Deuteronomy 33
Today's Passage: Deuteronomy 33
Deuteronomy 33 acts as a sort of benediction by Moses to Israel in his last moment before he ascends the mountain to breath his last. With his final parting words, Moses blessed the nation right before they were to enter the Promised Land. I’d like to point out a few things that stood out to me and then share some thoughts.
First, we’re just one final chapter away from the conclusion of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible). Verse 4 refers to the Law given through Moses as “a possession for the assembly of Jacob.” 21st-century American Christianity is so far removed from the culture God established and maintained through the Law that it’s hard for us to fully understand and appreciate. The Torah has killed a lot of well-intentioned reading plans. However, it’s these books and these chapters that inspired David’s words in Psalm 119—the longest chapter in the whole Bible. Our attitudes should match that of David. God graciously provided the Law pointing to the Law-giver, which was ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
Second, Moses issued blessing on the various tribes with one exception:
“Moses did not mention the Simeonites in this blessing. Jacob had prophesied that God would scatter the Simeonites in Israel (Gen. 49:7). Simeon received no tribal allotment of land, only a few cities in Judah, when Joshua divided the Promised Land. The Simeonites became absorbed into the other tribes, especially Judah.” (Constable’s Notes)
Third, Moses’ final words (vv. 26–29) elevate the Lord and Israel’s place in God’s provision. These words were encouraging to read—reminiscent of the blessings of obedience back in chapter 28. As I read the words Moses spoke to the nation of Israel, I cannot help but think of God’s promise to Abraham, that “all the nations of the world would be blessed through him.” Through Christ, all peoples from all nations experience the Lord as sword and shield. In Christ, our great Help is found for eternity.
As we’ll read tomorrow, Moses turned to ascend the mountaintop. God allowed him to look on the Promised Land before he died. From that moment on, Israel waited for “another prophet like Moses” to arise. The Messiah came to establish a New and better Covenant—and that’s what we celebrate at Easter. We celebrate Christ’s sacrifice that is fully acceptable and fully applicable to humanity.
Written By: Tyler Short
Deuteronomy 33 acts as a sort of benediction by Moses to Israel in his last moment before he ascends the mountain to breath his last. With his final parting words, Moses blessed the nation right before they were to enter the Promised Land. I’d like to point out a few things that stood out to me and then share some thoughts.
First, we’re just one final chapter away from the conclusion of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible). Verse 4 refers to the Law given through Moses as “a possession for the assembly of Jacob.” 21st-century American Christianity is so far removed from the culture God established and maintained through the Law that it’s hard for us to fully understand and appreciate. The Torah has killed a lot of well-intentioned reading plans. However, it’s these books and these chapters that inspired David’s words in Psalm 119—the longest chapter in the whole Bible. Our attitudes should match that of David. God graciously provided the Law pointing to the Law-giver, which was ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
Second, Moses issued blessing on the various tribes with one exception:
“Moses did not mention the Simeonites in this blessing. Jacob had prophesied that God would scatter the Simeonites in Israel (Gen. 49:7). Simeon received no tribal allotment of land, only a few cities in Judah, when Joshua divided the Promised Land. The Simeonites became absorbed into the other tribes, especially Judah.” (Constable’s Notes)
Third, Moses’ final words (vv. 26–29) elevate the Lord and Israel’s place in God’s provision. These words were encouraging to read—reminiscent of the blessings of obedience back in chapter 28. As I read the words Moses spoke to the nation of Israel, I cannot help but think of God’s promise to Abraham, that “all the nations of the world would be blessed through him.” Through Christ, all peoples from all nations experience the Lord as sword and shield. In Christ, our great Help is found for eternity.
As we’ll read tomorrow, Moses turned to ascend the mountaintop. God allowed him to look on the Promised Land before he died. From that moment on, Israel waited for “another prophet like Moses” to arise. The Messiah came to establish a New and better Covenant—and that’s what we celebrate at Easter. We celebrate Christ’s sacrifice that is fully acceptable and fully applicable to humanity.
Written By: Tyler Short
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