The Book Of Joshua. Day 2, Preparing To Cross The Jordan River

In yesterday's passage the Lord encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous. The time is at hand to begin taking hold of the promises the Lord made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan. Now that Joshua's spirit is refreshed by his time with the Lord, he's ready to take action. He tells the people to prepare themselves to cross the Jordan River in three days.

"So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: 'Go through the camp and tell the people, 'Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.'" (Joshua 1:10-11) Joshua didn't tell the people to prepare themselves to move out until after the Lord told him it was time to move out. Joshua isn't operating on his own timetable but on the Lord's timetable. It wasn't until after the Lord encouraged and strengthened Joshua for the task ahead that Joshua began preparing the Israelites for action. Even then he gives them three days to pack up for the move because they have to prepare their hearts and minds and belongings. 

I want to stop here to point out that we must beware of "now or never" offers. The Lord prepares us ahead of time for big tasks. When an unexpected opportunity suddenly comes our way out of the blue, and when there's an intense sense of urgency about it as if we have to make a decision now or the opportunity will disappear, that's a good sign that it isn't from the Lord. If we aren't being given time to pray and consult the Lord about whether or not this is His will for us, there's a good chance it isn't His will or that it isn't His will at this time. If we are being pressured to make a big decision without talking to the Lord first, we have to ask ourselves whether the offer is coming from the enemy of our souls as an attempt to get us off track, out of the Lord's will, and straight into trouble. 

Next Joshua reminds some of his fellow Israelites of a promise they made. You'll recall from Numbers 32 that the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh wanted as their inheritance the land on the east side of the Jordan River. They were cattle farmers and thought the land on the east of the Jordan was perfect for their herds. But the men had promised Moses that they would still cross the Jordan and help the other tribes gain their inheritance on the west side. Joshua reminds them of their obligation. "But to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 'Remember the command that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you after he said, 'The Lord your God will give you rest by giving you this land.' Your wives, your children and your livestock must stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your fighting men, ready for battle, must cross over ahead of your fellow Israelites.'" (Joshua 1:12-14a) These tribes were assigned territories ahead of the other tribes (because they requested it) and now they are to go across the Jordan ahead of the other tribes. They had given their word to Moses that they would lead the charge into the promised land, saying, "We will arm ourselves for battle and go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them to their place." (Numbers 32:17a)

They had sworn they would not return to their land east of the Jordan until all the other tribes received their territories, so Joshua reminds them that their oath was not made void by the death of Moses. Their oath was made as much to the Lord as to anyone else and they are bound to fulfill it. "You are to help them until the Lord gives them rest, as He has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land the Lord your God is giving them. After that, you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise." (Joshua 1:14b-15) 

The men confirm their intention to do exactly what they said they'd do. They also swear their allegiance to Joshua as the servant of the Lord. Just as they obeyed the Lord's instructions relayed to them by Moses, they intend to obey what the Lord says to them through Joshua. "Then they answered Joshua, 'Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as He was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!'" (Joshua 1:16-18) 

These men now bestow a blessing upon Joshua: "May the Lord your God be with you as He was with Moses." This is a prayer we ought to be praying for our religious leaders. We are to pray for our political leaders too, for the Apostle Paul said, "I urge then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people---for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (1 Timothy 2:1-2) Paul was living under the authority of the Roman Empire at the time, yet he still prayed for the heathen idolaters who were in political authority. He prayed that they would come to know the Lord and that the Lord would be with them as they ruled the land. He prayed that those who had already come to faith in the Lord would remain strong in the faith. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all our political leaders loved and obeyed the Lord? Imagine how much better everything would be for every citizen if our government officials were seeking the will of the Lord and doing exactly what He tells them to do! 

The men make it a capital offense to disobey the instructions of Joshua. Joshua's instructions are coming straight from the Lord; to disobey him is to disobey the Lord. The death penalty will be carried out upon anyone who defies Joshua's orders. 

The men finish restating their promise by confirming to Joshua what the Lord has already said to him: "Be strong and courageous!" The Lord often confirms His instructions to us through other believers. For example, let's say we've been praying about a certain matter and meditating upon the word of God. We keep feeling like the Lord is sending us a particular message or is leading us in a particular direction. The Holy Spirit is working to confirm the Lord's message to our hearts and we feel quite confident that we have heard the Lord clearly. Still, we are weak and mortal creatures. We like as much confirmation as we can get, don't we? We have a tendency to doubt whether or not we really heard the Lord saying what we think He said. He'll usually follow up by sending us the same message through other believers.

