~ The Beginning of the Song of Moses ~

And Moses recited the words of this song
from beginning to end
in the hearing of the whole assembly of Israel:

Listen, O heavens, and I will speak;
hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
Let my teaching fall like rain
and my words descend like dew,
like showers on new grass,
like abundant rain on tender plants.

I will proclaim the name of the Lord.
Oh, praise the greatness of our God!
He is the Rock,
His works are perfect,
and all His ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
upright and just is He.

. . . Moses came with Joshua son of Nun
and spoke all the words of this song
in the hearing of the people.
When Moses finished reciting
all these words to all Israel,
he said to them,
"Take to heart all the words
I have solemnly declared to you this day,
so that you may command your children
to obey carefully all the words of the law.
They are not just ideal words for you --
they are your life.
By them you will live long in the land
you are crossing the Jordan to possess."

(Deuteronomy 31:30; 32:1-4, 44-47)