MOSES BLESSES THE PEOPLE Having sung his song, by which he intended to end his life with joy despite realizing what will befall the people when they deny faith and fall under the divine chastisement, the prophet Moses blessed the people as a whole, and then blessed every tribe alone. We have not heard anything about Moses’ wife or his biological children. He did not give any of them a command, nor cared for putting their material affairs in order before he dies, but he counted the people as a whole as his children; and did not wish to depart from this world before he blesses them. He started by blessing the people as a whole, and so he ended it, as one holy congregation. Together with his care for each tribe individually, yet no single tribe of them will enjoy the blessing unless it unites with its brethren in a oneness of spirit and thought, and all become one people for One God. After speaking frankly and clearly, as a father and a leader of his people, through his prophetic song, revealing what will dwell on them because of their apostasy from faith, he did not intend to let this song be the last of his talks. Although he was filled with grief for what will happen to his people, for whose edification he dedicated his whole heart and possibilities in the Lord, he gave his blessing to every single tribe. He did not want to give the impression that he is departing from the world, full of anger, but comfortably desiring for his people to be blessed in the Lord. Before he departs, the prophet Moses provided his people with his commandment, and blessed them in a poetic style, the way Jacob blessed his children (Genesis 49:2-27). While the blessing uttered by Jacob, paraded the deeds of his children, some of which was shameful, that of Moses here, parades the works of divine grace, as far as their covenant with God is concerned. He gave thanks to the God of salvation and covenant (2-5); mentioned the tribes by their names, presenting each with a prophetic blessing (6-25); then ended his talk by praising the Lord of Israel (26-28), and by a promise that the chosen people of the Lord will gain victory over their enemies (29). From the first verse, it is obvious that, either the blessing was written after the death of Moses; that Moses probably wrote the part that preceded the blessing; or that it was written by someone who heard Moses speaking. In any case, this blessing is a prophetic peace mixed with prayer and thanksgiving (Luke 2:28). Simeon’s name was omitted, probably to keep the number of the tribes as 12; taking into consideration that it has been included later on in the tribe of Judah. These blessings bore words of comfort that revealed God’s thoughts and grace that He gives to His people. 1. Moses blesses the people 1. 2. God’s glory among His people 2-5. 3. The blessing to Reuben 6. 4. The blessing to Judah 7. 5. The blessing to Levi 8-11. 6. The blessing to Benjamin 12. 7. The blessing to Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) 13-17. 8. The blessing to Zebulon and Issachar 18-19. 9. The blessing to Gad 20-21. 10. The blessing to Dan 22. 11. The blessing to Naphtali 23. 7 12. The blessing to Asher 24-25. 13. A collective blessing 26–29. 1. BLESSING THE PEOPLE “Now, this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death” (Deut. 33:1) This verse is considered the headline of the whole chapter; which reveals Moses’ fatherly love and his yearning for their growth and salvation, although he was going to die without sharing with them what they were destined to gain. “Moses the man of God” (1): These words show that Moses was not the author of this chapter. Caleb called Moses by this title (Joshua 14:6); and was also used as a headline of Psalm 90. 2. GOD’S GLORY AMONG HIS PEOPLE The prophet Moses revealed the foundation on which his brethren would be blessed; namely, the proclamation of God’s glory for their sake at different locations: From Sinai, from Seir, from Mount Paran, and with ten thousands of saints. “And he said: ‘The Lord came from Sinai, and dawned on them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran, and He came with ten thousands of saints” (Deut. 33:2) He starts the blessing by his beholding the Lord coming from Sinai, in glory like the shining of the sun; he beholds God providing His people with His Law or commandment, to let them walk according to the heavenly Law, in order to enjoy an angelic nature, and to have a fellowship in the blessed heavenly life. There He granted them His fiery Law, to let them become fiery beings, in the image of God, the consuming fire. In the Targum of Jerusalem, it came that God came down on the Mount of Seir to present His Law to the Edomites, who rejected it because it included the commandment, “You shall not kill;” Then He presented on Mount Paran to the Ishmaelites, who rejected it because it included the commandment, “You shall not steal.” And when He came to Mount Sinai to present it to Israel, they said, “Whatever the Lord says we shall hear.” God came down in glory and splendor to present His