I'll give you a quick example (one of many) of how He's done this in my own life. In 2019 I needed an endoscopy done to diagnose whether I was having symptoms of acid reflux or whether it was something more serious. I'd never had anesthesia in my life and I was terrified of it. I was overwhelmed with the fear that I wouldn't wake up. Several times I'd talked myself in and out of going through the procedure. A few days before I was scheduled to have it done I was praying and studying the Bible and very clearly felt the Holy Spirit confirming I should have the test done when He took this verse and aimed it right at me: "I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me." (Psalm 3:5) Of course I was already familiar with this verse but I knew on this particular occasion the Holy Spirit was telling me to go ahead and have the test done and that I would be fine. I went to bed feeling at peace but woke up in the morning doubting whether I'd misheard the Lord. I asked Him if, in His patience and mercy, He'd send me additional confirmation. An hour or two later I opened the Facebook app on my phone to begin scrolling down the newsfeed and at the top of my newsfeed a casual friend (who knew nothing about my health issues or my upcoming test) had posted: "I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me." So I said, "Okay, Lord, I hear You. I'm still scared but I believe You're telling me You'll keep me safe under anesthesia and that You'll wake me up again."

The Lord knows we are weak. He knows we need reassurance. He knows we feel better when a message is confirmed to us. Joshua was an ordinary human being just like the rest of us and he needed reassurance and confirmation. The Lord lovingly sent him that reassurance and confirmation through the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh when they repeated the words the Lord had already said to him: "Be strong and courageous!"

The Book Of Joshua. Day 1, Be Strong And Courageous

The Israelites have just completed thirty days of mourning for Moses. Now it's time to move ahead. The Lord speaks words of encouragement to Joshua who will lead the people on into the promised land.

"After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: 'Moses My servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them---to the Israelites.'" (Joshua 1:1-2) Moses has passed into the presence of the Lord. The period of mourning has been observed. It is time to begin taking hold of the Lord's great promises. 

Sometimes we have to be stirred out of a particular place or a particular emotion. There was nothing wrong with observing thirty days of mourning for Moses; as we discussed yesterday, grief is a sacred thing and a necessary thing. It was entirely appropriate for the nation to grieve together as a group for a whole month for a great man like Moses. Even as they move forward, in their hearts they can still love him and miss him. The Lord isn't saying, "Okay, you've mourned enough. It's time to put Moses and his administration behind you and move on." He's saying something like this, "The promises are at hand. Moses worked hard for many years preparing you for the day in which you would cross the Jordan and begin to inherit all that I promised your forefathers. He is now in My presence receiving the eternal rewards of My faithful servants. The era of Moses and the days of preparation are concluded. Now it is time for action. This is the moment you've all been waiting for---the moment Moses longed to see---and he'd be the first to urge you onward."

The Lord continues His comforting message to Joshua, "I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates---all the Hittite country---to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them." (Joshua 1:3-6) The Lord is giving Joshua a pep talk because he needs one. We can be confident of this because the Lord doesn't waste words or resources. If the Lord is telling Joshua to be strong and courageous it's because Joshua doesn't feel especially strong and courageous right now. Moses left behind some very big shoes to fill. The Bible tells us that Joshua had been Moses' aide since Joshua was a very young man and that means he beheld the confidence and faith of Moses, day in and day out. He saw Moses go up on the fiery mountain to speak with the Lord. He saw Moses perform miracles through the power of the Lord. Joshua must have been thinking, "How can I possibly take Moses' place as leader of these people? I am not Moses."

But at this time in Israel's history the people don't need another Moses. They need a Joshua. They need a leader with Joshua's military talent. They need a leader whose faith is strong but whose faith is displayed by action. My pastor has been teaching a course on the book of Joshua for several months now and he pointed out that Moses shepherded and comforted and taught the people and did a great number of things on their behalf but that Joshua was of a sterner nature. Joshua will not coddle them; he will encourage them to be strong and courageous, just as the Lord is encouraging him. Joshua will urge them to be bold, to stand strong, to take action. 

Joshua himself must be strong and courageous if he's going to inspire anyone else to be strong and courageous. The Lord repeats His instructions to stand firm in the faith. "Be strong and very courageous." (Joshua 1:7a) This time He says to be very courageous. How is Joshua to manage this? Through the help of the Lord and by remaining close to Him through prayer and meditation upon His word. "Be careful to obey all the law My servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:7b-8) Joshua will be a man of bold action but his boldness will come from his confidence in the Lord. He will study the Lord's laws. He will maintain a close relationship with the Lord. The Lord will be on his mind twenty-four hours a day every day. He can't help but be successful in taking the promised land if he allows himself to be guided by the Lord at every turn.

A third time the Lord encourages Joshua. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) Aren't we thankful for the Lord's patience with our weakness? He knows we often need to be told something more than once. If He only tells us something once, we may begin to doubt whether we heard Him correctly. If He tells us twice, we might be able to convince ourselves that it's just a coincidence. But three times is difficult to explain away or ignore. Three times the Lord says to Joshua, "Be strong! Be courageous! Do not be afraid! I am with you!"

