Zebulun and Issachar, the last two sons of Leah, were given their inheritance in the Galilee. Zebulun was originally given inland territory, the area surrounding Nazareth, but eventually found his way to the sea. “Zebulun shall dwell by the haven of the sea; he shall become a haven for ships” (Gen 49:13). Issachar, on the […]
Rachel’s sons were special to Jacob, but all of God’s children are “His own special people” (1 Pet 2:9). The next three tribes for Moses’ blessing are actually one son, Benjamin, and two grandsons. Ephraim and Manasseh are treated together under the name of their father, Joseph. They were adopted by Jacob so he could […]
Read More… from March 3, 2023 — Benjamin & Joseph (Ephraim & Manasseh)
Some people just see our flaws and pity us; thank God for those who see our potential and pray for us! We won’t fully understand the beauty of Moses’ blessing of the tribes if we don’t contrast Deuteronomy 33 with Jacob’s comments about the same 12 sons in Genesis 49. Immediately we see Moses as […]
Jacob’s dozen, with all their failures, are finally brought by grace to have their names on heaven’s gates. It’s hard to imagine that day. Crowds sit deathly still to hear the old prophet’s final words. Did he move from tribe to tribe, addressing each one? Did the Lord supernaturally project his voice so everyone could […]
Read More… from March 1, 2023 — Moses Begins His Blessing Of The Tribes
The book of Deuteronomy has at least one final surprise for us—a song for Gentiles to sing! The song Moses sang on his birthday was God’s idea. “Write down this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel; put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for Me” […]
Before you disagree with the title, you tell me the main theme of Moses’ birthday song. Moses is 120—a supercentenarian! Forty years he spent being exalted in the palace in Egypt. Forty years he spent being humbled sheep herding in the desert. And forty years he spent exalting the Lord in the eyes not only […]
“Be strong and of good courage,…for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you” (Deut 31:6). From the day baby Moses was plucked from the river by Pharaoh’s daughter until he was plucked from earth to Paradise by the hand of God, from his days alone on the backside of the […]
Read More… from February 24, 2023 — Moses’ 120th Birthday Speech
“I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life…” (Deut 30:19). Even before Israel was able to enter the Promised Land, Moses had to give them the heartbreaking news that, in spite of all the encouragements to be faithful, they were going to be driven out of that land and […]
Read More… from February 23, 2023 — The Everlasting Love Of God
Faith is no leap in the dark. Over the centuries, God has given ample proof of His trustworthiness. Sometimes it’s helpful to start at the target and work backwards. Let’s begin this lesson with the last verse of Deuteronomy 29. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed […]