proclaim the name [and presence] of the Lord. Concede and ascribe greatness to our God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are law and justice. A God of faithfulness without breach or deviation, just and right is He.

They [Israel] have spoiled themselves. They are not sons to Him, and that is their blemish—a perverse and crooked generation! Do you thus repay the Lord, you foolish and senseless people? Is not He your Father Who acquired you for His own, Who made and established you [as a nation]? …

For the Lord will revoke sentence for His people and relent for His servants’ sake when He sees that their power is gone and none remains, whether bond or free.”  – DEUTERONOMY 32:3-6, 36, AMPC

KEY TERMS:

• “SPOILED THEMSELVES.” ‘Shachath’ [שִׁחֵ֥ת]: “A primitive root, ‘To decay or ruin; to batter or cast off; to pervert, perish, and be wiped out.’” NOTE: “The Hebrew verb ‘shachath’ primarily conveys the idea of destruction or corruption. It is used in various contexts to describe physical destruction, moral corruption, or the spoiling of something good. The term can refer to both literal and figurative ruin, encompassing the Decay of Moral Values, the devastation of cities, or the Spoiling of Creation.”

• “REVOKE SENTENCE.” ‘Nacham’ [יִתְנֶחָ֑ם]: “A primitive root, ‘To sigh or breathe strongly; to be sorry, pity or console; also, to avenge.” NOTE:“The Hebrew verb ‘nacham’ primarily conveys the idea of comfort and consolation, often in the context of grief or distress. It also carries the meaning of repentance or a change of mind, particularly in relation to God’s actions or decisions. The term can imply a sense of regret or sorrow, leading to a change in behavior or intention.”

QUOTATION. “‘God’s Wrath, properly, is an aspect of His Love:’ It is because God Loves human beings with a steady, unquenchable Passion that He Hated Apartheid, that He Hates torture and cluster bombs, that He Loathes slavery, that His Wrath is relentless against the rich who Oppress the poor. If God was not Wrathful against these and so many other distortions of our human vocation, He is ‘not loving!’ And it is His Love, determining to deal with that nasty, insidious, vicious, soul-destroying Evil, that causes Him to send His only, special Son.” ― N.T. WRIGHT, Lent for Everyone: Mark Year B, 2004; edited

COMMENTARY. “‘He is a Rock!’ This is the first time God is called so in Scripture. The expression denotes that the Divine Power, Faithfulness, and Love, as revealed in Christ and the Gospel, form a Foundation which cannot be changed or moved, on which we may build our hopes of happiness. And under His Protection we may find Refuge from all our enemies, and in all our troubles. As the rocks in those countries sheltered from the burning rays of the sun, and from tempests, or were fortresses from the enemy. His Work is Perfect: That of Redemption and Salvation, in which there is a display of all the Divine Perfection, complete in all its parts.

‘All God’s dealings with His creatures are regulated by Wisdom which cannot err, and perfect Justice.’ He is indeed Just and Right; He takes care that none shall lose by Him. A high charge is exhibited against Israel. Even God’s children have their spots, while in this imperfect state; For if we say we have no sin, no spot, we deceive ourselves. But the Sin of Israel was not habitual, notorious, unrepented sin; which is a certain mark of the Children of Satan.

They were Fools to forsake their Mercies for Lying Vanities. All wilful sinners, especially sinners in Israel [and in today’s Church], are Unwise and Ungrateful.” – MATTHEW HENRY, Exposition of the Old and New Testaments, 6 vols., 1708-1710; edited

DK’S TAKE.  Just a few observations built upon the Doctrinal Foundations laid down in the preceding Biblical Ideas. (1) Time is terribly, dangerously and unalterably ‘Short’ – For God’s willingness to honor sincere Repentance. (2) The American Church is presently buried in her ‘Deep Sin’ – That it will now be very difficult for their members to swallow pride and turn back to God. (3) ‘The Reward’ for the Contrite is Eternal Life – ‘The Punishment’ for the Rebellious is the Lake of Fire.

So there it is beloved, so plain that a wee lad or lass could understand it. Heed it, ignore it, mock and scorn it – all at your own Great Gain or Staggering Loss. The Choice, as always, remains yours alone.

But don’t take too long!