Highlights of Deuteronomy 32-34 - Theocratic Ministry School

Study information for Theocratic Ministry School

Bible reading: Deuteronomy 32-34 (10 min.)

(Deuteronomy 32:2)

My instruction will fall as the rain; My words will trickle as the dew, As gentle rains upon grass And as copious showers upon vegetation.

*** g95 5/22 p. 31 Nature’s Tears ***
Dew can also have a more personal meaning. In his farewell song to God’s people, Moses wrote: “My instruction will drip as the rain, my saying will trickle as the dew, as gentle rains upon grass and as copious showers upon vegetation.”
(Deuteronomy 32:2)
Moses spoke words that were life-giving like dew. Since he was the meekest of men, it is certain that he was habitually gentle and considerate in his speech as well. (Numbers 12:3) Like dew or gentle rain, his words nourished without causing damage.

*** it-1 p. 624 Dew ***
Dew is also gentle and refreshing. It is aptly applied to Moses’ farewell prophetic song. (De 32:2)

*** it-1 p. 1209 Instruction ***
Although instruction calls for compliance and is not merely for entertainment, it can be imparted in a refreshing way. Jehovah directed Moses to teach Israel a song in which he said: “My instruction will drip as the rain, my saying will trickle as the dew, as gentle rains upon grass.” (De 32:2)

*** it-2 pp. 729-730 Rain ***
God’s instructions were to “drip as the rain” and his sayings as “gentle rains upon grass and as copious showers upon vegetation.” (De 32:2) They would be able to sink in slowly but be sufficient to provide full refreshment, as showers on vegetation.

(Deuteronomy 32:3)

For I will declare the name of Jehovah. Tell about the greatness of our God!

*** it-1 p. 324 The Divine Name ***
[Pictures on page 324]
Tampering With the Bible. As shown here, the Hebrew manuscript (Aleppo Codex; below, at left) of De 32:3, 6 contains the divine name. The Greek Septuagint translation (P. Fouad Inv. 266, in center) of the same passage also contains the divine name in Hebrew characters
But notice that the name does not appear in those verses in the Codex Alexandrinus (above, at right), of the fifth century C.E. The divine name was removed. It was not translated into a Greek equivalent but was replaced with an abbreviated form of the Greek word Ky′ri•os (Lord)

*** it-2 pp. 466-467 Name ***
For an individual to know God’s name signifies more than a mere acquaintance with the word. (2Ch 6:33) It means actually knowing the Person—his purposes, activities, and qualities as revealed in his Word. (Compare 1Ki 8:41-43; 9:3, 7; Ne 9:10.) This is illustrated in the case of Moses, a man whom Jehovah ‘knew by name,’ that is, knew intimately. (Ex 33:12) Moses was privileged to see a manifestation of Jehovah’s glory and also to ‘hear the name of Jehovah declared.’ (Ex 34:5) That declaration was not simply the repetition of the name Jehovah but was a statement about God’s attributes and activities. “Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth, preserving loving-kindness for thousands, pardoning error and transgression and sin, but by no means will he give exemption from punishment, bringing punishment for the error of fathers upon sons and upon grandsons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation.” (Ex 34:6, 7) Similarly, the song of Moses, containing the words “for I shall declare the name of Jehovah,” recounts God’s dealings with Israel and describes his personality.—De 32:3-44.

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