PROPHET MOSES s LAST SERMON SUMMARIZED

While the concept of a single “last sermon” from Prophet Moses, exactly like the Farewell Sermon of Muhammad, isn’t present in the Hebrew Bible, his final address to the Israelites is a central and powerful theme.

This address is encapsulated in the Book of Deuteronomy, which itself means “Second Law” or “Repetition of the Law.” The entire book is presented as Moses’ final speeches to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land without him.

Deuteronomy chapters 27-30, in particular, contain the core of this final charge, often called the Covenant at Moab. This is where Moses lays out the blessings of obedience and the severe warnings for disobedience in the most explicit terms.

Summary of Moses’ Final Charge: The Two Ways

Moses presents the Israelites with a fundamental choice between life and death, blessing and curse. This is the ultimate summary of his message.

1. The Call to Obedience

  • The Commandment is Attainable: Moses emphasizes that God’s law is not too difficult or mysterious. It is very near to them, in their mouths and hearts, so they can obey it (Deuteronomy 30:11-14).
  • A Covenant of Love: Obedience is framed not just as following rules, but as a response to God’s love and faithfulness. The core command is to “love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5).
  • The Promise of Blessing: If they are obedient, they will receive immense blessings. These are detailed in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and include:
    • Prosperity in the Promised Land.
    • Victory over their enemies.
    • Abundant harvests and children.
    • Being established as a holy people, a nation set apart for God.

2. The Warnings of Disobedience

This is the most striking and lengthy part of the warning. The consequences of turning away from the covenant are described in graphic and severe terms.

  • The Curses: The list of curses in Deuteronomy 28:15-68 is extensive and terrifying. It serves as a stark contrast to the blessings and includes:
    • Disease, drought, and famine.
    • Defeat and oppression by their enemies.
    • Exile from the land God gave them.
    • Extreme suffering, to the point of parents turning against their children in desperation.
    • Being scattered among all the nations, from “one end of the earth to the other.”
  • The Ultimate Consequence: The ultimate warning is that persistent disobedience will lead to them being uprooted from the Promised Land and going into exile, where they will serve foreign gods and live in constant fear and suffering.

3. The Promise of Restoration

Even in the midst of the warnings, there is a path back. Moses prophesies that after the people experience the curses of exile due to their disobedience, they will eventually return to God.

  • Repentance is Possible: “When you and your children return to the LORD your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul… then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you” (Deuteronomy 30:2-3).
  • The Choice is Theirs: The final message is a powerful exhortation to choose life.
    > “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).

Comparison with Prophet Muhammad’s Farewell Sermon

Feature Moses (in Deuteronomy)Muhammad (Khutbat al-Wada’)Context Before entering the Promised Land, addressing a new generation. After establishing the Islamic state in Medina, during the Hajj pilgrimage. Core Message A choice between blessing (life) and curse (death) based on obedience to God’s covenant and law. A confirmation of completed principles: equality, sanctity, and brotherhood under one God. FocusVertical Relationship: Primarily between the people and God, with social laws flowing from that. Horizontal Relationship: Primarily on the social and ethical rights between people, rooted in faith.

Warnings Explicit, lengthy, and national: Exile, defeat, and suffering for collective disobedience. A general warning not to stray after him, and to hold fast to the Quran and Sunnah.

Legacy Left The Torah (Law) as their guide and constitution. The Quran and the Sunnah (his example) as the guide.

In conclusion, Moses’ “last sermon” in Deuteronomy is a powerful, prophetic discourse that sets the theological stage for the entire subsequent history of the Israelites in the Hebrew Bible. It establishes the pattern of blessing for obedience and exile for disobedience that the prophets would point back to for centuries.

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