Deuteronomy 申命记 32 — Song of Moses 摩西之歌

God gave Moses this song to teach the people so that they would learn to love and obey Him (Deut. 31:19–30). Our songs today should follow this pattern by revealing the greatness and goodness of the Lord and thus encouraging us to live for Him (v. 3). The key image for God is “the Rock.” It speaks of His stability in a changing world and His dependability in a demanding world (v. 4). The Rock is our Savior (v. 15), Father (v. 18), and Deliverer (vv. 30–31). He is all that we need.

神赐摩西这首歌来教导以色列人如何学习爱祂、顺服祂(申31:19-30)。今天,我们的诗歌也应当遵循同样的模式;借着彰显主的伟大与良善,从而勉励我们为祂而活(3节)。神主要的形象是“磐石”;这述说了祂在这变化万千、刁蛮刻薄的世界中,是永不改变、信实可靠的(4节)。这磐石是我们的救主(15节)、我们的父(18节),以及我们的拯救(30-31节)。祂是我们的一切所需。

 

Israel is compared to young eagles that must leave the nest and learn how to fly (vv. 11–12). But Israel is also God’s treasure, and He will protect His people (vv. 34–35). Moses reminded them not to forget their beginning (v. 18) or ignore their “latter end” (v. 29).

以色列好比雏鹰,想要学习飞行就必须离开鸟巢(11-12节)。以色列也是神的珍宝,祂必保护祂的子民(34-35节)。摩西提醒他们不要忘了自己的开始(18节),也不得忽视自己的“结局”(29节)。

 

Moses compared God’s Word to the rain and the dew (v. 2), which come down from heaven and bring life and refreshment to the earth. Much sharing of the Word may seem to be a waste, but the Word accomplishes God’s purposes whether we see it or not (Isa. 55:10–11).

摩西将神的道比作从天而降、滋润并赋予大地生命的雨露(2节)。很多时候,分享话语看似浪费时间,但无论我们是否察觉,这话语已成就了神的旨意(赛55:10-11)。

 

Much of this song is a warning to the people that they were prone to forget what God did for them and to turn from God to idols. We do not know how often they sang this song, but we do know that they did not take it to heart. Do God’s people today pay attention to what they are singing?

这首歌大部分的内容都在告诫以色列子民,因为他们是如此容易忘了神为他们所做的一切,而背离祂敬拜偶像。他们是否常常唱这首歌我们并不知道,但可以肯定的是他们并没把歌放在心上。今天,神的子民是否留意他们所唱的歌呢?

 

Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告

 

  1. Today many churches argue about church music. However, the Bible didn’t give us any instruction regarding the music but the lyric. We should not be dogmatic about the music or the instruments but the theology of the songs especially we have so diverse cultures from Africa and Latin America to Chinese and Western world. The Lord use the songs to teach us about theology. Let’s pray that we focus on the theology and teaching of the songs. It is important to focus on cardinal doctrines rather than the trivial such as atmosphere or lightings etc.

今天许多教会在敬拜诗歌上起争执。然而,圣经教导我们的是要关注歌词并非音乐本身。基于各国文化大有不同,我们无需在所用的音乐或乐器上固执己见。歌词中神学的教导才是我们要注意的,因主借着诗歌教导我们神学。让我们祈祷,叫我们把焦点放在诗歌中的神学和教导而不是气氛或灯光等的琐碎之事。

 

  1. Moses’ song begins with a short introduction emphasizing the steadfast and faithful God and the rebellious Israel (vv. 1–6). The song describes God’s election (vv. 8, 9) and His care for them (vv. 10–12) and their possession of the Land (vv. 13, 14). However, Israel’s neglect of God’s goodness and her apostasy (vv. 15–18) would bring God’s wrath on them (vv. 19–33). Ultimately, God’s vengeance would strip Israel of all power and turn the nation from idolatry (vv. 34–38). Then, God would bring His judgment upon the nations, both His enemies and Israel’s (vv. 39–42). The song ends with a call to the nations to rejoice with Israel because God would restore them and punish their enemies (v. 43). Let’s pray that we learn the lesson quickly as the Lord will discipline those he loves (Heb 12:7).

摩西之歌以简短的引言开始,强调神的信实和以色列的叛逆(1-6节)。这首歌描述了神的拣选(8,9节)、祂对以色列的照顾(10-12节)和他们对应许之地的占领(13,14节)。然而,以色列若忽视神的良善转向偶像(15-18节),神的忿怒就会降临(19-33节)。神必在怒气中剥夺以色列所有的能力,使他们离开偶像敬拜(34-38节)。然后,神将审判全地包括以色列以及祂的敌人(39-42节)。歌曲的结尾呼召全地要与以色列同欢,因神必再次兴起以色列,并惩罚她的敌人(43节)。让我们祈祷能快快吸取教训,因主必管教祂所爱的(来12:7)。