Law and to talk to His people; being said: “He dawned forth” and “He shone.” Some believe that when God came down to present His Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, He also proclaimed the splendor of His glory. Dawning forth on Mount Seir and shining on Mount Paran, which are far from one another; it is as though the dwelling of God’s glory on Mount Sinai spread over the whole region that the distant mountains dawned forth and shone. Others believe that God’s glory came down on Mount Sinai where the prophet Moses received the Law – which has the priority, having been the most important event in the whole Old Testament – And proclaimed His glory on Mount Seir; as it came in the book of Judges: “Lord, when you went out from Seir, When You marched from the field of Edom, The earth trembled and the heavens poured, The clouds also poured water; The mountains gushed before the Lord, This Sinai, before the Lord God of Israel” (Judges 5:4). God’s glory also appeared on Paran; being said: “The glory of God appeared in the Tabernacle of meeting before all the children of Israel” (Numbers 14; 10). “He came with ten thousands of saints” (2). ‘Saints’ came in the Septuagint version as ‘angels,’ which is probably the true meaning (see Acts 7:53). Scholars have different interpretations for this expression; whether it is a fourth location where the 8 Lord proclaimed His glory, or it refers to God’s coming in general, being surrounded by tens of thousands of saintly angels; according to what came about His coming in the epistle of Jude (14); and in the Psalms: “The chariots of God are… thousands, even thousands of thousands” (Psalm 68:17). God appeared to His people to provide them with His “fiery Law” (2); as it was presented “in the midst of fire” (Deut. 4:33); acts like fire that consumes evil, to purify the soul of corruption. And the Holy Spirit came upon the Church of the New Testament in the form of divided tongues of fire (Acts 2) for the disciples to present the fiery gospel, and to turn the souls into flaring fire of love toward God and men. As to saying, “From His right hand came a fiery Law for them” (2) the right hand refers to power as well as to blessing. By the Law we enjoy the power of God, and gain the blessing. “Yes, He loves the people. All His saints are in your hand; they sit down at Your feet. Everyone receives Your word” (Deut. 33:3). The hand refers to the divine care. In the book of Revelation, the seven churches appear in the hand of the Lord Jesus (Rev. 1:16). His hand is spacious to embrace the catholic (universal) Church since Adam and to the end of ages. The Lord says about His sheep: “ neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:28). As to His people sitting down at His feet, everyone receives His words. This refers to when the people stayed at the foot of the mountain, waiting for the prophet Moses who ascended to the top to encounter God, to receive the Law, and to deliver it to the people. Their staying at the foot of the mountain that smoked before the amazing glory of God was like the sitting of students at the feet of their teacher, with the spirit of humility and of the desire of learning. The glorious God appears (33:2-5), being the true King of all the tribes; with His fiery Law, representing His love for His people; and holding His holy people in His right hand, to let no one be deprived of His love. They desire sitting at His feet; while He lovingly takes them in His bosom. With His love, He intended to present His Law to them. It is fitting for them to sit at His feet in humility, to demonstrate their desire for learning and discipleship; and in order to enjoy His Law as their inheritance: “Moses commanded a Law for us, a heritage of the congregation of Jacob. And He was King in Jeshurun, when the leaders of the people were gathered” (Deut. 33:4, 5) The Law of the Lord is our inheritance, our treasure, and our riches. The Psalmist says: “Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, For they are the rejoicing of my heart” (Psalm 119:111). When the heads of the people gathered together, Moses was among them like a king or a leader of all Israel, presented the Law of the King of kings; whom they unfortunately later on rejected. The Lord says: “You said to Me, ‘No, but a king shall reign over us,’ when the Lord your God was your king” (1 Samuel 12:12). “He was king in Jeshurun” (5), may refer to Jehovah (Compare 1 Samuel 12:12), to the King Messiah, mentioned in verse 3, or to Moses. 3. THE BLESSING TO REUBEN “Let Reuben live, and not die, nor let his men be few” (Deut. 33:6) The number of this tribe probably diminished because of the sin of Dathan and Abiram, children of Reuben, who joined Korah in opposing Moses (Numbers 16:1, 3, 3o). But Moses with his spacious heart, not bearing bitter memories, seeks blessing 9 for the tribe. Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob, although have lost his firstborn status, yet Moses began by him to save his face. Although the portion of this tribe was designated east of the River Jordan, but its men were committed to cross over the Jordan together with the other tribes to fight with them (Numbers 32:27), until all them get their inheritance. That is why Moses sought for them to live and not to die, nor be few, albeit they are not to enjoy the honor of the firstborn. As their portion was on the frontier, he confirmed to them that God would protect and support their men, so as not to be devoured by the surrounding nations. That is the beginning of every blessing; to enjoy together with Reuben to live “the eternal life,” and not to die “the second death;” our possibilities and glories not to be few; to enjoy the eternal glory, and to be counted in the sight of heaven as an exceedingly great army (Ezekiel 37:10). 4. THE BLESSING TO JUDAH “And this he said of Judah: Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah, and bring him to his people; Let his hands be sufficient for him, And may You be a help against his enemies” (Deut. 33:7) The blessing to Judah preceded that to Levi; as, in the Old Testament, the king’s honor (the royal tribe of Judah), is greater than that of priesthood; although both join together in the Person of the Lord Christ, being the King and the Priest. Judah precedes Levi. Moreover, as the priesthood of the New Testament, connected to the priesthood of Christ, is greater than that of Levi. Judah, the royal tribe, feeling his weakness, resorted to God as his support. The blessing to Judah is directed to David as a symbol of the Lord Christ. David is known as a man of prayer, whose voice God hears, and as a man of action, who strives with his hands to conquer his enemy. Our Christ intercedes with His blood, and loves practically by His cross. What is the voice of Judah which God hears for the sake of his people but that of the Lord Christ, the intercessor between God and men, for the sake of the forgiveness of His people. He sets forth to the battle to fight by Himself on behalf of humanity. And in complete humility He resorted to the Father, although He is One with Him, in order that in Him we enjoy the divine help. Together with Reuben, we seek to enjoy the eternal life, so that death would have no authority over us. And together with Judah, to enjoy our acceptance by God the Father, to be counted as children of prayer, accepted by Him, bearing His power in our spiritual strife against the enemy. 5. THE BLESSING TO LEVI “And of Levi he said: Let your Thumim and your Urim be with your holy one, whom you tested at Massah, and with whom you contended at the waters of Meribah. Who says of his father and mother, ‘I have not seen them,’ nor did he acknowledge his brothers, or know his own children. For they have observed Your word and kept your covenant. They shall teach Jacob your judgments, and Israel your law. They shall put incense before You, and a whole burnt sacrifice on Your altar. Bless his substance, Lord, and accept the work of his hands. Strike the loins of those who rise against him, and of those who hate him, that they rise not again” (Deut. 33:8-11) Here the prophet Moses speaks of the tribe to which he belongs, although he does not refer to the fact, nor to his own role, but to that of his brother Aaron the high priest and his successors; the bearer of the Thummim and the Urim over his chest (Exodus 28:30), by which he recognizes the will of God, to deliver it to the people. 10 The Urim refers to the enlightenment, the vision, or the wisdom; and the Thummim to the perfection or integrity. Our Christ is the High Priest, in whom we enjoy the integrated life, and the eternal life. “Your Thummim and Your Urim” (8), are interpreted in the Septuagint version as ‘Your light and Your truth’ (Psalm 43:3). He called him ‘the righteous or the saint,’ anointed as the high priest of God, the symbol of the Lord Christ, who is alone Holy. Despite the holy life he enjoyed, yet in weakness he fell at the waters of Meribah, together with the prophet Moses, and both of them were deprived of entering the Promised Land. That is why there was the need for the High Priest of the coming goods, who is alone without weakness - our Lord Jesus Christ. Aaron dedicated himself to the Lord, and came to be as though he has not seen his own father and mother, nor did he acknowledge his brothers or children according to the flesh; having become a father to the whole congregation with no exception. The mission of the Levites committed them to care for the people more than their own families. But the Lord Christ, the sweet Fragrance, is interceding for us before the Father; He is the burnt sacrifice, capable of salvation. Because the goal of this tribe is: dedicating to God, keeping of the commandments, observing the covenant, teaching, and offering the pure worship, It is said: “My covenant was with him (Levi), one of life and peace, And I gave them to him that he might fear Me; So he feared Me, and was reverent before My name” (Malachi 2:5). Blessing of the Levi was very important; having no portion in the land, the Lord being his portion, who fulfills all his needs, Moses prays to God to bless his substance or his possibilities. 