AM Bible Study Group; February 22, 2012
Deuteronomy 32:48-33:29
Theme: Moses gives his final blessings to the people of Israel.
Final words of blessing are important. We read of such words spoken by Jacob on his death-bead to the twelve tribes (see Genesis 49). And here—in a very similar way—we find the final words of blessing from Moses to the twelve tribes. They were not spoken from a death bed, though. He spoke them from the top of the mountain that God commanded him to climb—from which he would view the Promised Land before he was to die.
With all the strong words of warning and the threats of curses that were spoken in the previous chapters, these words of blessing show us God’s love for His people—and Moses’ love for them as well. This passage is notoriously hard to interpret; and this may be because much of what we are reading involves prophetic promises of the blessings God will pour out on His people during the millennial reign of Christ.
I. GOD’S LAST INSTRUCTIONS TO MOSES (32:48-52).
God had told Moses that he would not be permitted to enter the land because of his trespass among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah (see Numbers 20:1-13). But in grace, God permitted Moses to ascend a high peak at the north-eastern side of the Dead Sea—which gives a panoramic view of the Promised Land. From there, Moses would be permitted to see the land that he had labored for forty years to lead his people to.
II. MOSES’ FINAL BLESSING UPON THE NATION (33:1-29).
It’s at that time—perhaps just before climbing the mountain—that Moses spoke these words of blessing to the twelve tribes. When all the names of the tribes are reckoned up, we notice that the tribe of Simeon is missing from Moses’ blessing. This may be because Simeon appears to have been absorbed into the region of the tribe of Judah (see Joshua 19:1-9).
A. The blessing is introduced (v. 1). This blessing is greatly authoritative. It is spoken by Moses—"the man of God".
B. A praise to God is given (vv. 2-5). Note that it begins with a praise to God, who so faithfully led His people. We’re told that "The LORD came from Sinai" (from where Moses was first called, and from where the law was given), "and dawned on them from Seir" (where they were told that the descendants of Edom would be afraid of them—see Deuteronomy 2:5); He shown forth from Mount Paran (from which place the march to the Promised Land began—see Numbers 10:12), and He came with ten thousands of saints (the multitudes of Israel). Israel is here called Jeshurun (v. 5), and also in verse 26. This name means "the upright one"; and it ‘book-ends’ the section of blessings.
C. The tribes are blessed (vv. 6-25).
1. To Reuben (v. 6). Here, God promised preservation and prosperity.
2. To Judah (v. 7). Judah was the tribe from which the sons of David came to reign—and ultimately, the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, God did "bring him to his people".
3. To Levi (vv. 8-11). Levi was the priestly tribe. It not only preserved the law for the people, but also performed the sacrifices that God commanded. The comment, "Let Your Thummim and Your Urim be with Your holy ones" speaks of the items that the high priest kept (Exodus 28:30) and used—most likely—for matters of judgment for the people. Verse 9 describes how the Levites lived and served without a definite tribal inheritance of their own.
4. To Benjamin (v. 12). Benjamin was a tribe that, at a later time, almost been destroyed because of its sin (see Judges 20-21). Here, God promises that they will dwell in safety and security.
5 To Joseph—that is, Ephraim and Manasseh (vv. 13-17). There was no tribe named Joseph; but two tribes were named after his two sons. Clearly, they are promised great prosperity—even though their father was one "who was separate from his brothers" (v. 16).
6. To Zebulun, along with Issachar (vv. 18-19). Perhaps an indication of future wealth of these two tribes is indicated in the fact that they "shall partake of the abundance of the seas and of treasures hidden in the sand".
7. To Gad (vv. 20-21). Gad was a warlike "lion" of a people. They will administer justice and judgment.
8. To Dan (v. 22). Dan seemed small but will prove strong.
9. To Naphtali (v. 23). The prosperity of Naphtali is highlighted, and its expansion is promised.
10. To Asher (vv. 24-25). Asher is here said to be "most blessed of sons"; and it’s interesting to note that we’re told that he will "dip his foot in oil" and that his "sandals shall be iron and bronze". Perhaps God is promising a rich supply of natural resources to this tribe.
D. A closing praise is offered (vv. 26-29). None of these blessings are because of themselves, but because "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun". Perhaps verse 27 can be taken as a key verse to the whole of this wonderful series of blessings: "the eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, and will say, ‘Destroy!’" Truly there is no nation like Israel "a people saved by the LORD" (v. 29).