44 THREE CAUTIONS

In Deuteronomy chapters 17, 20 and 31 Moses gave the new nation of Israel three very practical pieces of advice. If Christian leaders of today will follow his example and take the time to give attention to these kinds of practical matters, transitions from one generation to the next, one administration to the next and adjustments from one situation to another set of circumstances can be more smooth; less traumatic. Space will not allow us to deal in detail with each of these subjects, but in this lesson we will observe some of the highlights that Moses addressed; enough to demonstrate that practical cautions can be a blessing to the community. The major lesson here for today’s Christian leaders and communities, however, is that the one who has been working with the community is in a good position to caution those he or she will leave behind. We turn our attention now to the three cautions Moses left with his community related to (1) a king, (2) war and (3) rebellion.


Deuteronomy 17:14-29 records what Moses said to Israel regarding a future king. Moses’ futuristic teachings benefited God’s people many years after Moses was gone. When Samuel spent  an entire night with Saul on a roof preparing him for his new role as the first king of Israel, he undoubtedly used the ideas Moses had recorded in Deuteronomy. 1 Samuel 9:25–10:1 say, “After they came down from the high place to the town, Samuel talked with Saul on the roof of his house. They rose about daybreak, and Samuel called to Saul on the roof, ‘Get ready, and I will send you on your way.’ When Saul got ready, he and Samuel went outside together. As they were going down to the edge of the town, Samuel said to Saul, ‘Tell the servant to go on ahead of us’—and the servant did so—‘but you stay here for a while, so that I may give you a message from God.’ Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, ‘Has not the Lord anointed you ruler over his inheritance?’” What specifically had Moses said about a king? Here are 8 subjects Moses had addressed. 1. The king should be the one whom God chooses (5). 2. He should be an Israelite (5). 3. He should not multiply horses (6).  4. He must not lead Israel back to Egypt (6). 5. He should not multiply wives (7). 6. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold (7).  7. He is to write, rehearse and obey the laws of God (8).  8. He should not consider himself superior to other Israelites. We can readily see how that Samuel and Saul talking about kingdom matters benefited Saul personally and that soon all Israel would benefit greatly from what Moses left for them. Christian leader, do that for your people. Show your love for and interest in their welfare by caring enough to give them practical directions like Moses, a great leader, did.


Now let’s look at what Moses cautioned his people about in the event of war. Once again we will see how very practical his comments were in these 8 instructions. 1. Don’t be afraid (1). 2. The priest should say, “Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you “ (3, 4 ). 3. An officer should excuse and dismiss anyone who has just built a house, planted a vineyard or become engaged to a woman. (5-7) 4. Anyone fainthearted should be excused and dismissed. (8). 5. Before attacking, make an offer of peace (10). 6.  Kill all the men but take women, children and livestock as plunder (13, 14)  7. Kill everyone in the seven nations God wants to be destroyed because of their idolatry (16-18). 8. When you conquer a city, do not destroy its fruit trees (19, 20). In war there is a right way to go about the difficult task. God wants His will and ways to permeate every aspect of our lives. Who better than Moses could have instructed the new nation about these matters? Who better than you, Christian leader, can give specific and important instructions to the congregation or group over which God has placed you? If we want to be a good leader we will not limit our scope of influence to just the years that we are alive. We will think ahead, prepare for a successor and leave instructions for our followers. That is good leadership and Moses provides a good example of it.


The third word of caution, about a future rebellion against God which Moses gave the people relates to his understanding that they would rebel against God after he, himself, was gone. We will look at this word of caution with more detail and comments because it may seem strange that Moses would make this prediction. We might well wonder what was the benefit of it if it was already known that it was going to happen. Here is Deuteronomy 31:16-29:

16 And the Lord said to Moses: “You are going to rest with your ancestors, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them. 17 And in that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and calamities will come on them, and in that day they will ask, ‘Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?’ 18 And I will certainly hide my face in that day because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods. 19 “Now write down this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them. 20 When I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, the land I promised on oath to their ancestors, and when they eat their fill and thrive, they will turn to other gods and worship them, rejecting me and breaking my covenant. 21 And when many disasters and calamities come on them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten by their descendants. I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.” 22 So Moses wrote down this song that day and taught it to the Israelites. 23 The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.” 24 After Moses finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, 25 he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord: 26 “Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God. There it will remain as a witness against you. 27 For I know how rebellious and stiff-necked you are. If you have been rebellious against the Lord while I am still alive and with you, how much more will you rebel after I die! 28 Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officials, so that I can speak these words in their hearing and call the heavens and the earth to testify against them. 29 For I know that after my death you are sure to become utterly corrupt and to turn from the way I have commanded you. In days to come, disaster will fall on you because you will do evil in the sight of the Lord and arouse his anger by what your hands have made.”

God tells Moses that, after his death, the covenant which he had taken so many pains to make between Israel and their God would certainly be broken, that Israel would forsake God as verse 16 says, “And the Lord said to Moses: ‘You are going to rest with your ancestors, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them.’” We may be sure that if the covenant between God and man be broken the blame must lie on man; it is man that breaks it. We have often observed that God never leaves any until they first leave Him. Worshipping the gods of the Canaanites who had been the natives, but from now on were to be looked on as the strangers of that land, would undoubtedly be counted a deserting of God, spiritual adultery, idolatry, and like adultery a violation of the covenant. Those are revolters from Christ, and will be judged accordingly, who either make a god of their money, their belly or sensual lusts. Those that turn to other gods forsake their own mercies. Verse 18 says what will happen to people like that, “And I will certainly hide my face in that day because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods.” It is very sad to observe that this would be the reaction of people who have been so blessed. Verse 20 tells us of this sad response to blessings. “When I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey, the land I promised on oath to their ancestors, and when they eat their fill and thrive, they will turn to other gods and worship them, rejecting me and breaking my covenant.” Why should it be that when they grow fat and grow secure they would also grow sensual? Why should people’s sense of security remove a respectful fear of God and His judgments from them? It appears that people instinctually know that their own sin removes God’s blessings, and yet they sin. Why? Of course God would justly cast those off those who had so unjustly cast him off as verse 17 says, “And in that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and calamities will come on them, and in that day they will ask, ‘Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?’” God’s Spirit and grace would forsake them, no longer to teach and guide them, and then they would be more and more bigoted, prejudiced and hardened in their idolatries. God gave Moses a teaching song that Israel could remember when the calamities came. Verse 21 says, “And when many disasters and calamities come on them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten by their descendants. I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.” Those who have sinned away their God will find that in doing so they themselves bring calamities on their own heads. And, sadly, just when they needed God the most, He was not available due to their own error. Verse 18, which we just read, says, “And I will certainly hide my face in that day because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods.” Whatever outward troubles we are in, if we just have the light of God in our hearts, we can bear those difficulties more easily. But, if God hides His face from us and our prayers, we are indeed in an extremely bad situation. Moses surely grieved in his own heart as he taught the people these things.

God directs Moses to each the people a song. We may guess that in composing this song, God would be very involved. The song could remain a standing testimony for God as being faithful to them in giving them warning. Verse 19 says, “Now write down this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them.” The written word in general, as well as this song in particular, is a witness for God against all those who break covenant with Him. It will be for a testimony as Matthew 24:14 says, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” God has given many witnesses, laws, histories, prophecies, proverbs, and songs. Each type of witness has its advantages. The wisdom of God has in the Scripture made use of them all so that ignorant and careless men might be clearly inexcusable. This song, if rightly utilized, might be a means to prevent their apostasy. In any case, if Israel became wicked they would be without excuse and Moses’ song would witness against them. Verse 21 says, “And when many disasters and calamities come on them, this song will testify against them, because it will not be forgotten by their descendants. I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them on oath.” The word of God, including this song, is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of men’s hearts as Hebrew 4:12  says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” We can compare that verse with 1 Corinthians 14:25 which says, “. . . as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, ‘God is really among you!’” Ministers who preach the God’s Word do not know what people are thinking or feeling, but God, whose Word it is, knows perfectly. Even if this song did not prevent their apostasy, yet it might help to bring them to repentance, and help recover them from their apostasy. When their troubles come on them, this song will not be forgotten, but may serve as a mirror to show them their own faces. They may humble themselves, and return to Him from whom they have revolted. God may allow those for whom He has mercy to fall so He provides a remedy in advance. Medicines are prepared before-hand for their cure.