As the Apostle Paul so famously asked, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) If the Lord is with Joshua and the armies of Israel, who can stand against them? If the people remain faithful to the Lord and do not turn from Him to idols, what enemy is there to fear? King David, who is believed to be the author of Psalm 118, was a man who faced plots against his life and plots against his throne---sometimes from even his own family!---and yet he said, "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; He is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies." (Psalm 118:6-7)

We must always keep our eyes fixed on the Lord. We must always keep our minds fixed on His word. Then we can be strong and courageous. Then we can have the peace and confidence the prophet Isaiah spoke of when he declared to the Lord, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You." (Isaiah 26:3)

Deuteronomy. Day 123, The Death Of Moses

The book of Deuteronomy concludes with the death of Moses and as we begin our portion of Scripture today I am reminded of what the Apostle Paul said about his own impending death: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7) Moses has fought the good fight; he never gave up no matter how fierce the opposition, whether the opposition was an enemy army or his own people who at times wanted to stone him to death. He is an imperfect human being who has made a few mistakes along the way but he has finished the race and he has finished it strong. He has kept the faith; at no time has he ever turned or even considered turning from the Lord his God. Now the Lord is about to call him home.

We don't know the author of Chapter 34. It describes the death and burial of Moses so it stands to reason that someone else penned the final words of this book. The two most favored candidates for this chapter's authorship are Joshua, Moses' successor, or Eleazar, Moses' nephew who was high priest of Israel at the time of Moses' death. I've even seen it proposed that perhaps Moses prophetically wrote the account of his death and burial, though I have serious doubts about that because Deuteronomy ends with a eulogy that describes Moses as a man who cannot be compared to anyone. It's difficult for me to imagine a person who was said to be the most humble man on earth (Numbers 12:3) saying such things about himself. I personally like the idea that Joshua spoke the glowing words of Chapter 34 about the man who was his friend, his mentor, and his example of political and spiritual leadership for so many years. Joshua is about to take Moses' place and he knows he has some pretty big shoes to fill. It seems logical to me that he was the one who spoke such lovely and loving words about his predecessor.

"Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land---from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar." (Deuteronomy 34:1-3) The Lord keeps His promise to show Moses the land upon which he will never step foot. Moses is about to step out of this life and into the very presence of the Lord. We know Moses was grieved upon learning he would never enter the land, and perhaps he still feels an ache in his heart for it as he looks over it from the mountaintop, but once he enters the presence of the Lord I don't believe he'd want to come back to this earth for anything. I don't believe anyone who has passed into the presence of the Lord would want to return to this fallen world under any circumstances. 

"Then the Lord said to him, 'This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, 'I will give it to your descendants.' I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.'" (Deuteronomy 34:4) The fulfillment of the promise is at hand. Moses believes the Lord is going to do everything He's said He's going to do, even though Moses won't be here to see it.

We do not know the cause of Moses' death. No details are provided to us about his final moments on earth. The Lord shields Moses' privacy like a physician drawing a curtain around a hospital bed. We don't know whether Moses had a health condition that the Lord held off until now (for example, perhaps he had a sudden heart attack or stroke that took his life instantly) or whether the Lord simply reached down and put him peacefully to sleep. All we know for certain is that Moses was still strong enough in body to climb the mountain without aid and that his eyesight was still good enough to provide him with a clear view of the promised land. "And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is. Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone." (Deuteronomy 34:5-7) 

How did the Lord bury the body of Moses? The Bible doesn't say. Perhaps the Lord stirred up a dust storm to cover the body of His servant. Or perhaps the body of Moses was carried in the arms of the angels down into the valley where he was lovingly buried. Or maybe the hands of the Lord Himself scooped out a grave in the earth or placed Moses inside a cave and concealed the cave's opening. 

A more important question than how the Lord buried Moses is why the Lord buried Moses in secret. The opinion of many mainstream scholars is that if the body of Moses had not been buried, the people would likely have taken his body in a coffin with them into the promised land and that in time his body or its resting place would have become an object of worshipful idolatry. Jude, a brother of Jesus, made a mysterious remark regarding the interment of Moses' body. He said that the archangel Michael disputed with Satan about the body of Moses. (Jude 1:9) Why would Michael and Satan be arguing over the disposition of Moses' earthly remains? The main opinion, as stated previously, regards idolatry. Satan may have wanted the location of Moses' earthly remains known so he could use Moses' body or Moses' gravesite to tempt the people to elevate Moses to a status far above that of a human being. Another opinion is that Satan wanted to desecrate the body of Moses or that Satan tried to lay claim to Moses' body and soul because Moses was a convicted murderer. (He killed an Egyptian taskmaster for grievously beating a Hebrew slave in Exodus 2:11-12.) The penalty for premeditated murder was death under the law of Moses and Satan may have wanted Moses' soul condemned, under the very law Moses relayed to the people from the Lord, for his sin of murder. But the Lord, who forgave Moses' sin, was not going to allow Satan to have access to either the body or the soul of Moses, so He hid the location of Moses' remains not only from Moses' own people but from Satan himself.

