The Blessing of Moses

Deuteronomy Chapter 33 (verses 1-17)

Moses blessed the people of Israel before his death like this:

The Lord came down from Mt.Sinai and dawned upon us from Mt. Seir, and he shone forth from Mt. Paran and came from Meribah-kadesh with flaming fire at his right hand. Indeed you love the people, all your holy ones are in your hands. They follow in your steps and accept your instruction. Moses charged us with the law, the special possession of the assembly of Israel. The Lord became king in Israel-when leaders of the people assembled, when the tribes of Israel gathered.

Moses said this about the tribe of Reuben:
Let the tribe of Reuben live and not die out even though their tribe is small.

About the tribe of Judah, Moses said:
O, Lord hear the cry of Judah and bring them again to their people. Give them strength to defend their cause; help them against their enemies.

About the tribe of Levi, Moses said:
O, Lord you have given the sacred lots to your faithful servants the Levites. You put them to the test at Massah and contended with them at the waters of Meribah. The Levites obeyed your word and guarded your covenant. They were more loyal to you than to their parents, relatives and children. Now let them teach your regulations to Jacob; let them give instructions to Israel. They will present incense before you and offer whole burnt offerings on the altar. Bless the Levites, O Lord, and accept their work. Crush the loins of their enemies; strike down their foes so they never rise again.

About the tribe of Benjamin, Moses said:
the people of Benjamin are loved by the Lord and live in safety beside him. He surrounds them continuously and preserves them from every harm.

About the tribes of Joseph, Moses said:
May their land be blessed by the Lord with the choice gift of rain from the heavens and water from beneath the earth; with riches that grow in the sun and the bounty produced each month; with the finest crops of the ancient mountains and the abundance from the everlasting hills; with the best gifts of the earth and its fullness and the favor of the one who appeared in the burning bush. May these blessings rest on Joseph's head, crowning the brow of the prince among his brothers. Joseph has the strength and majesty of a young bull; his power is like the horns of a wild ox. He will gore distant nations, driving them to the ends of the earth. This is my blessing for the multitudes of Ephraim and thousands of Manasseh.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: As you will see, there is a difference in the blessings God gave each tribe. To one he gave the best land, to another he gave strength, to another he gave safety.

Sometimes we see someone blessed in a particular way and we are jealous and think God must love them more. But God draws out the unique talents in each of us. All of God's gifts are needed in order to complete his plan.

How does this chapter apply to us today: God had given each of us a talent and even in these times, he intends for us to complete his plan. Don't be envious of anyone who appears to be blessed in a particular way. You are unique. You were created uniquely by God. Allow him to work through you. Be the instrument for his hand!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
Health: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, Teli’s family, Logan and the newly born Stella who is successfully taking mother's milk.
Spiritual Uplifting: Gail, Mary
Restoration of faith: Al, John
Support: Haiti, Chile, those cleaning up the gulf coast oil spill and those who lost their livelihood there. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.