Verses on Various Occasions · Chapter
XLIV: Moses explained
The chapter reflects on Moses as a figure of transformation from fierce patriot to meekest man, illustrating how love can rebirth the soul.
What happens
The chapter reflects on Moses as a figure of transformation from fierce patriot to meekest man, illustrating how love can rebirth the soul. It also notes Moses' loss of Canaan due to self-will, showing how sin persists even after grace. The speaker prays for the grace to accept loss in this life for future rest.
Themes in this chapter
Sin and Redemption
Moses' loss of Canaan illustrates how sin defiles even after grace, while the prayer for loss now to gain future rest points to redemption.
Suffering and Humility
Moses' meekness and acceptance of loss model humility, and the narrator seeks similar suffering for spiritual gain.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Moses, the patriot fierce, became The meekest man on earth, To show us how love’s quick’ning flame Can give our souls new birth.”
Moses, once a fierce patriot, became the humblest person alive to demonstrate that love's fire can spiritually renew us.
Highlights transformation through love.
“Moses, the man of meekest heart, Lost Canaan by self-will, To show, where Grace has done its part, How sin defiles us still.”
Moses, though extremely meek, lost the Promised Land because of his own stubbornness, teaching that even after receiving grace, sin continues to corrupt us.
Emphasizes the persistence of sin.
“Thou, who hast taught me in Thy fear, Yet seest me frail at best, O grant me loss with Moses here, To gain his future rest!”
You who have instructed me in reverence for You, yet see my weakness, please allow me to suffer loss like Moses in this life so I may attain his eternal peace.
A prayer for humility and eternal reward.