A charge is given to Joshua, which God has said in verse 14 that He would give him. “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Now the day of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the tent of meeting, where I will commission him.’ So Moses and Joshua came and presented themselves at the tent of meeting.” This was the same as what Moses had given him earlier in verse 7, “Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.’” Joshua had now heard from God so much of the wickedness of the people whom he was to lead that he could not but feel some discouragement. “No,” says God, “however bad they are, you will be all right because I will be with you. You will put them into possession of Canaan. If they afterwards by their own sin throw themselves out again, that will be no fault of yours, nor any dishonor to you. Be of good courage.”

The book of the law was another witness. It was to be placed inside the ark as verses 24-26 make clear,   “After Moses finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord: ‘Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God. There it will remain as a witness against you.” Interestingly, many years later, in king Josiah’s day, a book of the law was found, possibly this very book, and it did indeed witness against that generation that they had fallen into a deep apostasy. The reading of the book that witnessed against that generation did indeed stimulate a great deal of repentance, spiritual awakening and revival as 2 Chronicles 34:14-19 say. “While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the temple of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord that had been given through Moses. Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, ‘I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord.’ He gave it to Shaphan. Then Shaphan took the book to the king and reported to him: ‘Your officials are doing everything that has been committed to them. They have paid out the money that was in the temple of the Lord and have entrusted it to the supervisors and workers.’ Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, 'Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.’ And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king. When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes.” If Moses had not given his word of caution regarding the coming rebellion and written the words of the law and placed it in and beside the ark of the covenant, the book of the law would not have been there in Josiah’s day to be a witness against that generation. Moses did the right thing to give them the caution and the book. The finding of possibly this very book made possible the public reading of it by Josiah himself, for a witness against a people who were then almost ripe for their ruin by the Babylonians. Instead they had a revival under Josiah’s leadership.


Moses receives and delivers the song recorded in the next chapter to the people. The song is here delivered to Moses, and by him to the people. He wrote it first as the Spirit of God gave it to him, he recited it and then taught it to the people as verse 22 says, “So Moses wrote down this song that day and taught it to the Israelites.” It was delivered to them with a solemn appeal to heaven and earth concerning the fair warning which by it was given to them of the fatal consequences of their apostasy from God. It would have been with genuine sadness that Moses gave them the words recorded in verse 29, “For I know that after my death you are sure to become utterly corrupt and to turn from the way I have commanded you. In days to come, disaster will fall on you because you will do evil in the sight of the Lord and arouse his anger by what your hands have made.” How could it be otherwise? Of course Moses felt great sorrow. Many a sad thought, no doubt, it gave to this good man, to foresee the apostasy and ruin of a people with whom he had made such efforts for such a long time. He tried to make them good and happy, but only this was his comfort, that he had done his duty. In the same way Jesus, just a little before his death, foretold the rise of false Christs and false prophets as is recorded in Matthew 24:24. “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Yet that same Jesus said that the church would triumph in spite of the opposition. In Jesus’ own words, recorded in Matthew 16:18, “. . . I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Moses and Jesus were no pessimists or defeatist; they were realists. Yes, there will be reverses, but eventually God will win. The defeats or valleys that come first are not the final chapter.

What Moses said in giving these three words of caution, regarding a king, conduct of wars and and eventual rebellion against God, is only a part of the lesson to be learned. That Moses addressed practical instructions about real issues is the other part. What he wrote was important, but for us today, that he wrote it is our lesson to learn. Let us not be afraid to prepare our people for what might happen to them after we are gone. This too is good leadership.