Though there was no tomb at which to grieve for Moses, the people observed a month of mourning for him. "The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over." (Deuteronomy 34:8) Grief is a sacred thing. Observing a period of mourning is a necessary thing. When we don't observe a period of mourning we can find it difficult to move on successfully after experiencing a great loss. The people will soon be moving forward into the promised land but the Lord knows that human beings need time to mourn. For thirty days the nation of Israel grieves the loss of Moses. 

King Solomon said that there is a time to weep. But he also said there is a time to laugh. (Ecclesiastes 3:4a) He said there is a time to mourn but that there is also a time to dance. (Ecclesiastes 3:4b) The Israelites take time to weep and mourn before they move ahead into the next part of their journey. They grieve the loss of Moses before they victoriously take hold of the promised land where they will laugh and dance. 

After the time of weeping and mourning is finished, Joshua assumes the leadership of the nation, just as he was appointed by the Lord to do. The Lord gives him what he needs to be successful in this role by filling him with the Holy Spirit just as He filled Moses with the Holy Spirit. Because the Lord's anointing is upon Joshua as Moses' successor, the people give him their attention and respect and allegiance. As we conclude the book of Deuteronomy, we are told how the Lord enabled Joshua---through the Holy Spirit---to perform the monumental task ahead of him. The mention of Joshua here at the end of the book lends more credence to the theory that he is the one who wrote its beautiful finishing words regarding the character and deeds of Moses. "Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses. Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt---to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel." (Deuteronomy 34:9-12)

The end of Moses' life marks the end of an era and the beginning of the exciting and action-packed book of Joshua which we will begin in our next study session.

Deuteronomy. Day 122, Moses Blesses The Whole Nation

Chapter 33 contains prophetic blessings for each tribe of Israel and we have been studying these for the past three sessions. Now Moses sums up the chapter by pronouncing a blessing upon the nation as a whole.

First he begins by praising the God of Israel. "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in His majesty." (Deuteronomy 33:26) The book of Deuteronomy uses the word "Jeshurun" three times in place of the name of "Israel". It is believed to mean something like "the upright one" because it is derived from the same root word as the Hebrew "yesharim" which means "upright, just, straight". Moses is saying, "There is no one like the God of Israel. There is no one like the God of the covenant people. There is no one like the God of those who witnessed His signs and wonders and who have placed their trust in Him."

There is no God like the God of Israel because there is no God but the God of Israel. The God of "the upright ones" is the only God. Because the Israelites believe in Him instead of the false gods of the heathen nations, it can also be said that there is no one like the nation of Israel. 

Moses speaks of the Lord coming to help Israel and he uses the imagery of the Lord riding across the heavens in a war chariot to their rescue. David also used this imagery, saying, "Sing to God, sing in praise of His name, extol Him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before Him---His name is the Lord...Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, to Him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with a mighty voice." (Psalm 68:4,32-33) David is believed to also be the author of Psalm 104 in which he said, "He makes the clouds His chariot and rides on the wings of the wind." (Psalm 104:3) In modern times we have a tendency to picture the Lord as being seated on His throne in quietness and dignity but the ancient believers pictured Him on a chariot throne, ready to take action for His people at any moment. I really feel this is a more accurate way to think of Him. Yes, He is Lord of lords and King of kings and therefore is perpetually seated on the throne of heaven and in charge of all things that exist, but He is also a God of action. The writers of the Old Testament thought of Him as a God who charges into the middle of His people's battles and fights for them. They imagined Him immediately riding to the rescue as soon as He heard their cry for help. I dare say our prayers would have more power---and we would have more confidence in them---if we pictured our God as a God who takes physical action on our behalf and fights battles like the great warrior and defender that He is.

Moses continues, "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deuteronomy 33:27a) Since God is the only God there is, it's comforting to know He is the eternal God. He has always existed. He always will exist. We will never be abandoned. The same God who made Himself known to Abraham is the same God who makes Himself known to us and is the same God who will make Himself known to all future generations. As Moses said in Psalm 90:1-2, "Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God." Not only is the Lord's existence everlasting, but His love is too. David said, "But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children's children---with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts." (Psalm 103:17-18) The Lord's existence is everlasting, the Lord's love is everlasting, and the Lord's kingdom is everlasting, "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does." (Psalm 145:13) Because His kingdom lasts forever and will never be replaced by a new administration, He is able to keep every promise He's ever made. He will never leave office and leave anything unfinished; He will do everything He says He's going to do. This is why Moses could say, "The eternal God is your refuge," because He is the only God, the eternal God, the God whose love never fails, and the God whose kingdom never ends. We can find refuge in a God like that---a refuge that cannot be found in anyone else or in anything else.

