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eight times--a number that suggests resurrection, when Israel shall indeed be a blessed
people, and their land a delight. We will, therefore, set out the structure of the Song,
using the eight occurrences of "Jehovah" as our guide. The title is denoted in the
structure by the word "LORD".
The Song of Moses (Deut. 32:).
Being a proclamation of the name Jehovah,
the covenant-keeping God of Israel, in His twofold character:--
(1)
A God of truth; fulfilling His promises of blessing.
(2)
Without iniquity; not excusing His people's sins.
A | 1-4. The name of the LORD proclaimed.
His work perfect. "Work" = Heb. poal;
"perfect" = Heb. tamim (meaning "complete").
B | 5-8. Do ye thus requite the LORD?
"Requite" = Heb. gamal (used of fruit-bearing).
Israel looked upon as unclean ("spot", "corrupters").
Called a "perverse and crooked generation".
The number of Israel mentioned.
C | 9. The LORD the portion of His people,
and Jacob the lot of His inheritance.
D | 10-14. The LORD alone led Israel.
No strange god with Him.
Israel did eat of the increase of the fields.
Honey, oil, butter, milk, lambs, rams, wheat and wine.
ISRAEL
SET
ASIDE.
D | 15-25. The LORD abhorred Israel.
Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked.
And lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
Strange gods provoke the Lord.
A | 26-28. The LORD hath not done this.
"Done" = Heb. paal (see "A" above).
The scattering of Israel.
"To cease" opposite to "perfect" (in "A" above).
B | 29-33. The LORD shut up His people
"Shut up" refers to the uncleanness of Israel (see "B" above).
Their requital (see "B" above). Grapes of gall.
Their perversity (see "B" above). Sodom and Gomorrah.
Their numbers (see "B" above). How should one chase a thousand?
C | 34-43. The LORD will vindicate His people,
He fulfils the meaning of His name.
He is righteous as well as faithful.
He is the portion of His people; they are the lot of His inheritance.
He will be merciful unto His land and to His people.
A word or two of explanation with regard to some of the features thrown into
prominence by this structure, will enable the reader to appreciate the light that it throws
on the general trend of the Song.