“Look now; I myself am He!
There is no other god but Me!
I am the One who kills and gives life;
I am the One who wounds and heals;
no one can be rescued from My powerful hand!”
— Deuteronomy 32:39 (NLT)
Why Did Moses Leave a Song?
As Moses neared the end of his life, he didn’t simply leave behind instructions or a farewell speech—he left a song. A prophetic melody, rich with warning, hope, and the reality of who God is. It’s recorded in Deuteronomy 32—a chapter that deserves careful attention.
Why a song? Because songs stay with us. God, the ultimate Teacher, used music to write His truth on the hearts of His people. When truth is sung, it’s remembered, not just with the mind but with the soul. This wasn’t just a teaching—it was a spiritual anthem, meant to be passed from generation to generation.
Who Is This God?
In verse 39, God speaks in first person:
“I myself am He… there is no other god but Me…”
This is one of the most profound revelations of God’s identity in the Old Testament. Let’s break it down:
🔹 “I myself am He”
This is a declaration of divine identity. God isn’t relying on a prophet or an intermediary here—He is revealing Himself.
🔹 “There is no other god but Me”
This flies in the face of polytheism and idolatry. God is not one option among many. He is the only One. Sovereign, holy, and unmatched.
🔹 “I kill and give life; I wound and I heal”
This challenges modern comfort theology. God is not just a spiritual therapist; He is also Judge and King. He holds the power of life and death, the authority to discipline and to restore.
✨ We cannot understand the true God unless we receive both His mercy and His majesty, His grace and His holiness.
🔹 “No one can be rescued from My powerful hand”
This is not a threat to the faithful—it’s a comfort. No enemy, no trial, no failure can override His sovereign will. His hand is strong, and His purposes will prevail.
These Are Not Empty Words
At the close of this song, Moses urges:
“Take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today… These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life…”
— Deuteronomy 32:46–47 (NLT)
This statement is striking. God’s words are not optional extras or religious poetry. They are your life.
Obedience isn’t legalism—it’s alignment with the heart of God. It’s saying, “I trust Your way more than mine.” The result? A life that’s not just long, but blessed, purposeful, and fruitful.
Application: Why This Song Still Matters
We’re living in noisy times—where countless voices compete for our loyalty and attention. But God still says:
“Look now… I myself am He.”
We must return to a deep, reverent knowing of who God is. Not the God of culture, opinion, or convenience—but the God of the Word, the God of the song, the God of Moses.
If you’re a worship leader, a teacher, a parent, or simply a follower of Jesus—you have a song to carry. A song of truth. A song of warning and hope. A song to remind your heart, and to pass down to others.
Because these are not empty words.
They are your life.
✍️ Reflection Questions:
- Have I allowed culture to shape my view of God more than Scripture?
- What “songs of truth” am I singing to my children, my team, or my church?
- Am I living as though God’s Word is my very life?
If this encouraged you, feel free to share it—and maybe even take time to read or sing Deuteronomy 32 this week. God’s Word, in every season, is still our song.