This God will help Israel gain the promised land and enjoy the promised land. "He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, 'Destroy them!' So Israel will live in safety; Jacob will dwell secure in a land of grain and new wine, where the heavens drop dew." (Deuteronomy 33:27b-28) Israel will attain the promised land not because her armies are larger and mightier than those of the tribes of Canaan (they aren't) but because Israel's God fights for her. This is where true security lies---in God. David fought many military battles in his lifetime and he fought many personal battles but he knew his security was in the Lord and he placed his trust nowhere else, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7) If we depend on our own strength, we'll fall short somewhere along the way. If we depend on others, they'll let us down from time to time whether they intend to or not. If our sense of security is in our jobs, our marriages, our physical health, or in our money, we can lose that security in a heartbeat because that's how fast something can be taken from us in this fallen world. But when we place our trust in the everlasting God, we are placing our trust in One who will never change and in One whose kingdom can never be shaken.

Because Israel has placed her trust in this God and because her security is in Him, Moses pronounces the nation blessed. "Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights." (Deuteronomy 33:29) These are the last words we find Moses speaking to the nation, but what a glorious way to end the final speech he makes to the people he's led for so many years. He has completed the work the Lord gave him to do and he finishes strong, saying, "You are blessed, Israel! You are blessed above all people on the earth because you have placed your faith in the one true God. He is the only God, the eternal God, the God who never changes, the God whose love never fails, the God whose kingdom is eternal. He is your refuge. He is your security. He will never forsake you; do not forsake Him." 

If you and I have placed our faith in God as the Lord of our lives, we can say to ourselves what Moses said to Israel, "You are blessed! You are saved by the Lord. He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. He will fight your battles. He will trample the enemy under your feet. He will make you stand strong. He will give you the victory."

Deuteronomy. Day 121, Moses Blesses The Tribes Of Israel, Part Three

Today we complete our look at the blessings pronounced by Moses upon the tribes of Israel. We have three blessings left to study: for Dan, for Naphtali, and for Asher.

"About Dan he said: 'Dan is a lion's cub, springing out of Bashan.'" (Deuteronomy 33:22) The tribe of Dan will migrate later from their original territory into a more northern area that included Bashan. This could be why Moses mentions Bashan. In addition, the mountains of Bashan were known for the lions that roamed there---lions that could sneak up and attack unwary passers-by. Moses may also be making a prophetic reference to the victories of Samson the judge, who was of the tribe of Dan, who led surprise attacks on the Philistines. 

Before Jacob died he pronounced blessings/prophecies upon his twelve sons and their descendants in much the same way as Moses is pronouncing blessings/prophecies on the twelve tribes of Israel. Jacob said about Dan, "Dan will provide justice for his people as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan will be a snake by the roadside, a viper along the path, that bites the horse's heels so that its rider tumbles backwards." (Genesis 49:16-17) The name "Dan" (or "Daniel") means "God is my judge" or "He has judged me". Jacob foresaw a time when Israel would be ruled by judges and that at least one judge---Samson---would be of the tribe of Dan. 

Jacob also seems to have foreseen the apostasy of the tribe of Dan by referring to Dan as a "snake" and a "viper" and by saying Dan would cause persons to "tumble backwards". Dan was the first tribe to fall into idolatry. It was in the city named Dan that a golden calf was set up after the ten northern tribes split off from the two southern tribes. It was the city of Dan that became the center of idolatrous worship in the northern kingdom. It's possible Jacob used the symbolism of a striking snake to indicate Samson's sneak attacks upon the Philistines but I feel that more is going on here than that; terms such as "snake" and "viper" are not usually complimentary in the Scriptures. These terms normally indicate a person who is deceptive or who has betrayed someone or who has ungratefully turned their back on one (such as the Lord) who has been good to them. 