6. THE BLESSING TO BENJAMIN “Of Benjamin he said: The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, who shelters him all the day long; and he shall dwell between His shoulders” (Deut. 33:12) This probably means that God carried Benjamin on His shoulders like a shepherd. Or a prophecy that the temple was to be built by the frontier of this tribe. Benjamin came directly after Levi, because the temple where the priests work was to be on the frontier of the portion of Benjamin. Benjamin even came before Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), because Benjamin was to be next to the house of David and the temple; and to have more honor than Samaria, in the portion of Ephraim. Jerusalem was to be a portion of this tribe (Joshua 18:28). And although Zion, the city of David, was to be a portion of the tribe of Judah, yet the Mount of Moriah, over which the temple was to be built, was a portion of Benjamin. That is why the temple over the mountain, was like the head between two shoulders; namely, God with His temple, “dwells between the shoulders of Benjamin.” Setting the temple over the Mount of Moriah, a portion of Benjamin, refers to the fact that Benjamin dwells in the shadow (safety) of the temple; namely, under protection of the Lord Himself. And as the Psalmist says: “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever” (Psalm 125:1, 2). ‘Benjamin’ means ‘son of the right hand.’ It is as though, as man seeks to live forever, and not to submit to the second death (the tribe of Reuben); to practice the royal life through the perpetual prayer, together with the strife in the spiritual battle (the tribe of Judah); dedicating his life to keeping the commandment and worshipping 11 God (the tribe of Levi); he will be worthy of being the son of the right hand; to be counted as for the Lord, to abide in Him, to be protected under His shade, and to settle down between His shoulders (the tribe of Benjamin). Benjamin was called “the beloved of the Lord;” as Benjamin was the beloved son of Jacob, the son of his right hand (Genesis 49:27). King Saul came of this tribe, so did the apostle Paul. Whoever is attached to the Lord, would become His beloved, would enjoy safety in Him, and would find comfort between His shoulders; namely, in His bosom. 7. THE BLESSING TO JOSEPH (THE TWO TRIBES OF EPHRAIM AND MANASSEH) “And of Joseph he said: Blessed of the Lord is his land, with the precious things of heaven, with the dew, and the deep lying beneath, with the precious fruits of the sun, with the precious produce of the months, with the best things of the ancient mountains, with the precious things of the everlasting hills, with the precious things of the earth and its fullness, and the favor of Him who dwelt in the bush. Let the blessing come on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers. His glory is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like the horns of the wild ox. Together with them, he shall push the peoples to the ends of the earth. They are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh” (Deut. 33:13-17) In Jacob’s blessing, he gave Joseph the greater portion (Genesis 49); so did the prophet Moses. Joseph’s strength lies in that he was the ‘Nazarite of his brothers,’ as he was called by Moses, and in his ability to destroy and conquer his enemies. And as the ‘Nazarite’ or the ‘dedicated,’ is the person who is separate from others to dedicate his life and possibilities on account of the kingdom of God; so Joseph was separate from his brothers, sold as a slave, and lived his youth in Egypt, far from them for their sake; having said to them: “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as He is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones” (Genesis 50:19-21). It is as though God allowed for him to be temporarily separated, in order to preserve the life of his brothers; so he is counted as the ‘Nazarite’ of his brothers. The blessing to the two tribes that came from Joseph was both, great in quantity and great in strength. The fertile cities came to be their portion to inherit. Here, it is proclaimed that the source of fertility or the blessing is the grace of God “the precious things of heaven” (13). Great was his blessing, even to his land, watered by the blessings of the Lord from heaven, and by the deep springs coming from underneath. So God blesses man in his body (his land), raining over him the water of the Spirit; and flooding in him the springs of the Spirit from underneath; namely, his body would bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit; and would come to be the fruitful and beloved paradise of God; according to the words of the Psalmist: “You visit the earth and water it. You greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water” (Psalm 65:9). Besides blessing the land, the rain, and the springs, God blesses the work of the sun, the moon, and the stars for man’s sake. Through the heat of the