Deuteronomy 33:1-29
Q.1. When will God achieve His overarching purpose for the nation of Israel? How did this prophecy indicate that God’s plan for Israel will endure? – (Dt.33:1-5; c.f. Jude 14-15; Rev.19:11-16)
Some will question whether Israel will acknowledge Christ as Saviour. Here, Moses was given an astounding insight that is supported by other parts of the Scriptures. He predicted that the nation would be removed from the land, for breaking their Covenant with God. Here it was prophesied that the sons of Jacob, identified as the tribes of Israel, will have a change of heart towards God and His Word, as they – … follow(ed) in Your steps; everyone receives of Your words … Indeed He loves the people; all Your holy ones are in Your hand (Dt.33:3). When will this be? – He said, “The Lord came from Sinai, and dawned on them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran, and He came from the midst of ten thousand holy ones; At His right hand there was flashing lightning for them (Dt.33:2). The New Testament writers clearly identified this as the event that will end the Great Tribulation period of seven caustic years, just before the Coming of Jesus Christ in glory (Jude 14-15 & Rev.19:11-16). This will not be based on Israel’s merit, but on God’s determination to keep His Covenant with His imperfect people. Since it is based on grace, it cannot fail.
Q.2. How would the family tribe of Moses distinguish themselves? What special role would they exercise amongst God’s people? – (Dt.33:8-11 c.f. Lev.21:10-12; Num.20:8-13)
Moses and his brother Aaron were from the tribe of Levi. To them was granted the privileged role of seeking God’s will and direction for Israel, by means of the Urim and Thummin (Dt.33:8). God underscored the need for the obedience of the priesthood in two ways. Even Moses was severely punished by God for allowing his frustration and anger to boil over (Dt.33:8 c.f. Num.20:8-13). As long as the High Priest had on the anointing oil, he was not permitted to express his sorrow as others in society, and thus profane the sanctuary of God (Dt.33:9 c.f. Lev.10:1-7; 21:10-12). The Levites were to distinguish themselves – 9 … For they observed Your word and kept Your covenant. 10 “They shall teach Your ordinances to Jacob, and Your law to Israel. They shall put incense before You, and whole burnt offerings on Your altar (Dt.33:9-10). The tribe would have the honour of acting as mediators between God and His people.
Q.3. What special recognition was given to Joseph? What explanation did Moses give for Israel’s greatness? – (Dt.33:13-17 & 26-29)
The special blessing of fruitfulness was granted to Joseph – And with the choice things of the earth and its fullness, and the favour of Him who dwelt in the bush. Let it come to the head of Joseph, and to the crown of the head of the one distinguished among his brothers (Dt.33:16). The double portion was extended to Joseph through his two sons – Ephraim and Manasseh (Dt.33:17). Numerology is apparent in the Scriptures everywhere. In order to keep the tribes as twelve, God dispersed the tribe of Levi amongst the other tribes and added Joseph’s two sons in his place (Gen.49:7). This was understood by Peter, when he took the initiative of replacing Judas with another witness to the resurrection (Acts 1:21-26 c.f. Rev.21:12 & 14). Israel is unique amongst the nations – 29 “Blessed are you, O Israel, Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, who is the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty! So your enemies will cringe before you, and you will tread upon their high places.” (Dt.33:26-27). Israel is great because of the surpassing greatness of her God – 26 “There is none like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to your help, and through the skies in His majesty. 27 “The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms (Dt.33:26-27). It is only on account of God, that any of us are special.