"About Naphtali he said: 'Naphtali is abounding with the favor of the Lord and is full of His blessing; he will inherit southward to the lake.'" (Deuteronomy 33:23) The "southward to the lake" means the Sea of Galilee and the area of Capernaum, the area where Jesus spent so much time during His ministry. Many Christian scholars feel that Moses' prophecy about Naphtali "abounding with the favor of the Lord" and being "full of His blessing" has to do with being blessed with the presence of the Redeemer. The prophet Isaiah foresaw a great blessing coming upon the territory of Naphtali and the region of Galilee: "Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond Jordan---The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." (Isaiah 9:1-2) Matthew's gospel applies Isaiah's prophecy to Jesus while He was teaching in the area around Capernaum and Galilee. After the arrest of His cousin John the Baptist, Jesus began preaching in Galilee. "Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali---to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: 'Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles---the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the shadow of death a great light has dawned.'" (Matthew 4:13-16) Matthew interpreted the "light" of Isaiah's prophecy to be a reference to the Lord Jesus Christ, a view supported by the gospel writers Luke and John. Also in the gospel accounts we find Jesus using the term "the light" a number of times to describe Himself.

Jacob's prophecy regarding Naphtali was one simple sentence. "Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns." (Genesis 49:21) In the original language the phrase "bears beautiful fawns" can also mean "utters beautiful words" or "gives goodly words". It's difficult to interpret Jacob's meaning if he was saying, "Naphtali is a doe that bears beautiful fawns" but if he meant instead something like, "Naphtali is peaceful like a doe and bestows beautiful words," we might be able to see how this applies to Christ---the Prince of Peace---who spoke beautiful words of life in the territory of Naphtali. 

"About Asher he said: 'Most blessed of sons is Asher; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him bathe his feet in oil. The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days.'" (Deuteronomy 33:24-25) Moses' words for the tribe of Asher indicate a territory wealthy in valuable materials and goods, such as oil, iron, and bronze. Jacob's prophecy for the descendants of Asher also indicated they would dwell in a territory blessed with fine things: "Asher's food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king." (Genesis 49:20) The territory assigned to Asher in Canaan included western and coastal Galilee. It was some of the most fertile farming land in all of the promised land and it was a major producer of olive oil. It's less clear what is meant by "the bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze". Some scholars believe there may have been mining operations in the territory of Asher, although Asher's ability to obtain such valuable metals may have to do with the trading or selling of fine olive oil and "delicacies fit for a king". 

The remainder of Chapter 33 contains a blessing/prophecy for Israel as a whole. We plan to take a look at verses 26-29 tomorrow before moving on into Chapter 34 and the death of Moses on Monday.

Deuteronomy. Day 120, Moses Blesses The Tribes Of Israel, Part Two

Yesterday we studied Moses' blessings on the tribes of Reuben, Judah, Levi, and Benjamin. Today we'll see what he says about the tribes of Joseph, Zebulun, Issachar, and Gad.

We begin with Joseph and we must keep in mind that his descendants are not usually referred to as the tribe of Joseph but that they are reckoned through his sons Ephraim and Manasseh. So when Moses speaks blessings upon Joseph's tribe he's speaking of the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh. "About Joseph he said: 'May the Lord bless his land with the precious dew from heaven above and with the deep waters that lie below; with the best the sun brings forth and the finest the moon can yield; with the choicest gifts of the ancient mountains and the fruitfulness of the everlasting hills; with the best gifts of the earth and its fullness and the favor of Him who dwelt in the burning bush. Let all these rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince among his brothers.'" (Deuteronomy 33:13-16) Jacob pronounced similar blessings on his son Joseph and his family line: blessings of the skies above and the earth below, the blessings of fertility and great numbers, the blessings of the mountains and the hills. 

Moses asks that the God who appeared to him in the burning bush show favor to the descendants of Joseph. I think this is the highest honor Moses can ask of the Lord, for it was at the burning bush that the Lord commissioned him to deliver Israel from Egypt. It was at the burning bush that Moses and the Lord first spoke face to face, though they spoke many times face to face over the years according to Exodus 33:11 where we are told the Lord would speak to Moses "face to face as one speaks to a friend". I think Moses is saying to the Lord something like this: "Lord, be as real to the descendants of Joseph as You have been to me. Help them to hear and understand Your precepts. Help them to remain in close relationship with You just as You have enabled me to remain close to You all these years." 

I believe Jacob would have been pleased with Moses' request on behalf of the descendants of his son Joseph, for Joseph was his favorite and the one whom he'd have liked to have been his firstborn and the heir of the double portion which is the birthright of the firstborn. In a sense, Jacob bestowed upon Joseph a double portion because he adopted Joseph's two sons as his own, thus making of Joseph two tribes. In the Bible we find Ephraim and Manasseh counted as two separate tribes, not as one tribe called by the name of Joseph.

Just as Jacob predicted the younger son of Joseph would become a greater tribe than that of the elder son in Genesis 48:13-19, Moses predicts that the tribe of Ephraim will outnumber the tribe of Manasseh. "In majesty he is like a firstborn bull; his horns are like the horns of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even those at the end of the earth. Such are the ten thousands of Ephraim; such are the thousands of Manasseh." (Deuteronomy 33:17) 

"About Zebulun he said: 'Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and you, Issachar, in your tents. They will summon peoples to the mountain and there offer the sacrifices of the righteous; they will feast on the abundance of the seas, on the treasures hidden in the sand.'" (Deuteronomy 33:18-19) The tribe of Zebulun was given territory at the southern end of the Sea of Galilee. The tribe of Issachar dwelled along the west of the Jordan River and at the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee. Their closeness to water may be what Moses is referencing when he says "they will feast on the abundance of the seas". 

Jacob said in his prediction about Zebulun, "Zebulun will live by the seashore and become a haven for ships; his border will extend toward Sidon." (Genesis 49:13) About Issachar Jacob said, "Issachar is a rawboned donkey lying down among the sheep pens. When he sees how good is his resting place and how pleasant is his land, he will bend his shoulder to the burden and submit to forced labor." (Genesis 49:14-15) Issachar's tribe was strong in number but preferred agricultural pursuits to military pursuits. Comparing Issachar to a donkey was likely Jacob's way of calling Issachar a "beast of burden" (a farm animal that pulls a cart or carries a load on its back) who would fail to completely drive out the heathens of their territory when they receive it and who will be happy enough to work the land even if that means paying tribute to others. It is believed by many scholars that the territory of Issachar was often attacked by raiders and other tribes and that the people did not fight back against their attackers but were content to use the land even if that meant being subjects of some other tribe or some other king. 

"About Gad he said: 'Blessed is he who enlarges Gad's domain! Gad lives there like a lion, tearing at arm or head. He chose the best land for himself; the leader's portion was kept for him. When the heads of the people assembled, he carried out the Lord's righteous will, and His judgments concerning Israel.'" (Deuteronomy 33:20-21) Like a lion, Gad takes what he wants. Like a lion, Gad is strong and charges ahead. At the time Moses pronounces this blessing, the tribe of Gad (along with the tribe of Reuben and half the tribe of Manasseh) already has their land on the east side of the Jordan River but the soldiers of Gad will help the tribes who are to inherit land west of the Jordan River to take the land from its heathen occupants. This may be why Moses says the men of Gad "carried out the Lord's righteous will and His judgements concerning Israel". Gad will not sit back and enjoy the land he's already taken for his own---the land that he said was "suitable for livestock" in Numbers 32:1-4---but will help his fellow Israelites get what was promised to them. 

Gad was bold and did not shrink back from asking for what he wanted, so Moses says he "lives there like a lion" and "he chose the best land for himself". Jacob said of his son Gad's descendants, "Gad will be attacked by a band of raiders, but he will attack them at their heels." (Genesis 49:19) Jacob foresaw the offspring of Gad as strong and triumphant, rushing in upon their enemies like a lion upon its prey. Later in the Bible we'll find the Gadites coming to the aid of David, supplying many troops to him and being "brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear" with faces like "the faces of lions". (1 Chronicles 12:8)

Join us tomorrow as we study the blessings Moses pronounces upon the tribes of Dan, Naphtali, and Asher. These will make up the final three of the twelve tribes, for Joseph's tribe is counted as two: Ephraim and Manasseh, so as we conclude today's portion of Deuteronomy 33 we've studied the blessings of nine of the twelve tribes.

Deuteronomy. Day 119, Moses Blesses The Tribes Of Israel, Part One

The death of Moses is at hand and before he departs this earth he bestows a blessing upon each tribe of Israel.

"This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced on the Israelites before his death." (Deuteronomy 33:1) Moses won't be allowed entry to the promised land because of the way he disrespected the Lord at Meribah but his mistake didn't disqualify him as a "man of God", as verse 1 calls him. Moses could have allowed his mistake and the penalty for it to make him unusable as the leader of Israel from that day at Meribah until now but he didn't. He didn't wallow in self pity. He didn't remain trapped in regrets. He repented to the Lord, received the Lord's forgiveness, accepted the Lord's discipline though he was not happy about it, and kept doing what he was called to do. We could all learn a lot from Moses' example. We can't allow our pasts to disqualify us from serving the Lord today and in the future. We may have regrets. We may have brought consequences upon ourselves that we aren't happy with. But if we've gotten things right with the Lord we need to keep moving ahead and doing what the Lord has called us to do.

"He said: 'The Lord came from Sinai and dawned over them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran. He came with myriads of holy ones from the south, from His mountain slopes. Surely it is You who love the people; all the holy ones are in Your hand. At Your feet they all bow down, and from You receive instruction, the law that Moses gave us, the possession of the assembly of Jacob. He was king over Jeshurun when the leaders of the people assembled, along with the tribes of Israel.'" (Deuteronomy 33:2-5) Moses introduces Chapter 33 by presenting the Lord in His sovereign power and holiness. It is on the authority of Israel's God that Moses pronounces the following blessings upon the tribes.