sun, supported by the moon, the land gives its most precious produce. Some understand verse 14, that God uses the seasons of the year, connected to the sun, the moon, and the stars, to provide man with the increase of fruits at the right season. Such is God’s blessing to the inner paradise of the soul. The Sun of righteousness would shine on 12 her with His light, and provide her with His spiritual heat, to let her enjoy the unique increasing fruits. And the Church (the moon) would shed her light on her; would surround her with her saints like the stars of heaven; to become perpetually fruitful; producing the right fruit in the right time. While other lands might moan because of drought, and for their barren mountains and hills, this tribe enjoys the most precious fruitful trees. The soul would rise as though on the mountains and hills of the word of God; would not live at the foot together with others; but would ascend, together with the disciples Peter, James, and John, in the company of Christ, to where she enjoys the transfiguration; to realize the secrets of the Old Testament Law (Moses) and prophets (Elijah); and to live on Mount Tabor in the exalted glory of God. The believer would live like the steadfast and un-shaken mountain of God. Together with the fruits of the mountains and hills, the lower lands and the valleys would provide this tribe with plentiful produce; so that he would rejoice for the precious gifts of God of crops of grain, vegetables and little plants. Wherever man might be, he would know nothing but perpetual fruition, would enjoy the heavenly blessings coming from above; and would thank God for His temporal earthly blessings, to fulfill the needs of his body as well as those of his brethren. By that the blessing would dwell over his head, and he would be counted as the ‘Nazarite’ of his brothers, as he sees that all the blessings within his hands are not only for his sake, but also for the sake of the edification and perpetual growth of his brothers. By the precious things of the earth, he probably means what it presents to him of precious minerals and valuable stones; according to the words of ‘Job’: “As for the earth, from it comes bread, and underneath it is turned up as by fire; Its stones are the source of sapphires, and it contains gold dust” (Job 28:5, 6). Beside the bread that the earth offers to fulfill the body; it also offers the precious minerals and valuable stones for industry and adornment. So the believer would find exalted blessings that fulfill his soul by the heavenly bread, and adorn her with the splendor of God’s glory. Then the prophet Moses crowns these blessings that come upon this tribe; of the water of rain, of the springs, of the fruits of the mountains and hills, and of the precious minerals and the valuable stones, by what is greater, namely, the encounter of man’s will with the divine will, to carry in him a holy will, accepted by God, and the pleasure of Him who dwelt in the bush, as he (Moses) was called to ministry, that was burned with fire, but was not consumed (Exodus 3:2). That is the exalted blessing, when God draws the heart, mind, and thought, to Himself, and brings the believer into His exalted secrets, particularly His salvation works, of incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection, in order to set forth bearing a living evangelic testimony, yearning to draw every soul, away from the bondage of Pharaoh, to set forth, across the wilderness, toward the heavenly Canaan. Reaching up to the enjoyment of the holy will, as the greatest of blessings, Moses says: “Let the blessing come on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers” (16). That is concerning the increase of spiritual blessings; But as far as the blessing of strength; the prophet sees him like a firstborn ox, which was a symbol of royal greatness. He is strong and capable of having conquest over the peoples to the end of the earth. Joshua son of Nun, led his people over to the Promised Land; and on his hands they had successive conquests over the Canaanites and took over their land. He is of the tribe of Ephraim son of Joseph, in whose portion was the royal city of the kingdom of Israel – the kingdom of the North. And of Manasseh came Gideon, Jephthah and Jair, the Judges who were the pride of their country, filled with blessing 13 and strength. Some believe that describing Joseph as a firstborn bull, refers to the fact that he gained the firstborn status that Reuben lost (1 Chronicles 1; 2); and because Bashan, a portion of Manasseh was famous for strong bulls (Psalm 22:12). The bull for the Jews has been one of the most important animals, on account that he was well received by the Lord as an animal of sacrifice, and because of its benefit as a working beast in agriculture. “His horns are like the horns of the wild ox” (17), with which he strikes and conquers; besides having special kind of beauty. The tribe of Ephraim was known for its might and authority.