Psalm 158 from Beyond Psalm 150
After Moses’s final song he gives a blessing to the people. The first four verses of this passage read like a psalm. He then directs the rest of his oration to various tribes, much like a patriarch giving his final words to his children.
In the opening to his blessing, Moses refers to himself in the third person. It’s as if he sees himself as already dead, offering these words from the grave.
Yahweh came from Sinai,
Deuteronomy 33:2–5 (WEB)
and rose from Seir to them.
He shone from Mount Paran.
He came from the ten thousands of holy ones.
At his right hand was a fiery law for them.
Yes, he loves the people.
All his saints are in your hand.
They sat down at your feet.
Each receives your words.
Moses commanded us a law,
an inheritance for the assembly of Jacob.
He was king in Jeshurun,
when the heads of the people were gathered,
all the tribes of Israel together.
Reflections on Moses’s Parting Blessing
We should consider the legacy we will leave.
What will our final words be to our family and friends? How can we influence future generations after we’re gone?
May we make our final words count.
Explore the other psalms—sacred songs of praise, petition, and lament—scattered throughout the Bible in Peter’s book Beyond Psalm 150.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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