The chapter then shifts to Moses' blessing to the people of Israel, which is pronounced tribe by tribe with Simeon not being mentioned. The following are potential reasons for the blessings:
- Reuben: It would seem that perhaps the tribe had been hit hard in the military expeditions and/or in the land they settled in in the Transjordan region.
- Judah: Could refer to the Philistine hegemony that existed in the central highlands, the region that Judah will settle in.
- Levi: Almost seems as if this is the charter statement establishing the guild of priests.
- Benjamin: The tribe will settle in the region between Jerusalem and Bethel, the two holiest sites in the Promised Land.
- Joseph: The prominence of this tribe is seen in the language used, the finest for Joseph, who will also are known as Ephraim and/or Manasseh.
- Zebulun and Issachar: They will settle in the region around Galilee and their territory will stretch from Mt. Tabor to the Mediterranean.
- Gad: The tribes military prowess is alluded to and the "commanders' allotment" could refer to Moses' burial location.
- Dan: The northernmost tribe settles in a region that had been part of Bashan.
- Naphtali: Also settles in the region around the Galilee.
- Asher: Will settle in a region known for its olive oil production.
The blessings end with another hymn of praise to God, Jeshurun is another term of endearment for Jacob.
The end of Deuteronomy coincides with the death of Moses. Chapter 34 records the story of Moses viewing the entirety of the Promised Land with God's referring to the divine promise given to Abraham. Then Moses died, perhaps buried by God. History records that Israel has never seen the like of Moses again. Joshua now officially takes over the reigns of shepherding Israel.
Romans 9
As Paul outlines the move to grace and living in the Spirit, he returns to the question of Israel. Paul affirms the Israel was the chosen people, that God's promise is true. However, Paul also points out that true Israelites were children of the promise, not of the works.
This is a painful conversation for Paul, and for us, for he bears witness against his own people who have failed to hear the Word of God. He recognizes that Israel was and is a chosen people, but he grieves over their lack of obedience.
Paul then speaks of God's dealings with Israel as he recalls the story of Jacob and Esau, how the younger received the blessing. This parallel is offered to show how the Gentiles might now receive the inheritance of Israel, however, before Christians get too smug, God will decide. As we will read later, Paul leaves the door open to Israel, something the church has not done during its history.
Paul then speaks of the righteousness and sovereignty of God who is free to act in what ever way that God pleases. Not something that placates us, but it is the truth.
The end of Deuteronomy coincides with the death of Moses. Chapter 34 records the story of Moses viewing the entirety of the Promised Land with God's referring to the divine promise given to Abraham. Then Moses died, perhaps buried by God. History records that Israel has never seen the like of Moses again. Joshua now officially takes over the reigns of shepherding Israel.
Romans 9
As Paul outlines the move to grace and living in the Spirit, he returns to the question of Israel. Paul affirms the Israel was the chosen people, that God's promise is true. However, Paul also points out that true Israelites were children of the promise, not of the works.
This is a painful conversation for Paul, and for us, for he bears witness against his own people who have failed to hear the Word of God. He recognizes that Israel was and is a chosen people, but he grieves over their lack of obedience.
Paul then speaks of God's dealings with Israel as he recalls the story of Jacob and Esau, how the younger received the blessing. This parallel is offered to show how the Gentiles might now receive the inheritance of Israel, however, before Christians get too smug, God will decide. As we will read later, Paul leaves the door open to Israel, something the church has not done during its history.
Paul then speaks of the righteousness and sovereignty of God who is free to act in what ever way that God pleases. Not something that placates us, but it is the truth.
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