( (Psalm 75:5, 10; 89: 17, 24; 112: 9; Daniel 8: 3; Luke 1: 96; Revelation 17: 3) . He gave Ephraim the tens of thousands, and to Manasseh the thousands; according to the prophecy of Jacob that Ephraim the younger son of Joseph would be greater than his brother (Genesis 48:19), which was actually realized (Numbers 1:33- 35). 8. THE BLESSINGS TO ZEBULUN AND ISSACHAR “And of Zebulun he said: Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, And Issachar in your tents! They shall call the peoples to the mountains. There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they shall partake of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hidden in the sand” (Deut. 33:18, 19) These two tribes were mentioned together, because they both were the sons of Jacob from Leah; and they were neighbors in their portions of the land of inheritance. The tribe of Zebulun was famous for having marine ports (Genesis 49; 13); through which people of different nations used to pass; many of whom entered faith, forsaking idolatry. The blessing here, refers to their preaching, evangelic testimony, and opening of their hearts to others. They grew very rich through marine trading, as a symbol of their riches in spiritual work. What does he mean by “the treasures hidden in the sand?” Jonathan son of Azoel believes that, because the sands on the shores of Zebulun were of the best kinds for the industry of glass, it was like a treasure within their hands. So were the scales of fish in the sand there, for the industry of the precious purple textile. Whereas some others believe that these words are symbolic expression of their great wealth by the marine trade. As Zebulun rejoices over his marine trade; so also Isacchar rejoice over his trade in their tents. God has granted every man and every nation what fulfill their needs, some on land and others in the sea. Letting us all rejoice wherever we are, we should never feel haughty because of our special talents, nor feel depressed because of those of others. Every one of us should work with what he has! Zebulun should thank God for his marine ports; and Issachar, for the prosperity of his trade through tents; “As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor – this is the gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 6:19). By the marine trade, as well as by that through the tents, they called the nations to the mountain where the temple of the Lord was set; namely, they used their labor as a chance to testify to the Lord, and to call others to minister to Him. The ministry of the Lord Christ started in the land of Zebulun (Matthew 4:14- 15); after which those people were called to the mountain; namely, to the kingdom of Christ, called “the mountain of the Lord’s house” (Isaiah 2:2). 14 Some believe that (the sons of) Issachar, because they were living in tents, they were well aware of the days of the feasts more than others; and they used to call others to celebrate them. Whereas others believe that the tents here had certain educational significance, as some of those people used to seek more education and knowledge. That got them some role of leadership, although they were neither a royal, nor a tribe of priesthood; yet they symbolized positive labor and feeling of responsibility. God granted them several riches; that when they called others to go up to the ‘mountain of the lord’s house,’ they were good living role models to them, when they were seen coming carrying many gifts with abundance. The prophet Isaiah, speaking of the glory of the Church of the New Testament, and her spiritual riches, says: “The abundance of the sea shall be turned to you; and the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you” (Isaiah 60:5). Her trade turned to the glory of God: “Her grain and her pay will be set apart for the Lord, it will not be treasured nor laid up, for her grain will be for those who dwell before the Lord, to eat sufficiently, and for fine clothing” (Isaiah 23:18). 9. THE BLESSING TO GAD “And of Gad he said: Blessed is he who enlarges Gad. He dwells as a lion, and tears the arm and the crown of his head. He provided the first part for himself, because a lawgiver’s portion was reserved there. He came with the heads of the people. He administered the justice of the Lord, and the judgments with Israel” (Deut. 33:20-21) Gad was one of the tribes that had their portion of the Promised Land east of the River Jordan. Moses prophesied that the blessing to Gad would be: 1. “enlarged.” After having their portion of the land, their territory was greatly enlarged Being men of war, they made war with the Hagrites, conquered them, took away much spoil, and dwelt in their place (1 Chronicles 5:18-22). By the spirit of conquest and victory, like a lioness, they tore the arm; namely, the strength; and the crown of the head; namely, the honor and glory of their enemies. “Some Gadites joined David at the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains” (1 Chronicles 12:8). 