4. Whom did Moses encourage, and why?

⁴ Shortly before he died, at the age of 120, Moses called together all the Israelites to remind them of the things they had seen and experienced. In their youth, some of his listeners had witnessed the many signs and miracles performed by Jehovah as well as His judgments against Egypt. (Ex. 7:3, 4) They had walked through the parted waters of the Red Sea and had seen the destruction of Pharaoh’s army. (Ex. 14:29-31) In the wilderness, they had experienced Jehovah’s protection and care. (Deut. 8:3, 4) Now as the nation stood poised to enter the Promised Land, Moses grasped this last opportunity to encourage the people.a

5. Moses’ parting words found at Deuteronomy 30:19, 20 gave what assurance to the Israelites?

⁵ What did Moses say? (Read Deuteronomy 30:19, 20.) The nation of Israel had prospects for a wonderful future. With Jehovah’s blessing, the Israelites could live for a long time in the land that he had promised them. And what a beautiful, fruitful land it was! Moses described it for them: “Great and fine cities that you did not build, houses full of all sorts of good things that you did not work for, hewn cisterns that you did not dig, and vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant.”​—Deut. 6:10, 11.

6. Why did God allow other nations to conquer Israel?

⁶ Moses also gave the Israelites a warning. In order to continue living in their bountiful land, they had to obey Jehovah’s commandments. Moses urged them to “choose life” by listening to Jehovah and by “sticking to him.” However, the Israelites rejected Jehovah. So in time God allowed the Assyrians and later the Babylonians to conquer them and take them into exile.​—2 Ki. 17:6-8, 13, 14; 2 Chron. 36:15-17, 20.

7. What can we learn from the words of Moses? (See also picture.)

⁷ What is the lesson for us? Obedience leads to life. Like the Israelites who were on the threshold of the Promised Land, we are on the verge of entering God’s promised new world, where we will see the earth transformed into a paradise. (Isa. 35:1; Luke 23:43) The Devil and his demons will be gone. (Rev. 20:2, 3) No longer will false religion lead people away from Jehovah. (Rev. 17:16) No longer will human governments oppress those under their care. (Rev. 19:19, 20) Paradise will have no place for rebels. (Ps. 37:10, 11) People everywhere will obey Jehovah’s righteous laws, which promote unity and peace. Thus, they will love and trust one another. (Isa. 11:9) What a wonderful prospect! What is more, if we obey Jehovah, we can continue to live on a paradise earth not just for hundreds of years but for all eternity.​—Ps. 37:29; John 3:16.