Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations. – Deuteronomy 32:7
Today’s verse is part of a song that Moses taught to Israel. The people were about to enter the promised land after wandering in the desert for forty years. Joshua would lead them in since Moses could not enter as a punishment for striking the rock at Meribah-kadesh, instead of speaking to it as God told him to. God said to Moses, “You broke faith with me… you did not treat me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel” (Deuteronomy 32:51).
Moses was one hundred twenty years old, knowing he would die soon. The song recited the history of their exodus from Egypt as a “witness against them” (Exodus 31:19). Moses knew that after he died the people would turn their back on the Lord. The prophet stressed the importance of paying attention to the nation’s history and being careful to do what God commanded. That same day, God allowed Moses to go up to Mount Nebo and view the land of Canaan, and then he died there.
The people of the United States would benefit as well from paying attention to its history. The first U.S. president, George Washington, said, “No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men, more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of Providential agency.”
Give God thanks for the way He has formed and blessed this country. Pray that its citizens and elected officials would heed President Washington’s advice and acknowledge their Creator’s involvement in this nation, with thanksgiving and adoration.
Today’s Verse: Deuteronomy 32:7
Remember the days of old;
consider the years of many generations;
ask your father, and he will show you,
your elders, and they will tell you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Proverbs 3:1-12
My son, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments,
2 for length of days and years of life
and peace they will add to you.
3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good success
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
10 then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine.
11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline
or be weary of his reproof,
12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