2. “He provided the first part for himself;” namely, Gad wisely cared to have their portion ahead of all, east of the River Jordan, before crossing the river to its west bank. And as the Psalmist says: “For men will praise you when you do well for yourself” (Psalm 49:18). So it is with him, who cares for the salvation of his soul, and who gives priority to the inheritance of the soul over the needs of the body; He would be worthy of praise. Gad was not driven by selfishness in taking what he did; as he set forth to fight for the sake of the rest of the tribes: “He came with the heads of the people. He administered the justice of the Lord” (21). They were obedient to Joshua son of Nun; answered him, saying: “All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go” (Joshua 1:16). And so they did (Joshua 4:12, 13). “And when Joshua sent them away to their tents, he blessed them” (Joshua 22:7). As (the sons of) Gad were swift in movement; they were referred to in the distribution preceding those of Reuben (Numbers 22:2). Whereas Joshua carried out the distribution of the land among the tribes; Gad and his company got theirs from Moses, the lawgiver; according to the Law; namely, through the care of God (21) 10. THE BLESSING TO DAN 15 “And of Dan he said: Dan is a lions whelp; He shall leap from Bashan” (Deut. 33:22) The Jewish tradition connects the tribe of Dan to apostasy. They were described by Jacob as a snake (Genesis 49:17); and by Moses as the whelp of a lion; namely, they had the head of the snake and the heart of the lion. Interpreters believed that as Bashan was a location where lions abound, the tribe of Dan were known for their strength. “The border of the children of Dan went beyond these, because the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem and took it; and they struck it with the edge of the sword, took possession of it, and dwelt in it. They called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father” (Joshua 19:47) The tribe of Dan was raised as a whelp of a lion, grew up, and came to search for preys among the Philistines. 11. THE BLESSING TO NAPHTALI “And of Naphtali he said: O Naphtali, satisfied with favor, and full of the blessing of the Lord, possess the west and the south” (Deut. 33:23) This tribe was given the beautiful fertile land west and south of the Sea of Galilee. To this tribe he looked with surprise, commending them. While the blessing refers to the will of God; the source of pleasure, the fullness of blessing, and the possession of both the west and the south, refer to the fact that the Lord Christ, the King of kings, has shined with His splendor there. And as the evangelist Matthew says: “Leaving Nazareth, He (Jesus) came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: ‘The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people who sat in darkness saw a great light” (Matthew 4:13-16). The Lord Christ considered Capernaum as His own town (Matthew 9:1; Mark 2:1). The fullness of blessing here, might refer to the fertility of its land, because of which the Jews believed that the tribe of Naphtali used to be the first to present the firstfruits to the temple; and that the inhabitants of Capernaum and Bethsaida were known for their wealth. 12. THE BLESSING TO ASHER “And of Asher he said: Asher is most blessed of sons. Let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil. Your sandals shall be iron and bronze. As your days, so shall your strength be” (Deut. 33:24, 25) His land was famous for the production of oil. The prophet Moses presents four prophecies about Asher, which bear in themselves the signs of blessing. Leah said, when Asher was born; “Happy am I!” (Genesis 30:13). 1. Increase in number of his children, who would enter into a covenant with God; enjoy Him as a source of blessing. 2. Favored by his brothers; namely, being with them in unity, love, and good will. 3. Enjoy so many good things, that he, not only would anoint his body with oil, but also would even dip his foot in fragrant oils. The Lord says that the priest and the Levi, as they had on them no oil or wine, passed by the wounded man, and could not bandage his wounds (Luke 10:31, 33) . Isaiah proclaims: “Wounds, bruises, and putrefying sores; not been closed or bound up, or soothed with ointment” (Isaiah 1:6). To soothe and heal such wounds of 16 her children, the church has got the secret oil. In such oil, Asher has dipped his feet1. St. Ambrose 4. Asher had an abundance of minerals in their land that they used to make their sandals of iron and bronze; which symbolically refer to strength, splendor, and ability to tread on rough ground. “As your days, so shall your strength be;” which means having strength in their life that would never fail. 13. A COLLECTIVE BLESSING TO ALL ISRAEL “There is no one like the God of Jeshurun; who rides the heaven to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds” (Deut. 33:26) God is worthy of every praise. He is above, below, behind, before, and around His people. His person stands beyond nature and secrets, a Lord and Savior of His people. Every nation is proud of her God, but there is no One like the God of Jeshurun. The whole people was called “Jeshurun;” namely, (the straightforward people); or as it came in the Septuagint version, ‘the beloved people.’ God hastens to help them, riding heaven as a divine chariot; “and His excellency on the clouds.” The clouds refer to the inability to apprehend the secrecy of excellence of God’s love, support, and care for His people. He has the authority on the whole nature; dedicating it on account of His people. “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!’ Then Israel shall dwell in safety, The fountain of Jacob alone, In a land of grain and new wine; His heavens shall also drop dew. Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you? A people saved by the Lord, The shield of your help, and the sword of your majesty! Your enemies shall submit to you, and you shall tread down their high places” (Deut. 33:27-29) Concerning the possibilities and swiftness, He rides the clouds to help His people; and concerning experience, He is the ancient, eternal, and unchangeable God; who stretches His arms underneath them, to keep them from falling. His arms will never be defeated or destroyed by an enemy, to snatch His people from within them. As long as the Church is perpetually borne on His everlasting arms, she will never drown. She is borne on the Rock of ages; and “the gates of Hades shall not prevail against her” (Matthew 16:18). “He will dwell on high; His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; Bread will be given him, His water will be sure” (Isaiah 33:16). He is eternal before ages, and will never submit to time; and as it came in Habakkuk: “Are you not from everlasting, O Lord my God, my Holy One? We shall not die” (Habakkuk 1:12). The people shall never need a weapon for protection; but the Lord Himself will be their weapon; They will become their shield and sword; God made Himself a refuge for His people (27); where they safely dwell; the soul abiding by God, feels at home, in true security. The Psalmist says: “Return to your rest, O my soul. For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you” (Psalm 116:7); “You are my hiding place. You shall preserve me from trouble” Psalm 32:7). God will grant His people a conquest over the enemy, to destroy him, and to be feared. 1 St. Ambrose: Letter 41:19,20. 17 AN INSPIRATION FROM THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY (Chapter 33) OPEN MY MOUTH TO BLESS You granted me a mouth and a tongue to bless and not to curse. Be in my mouth; to bless everyone I encounter. Let me enjoy Your blessing on the tongue of Your prophet Moses. Let me sit at Your feet, together with those at the foot of the mountain. To look at the fiery mountain of God; So that my soul would be filled with the splendor of Your glory. And Your word would shine inside me. Together with Reuben, let me see You, O the Grantor of life. I shall never fear death, as long as You dwell in me. Together with Judah, let me realize that Your ears are inclined toward me. Listening to the hidden prayers of my heart, And responding to the supplications of my soul, Destroying my enemy, and fighting my sins, To gain by You successive conquests. Together with Levi, let me dedicate to You my whole life. You, alone, are my portion. I shall not be preoccupied by a father, mother, spouse, or children; You, alone, are everything to me. To love them in You; and to minister to You in them. Make me holy, to become a witness to You, O the Holy One. Accept my priesthood; and smell my prayer, a sweet fragrance. Receive from my hands sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise. Teach me to keep Your covenant forever. Together with Benjamin, grant me a place on Your right hand. Call me Your beloved; for my soul to find peace in You. Let me find refuge under Your wings And to dwell in security between Your shoulders. Together with Joseph’s two sons: Ephraim and Manasseh grant me good things of Your love. Bless my land, to produce an increase of fruits Transform my depths into steadfast mountains that bear great fruits. Fill my land with precious minerals. Beside the spiritual riches, grant me strength, beauty, and honor. You are my riches, my strength, and my glory. Together with Zebulun, let me minister to You in the seas. And with Issachar, let me testify to You in the tents. Accept my ministry both in the sea and on land. 18 Together with Gad, Grant me to care for the salvation of my soul. Let the land of my heart be spacious, to receive every stranger and needy. Together with Dan, make me like the whelp of a lion. Full of youth, vitality, and strength of Spirit. Together with Naphtali, grant me fertility in my land; not to become ever barren. But to perpetually bear an increase of the fruit of the Spirit. Together with Asher, dip my feet in oil. Flood me with blessings, that I wash my feet with spiritual fragrant oils. Let me wear iron shoes, to walk along the rough roads without fear. Let my feet become anointed with love; and make them walk firmly with the spirit of strength.
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