"Let Reuben live and not die, nor his people be few." (Deuteronomy 33:6) We are reminded of Jacob's blessing of his sons in Genesis 49 as we read the blessings Moses pronounces upon the tribes descended from the sons of Jacob. Jacob said of his firstborn, Reuben, "You will no longer excel." (Genesis 49:4a) This was because Reuben tried to usurp his father's authority by sleeping with one of his father's wives---a statement in ancient times that a man was making a bid for his father's leadership over the family. Reuben should have been his father's chief heir but he lost first position in the family through his actions. Moses pronounces no blessing upon the tribe of Reuben that refutes anything Jacob said; he simply asks that Reuben's tribe continue to be blessed by fruitfulness in offspring. He asks that the tribe of Reuben continue on and not disappear from the earth. 

"And this he said about Judah: 'Hear, Lord, the cry of Judah; bring him to his people. With his own hands he defends his cause. Oh, be his help against his foes!'" (Deuteronomy 33:7) Jacob foresaw that his son Judah's line would become the royal line of Israel. (See Genesis 49:8-12) Jacob also predicted that the Messiah would come from the line of Judah, referring to Him as the One to whom the scepter and ruler's staff rightly belongs and the One to whom the nations would bow in obedience someday. Moses asks the Lord to preserve the and protect the tribe of Judah so these prophecies may come true. When he says, "Bring him to his people," it could be that Moses is asking the Lord to send the Anointed One as promised. 

"About Levi he said: 'Your Thummim and Urim belong to Your faithful servant. You tested him at Massah; You contended with him at the waters of Meribah. He said of his father and mother, 'I have no regard for them.' He did not recognize his brothers or acknowledge his own children, but he watched over Your word and guarded Your covenant. He teaches Your precepts to Jacob and Your law to Israel. He offers incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar. Bless all his skills, Lord, and be pleased with the work of his hands. Strike down those who rise against him, his foes til they rise no more.'" (Deuteronomy 33:8-11) Jacob did not pronounce comforting words upon his son Levi or upon Levi's brother Simeon for they had slaughtered all the men of Shechem in their anger. But because the descendants of Levi loved the word of God, Moses has a blessing for them. To them was committed the objects known as the Thummim and Urim that were prayerfully utilized to discern the will of God. To them was committed the keeping of the Book of the Law and the tabernacle and all its furnishings including the ark of the covenant and the tablets with the ten commandments. To them was committed the teaching of the people. Their turnaround in fortune can be attributed to the way they loved the Lord and His precepts above all things---above even their own families. The Lord Jesus said something similar about following Him; He said that the person who wants to be His disciple must value Him above everyone and everything else---above even their own lives. (Luke 14:26) We see here that the Levites placed the Lord first in their lives and as a result were honored with four beautiful verses of blessing.

"About Benjamin he said: 'Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.'" (Deuteronomy 33:12) Jacob's favorite son was Joseph but after Joseph's disappearance and presumed death (Jacob did not know that ten of his sons had sold Joseph into slavery) Jacob transferred his favoritism to Benjamin. Jacob was going to protect his youngest and smallest son Benjamin at all costs. Moses asks the Lord to protect the tribe of Benjamin which at times was the smallest tribe in number. Jacob's prophecy presented the tribe of Benjamin as a "ravenous wolf" who "devours the prey" and "divides the plunder" in Genesis 49:27 but Moses' words indicate that Benjamin needed protection, perhaps because the tribe would be smallest in number at certain points in history or perhaps as an extension of Jacob's great love for his youngest son. Jacob would no doubt have asked the Lord for a special blessing on Benjamin and perhaps Moses is simply asking that the Lord continue to grant Jacob's request.

Our deeds, whether good or bad, have far-reaching consequences. But so do our prayers! Jacob's prayers for his sons are still being answered here in Deuteronomy 33. Moses is pronouncing blessings upon them by the authority of the Lord. The prayers our parents and grandparents prayed over us are still bearing fruit even though our parents and grandparents may be dead. The prayers you and I pray for the generations to come will still bear fruit long after we are gone. We might not live to see every prayer we've prayed for our families come true but that doesn't mean the Lord didn't hear our prayers and answer them in the affirmative. Jacob didn't live to see his sons' descendants inheriting the promised land but he believed that day would come. He pronounced prophecies and blessings upon them before he died and now the time is at hand for them to cross the Jordan and begin taking hold of what was promised to Jacob's forefathers. Jacob's sons turned into mighty tribes, and though he did not live to see all his prayers for them fulfilled, we are witnessing the fulfillment of them as we study the book of Deuteronomy and the books to come.