Deuteronomy 33
Deuteronomy 33
This is the blessing that Moses, the man of God gave the Israelites before his death. Deut 33: 1
Almost at the end of the Torah, (and the end of his life) Moses closing remarks end with a song and a poetic blessing. Something to note is how Moses blessing differs from the blessing Jacob gave before he passed away.
As I pointed-out a few days ago, Deuteronomy is a very gracious book. Moses retells Israels story, but opts to focus on Gods grace & mercy, as opposed to His punishment of sin. Moses blessing of Israel is gracious and positive. It is a sharp contrast to Jacobs blessing, which seemed more like a curse! Genesis 49
Jacobs blessing may have been harsh, because of his paternal perspective. He knew his sons, and the attitudes & spiritual tendencies that would be passed-down throughout the generations. Moses blessing was based on what the Lord had shown him concerning His plans for Israels future.
Perhaps, the most interesting thing about Moses blessing is that the tribe of Simeon is not mentioned. Scholars have varied differences of opinion, as to why Simeon is absent. Some say the poem/blessing was added after Moses death, leading some to believe the tribe of Simeon had died-out at the time of the blessings addition to Deuteronomy. Of course, thats all unfounded conjecture.
That said, the name, Simeon does make a timely re-appearance in the New Testament on the day of Jesus' circumcision.
There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israels consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lords Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law, Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said:
Now, Master, You can dismiss your slave in peace, according to Your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all the peoples a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for Your people, Israel. Luke 2: 25-32
I find it interesting that the name Moses omits from his blessing, is the same name which blesses Messiah, Jesus, on the day He is dedicated to the Lord.
Blessings.
Steve Wiggins
