And Moses came and spake all the words of this song in the ears of the people, he, and Hoshea the son of Nun.

DEUTERONOMY 32:44KJV
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Deuteronomy 32:44 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 32:44 mean?

Deuteronomy 32:44 describes how Moses, along with Hoshea (another name for Joshua), spoke all the words of a song to the people of Israel. This verse marks the moment when Moses publicly recited the entire song he had just received, making sure the people heard and understood it.

In this setting, Moses is addressing the Israelites near the end of his life, just before they enter the promised land. The "song" refers to the poetic message found earlier in Deuteronomy 32, which serves as a warning and a reminder of God's faithfulness. Hoshea, called the son of Nun, is the same person later known as Joshua, who will lead the people after Moses.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 32:44

  • שִׁירָה (shirah, "song"): This word refers to a poetic or musical composition, often used in the Hebrew Bible for significant teachings or memorials. Here, it highlights that Moses is not just giving a speech but delivering a memorable, structured message meant to be remembered and recited.
  • הוֹשֵׁעַ (Hoshea, "Hoshea"): This is the original name of Joshua. The use of "Hoshea" instead of "Joshua" (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, Yehoshua) reminds readers of his earlier identity before Moses renamed him, emphasizing the continuity of leadership.

Why Deuteronomy 32:44 matters

  • This verse shows that Moses did not act alone; he included Hoshea (Joshua), signaling a transition of leadership and the importance of shared responsibility.
  • By reciting "all the words of this song," Moses ensures that the entire community hears the full message, underlining the seriousness and completeness of the warning and encouragement.
  • The verse connects the narrative to the larger context of Deuteronomy 32, where the song serves as a witness and teaching tool for future generations of Israelites.

Where else these words appear

“Hoshea” Hebrew H1954 · used in 15 verses

  • Numbers 13:8 Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun.
  • 2 Kings 17:3 Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents.
  • 2 Kings 18:10 And at the end of three years they took it: even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken.

“Nun” Hebrew H5126 · used in 30 verses

  • Exodus 33:11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
  • Numbers 32:12 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.
  • Joshua 14:1 And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.

“song” Hebrew H7892 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
  • Psalms 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.