CONTENTS The man of GOD here finisheth the whole of his ministry with Israel. Nothing remained after the Song but to bless Israel in the LORD'S name; and this he doth partly in a spirit of prophecy, in telling each tribe of Israel of some of the most remarkable events which would follow them; and p... [ Continue Reading ]
Moses begins his blessing, with looking first at him that blesseth. What begins in GOD, will end in GOD. Mount Seir, and Mount Paran, were two mountains some little distance from Mount Sinai. And it is probable, that when the LORD came down upon Mount Sinai, the reflection of the glory shined upon t... [ Continue Reading ]
Sweet and beautiful expression, to denote GOD'S love and care of his people. They are within his grasp; they are held, and upheld by him. And tell me, my brother, if you and I are of his people, and in his hand, who, or what shall unclasp the arms of omnipotency? Romans 8:35. Oh! precious, precious... [ Continue Reading ]
If Moses be meant here as the king of Jeshurun, we may admire the modesty of the man. He never assumed the title himself; he did not affect to be called so; and seemed to be not anxious to preserve his name in the earth. For we never hear of the sons of Moses, but we do of the sons of Aaron.... [ Continue Reading ]
It is remarkable that Moses begins with Israel's eldest son. By birthright, no doubt, this was his privilege. Yet he had forfeited it. See Genesis 49:3. It is hardly possible to consider the family of the Reubenites, taking up their rest on this side Canaan, without finding the soul going forth in p... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, Simeon is passed over, whose turn by right of heirship, in the line of Jacob's sons it was. But perhaps as this tribe was in after ages incorporated with that of Judah; and Moses, by the spirit of prophecy, knowing this would be the case, meant to include both. Or whether, because the fathe... [ Continue Reading ]
Moses dwells much upon the tribe of Levi, But it is remarkable, that though he himself was of that tribe, yet he never once mentions his relationship. It is precious to remark the humility of Moses. And yet more so, when we connect with it the grace of the LORD in him, from whom that humility origin... [ Continue Reading ]
The tribes-are not mentioned regularly, according to the priority of birthright; but perhaps Moses was directed by the HOLY GHOST. I would have the Reader take particular notice of the title of Benjamin, the beloved of the LORD. Benjamin was the beloved Son of his Father Jacob. But the beloved of th... [ Continue Reading ]
The blessing of Joseph is very striking, and deserves the closest attention, from the interest all true believers in CHRIST have in it. It is true, Joseph was separated from his brethren when sold into Egypt, and separated from his Father's home: but the spiritual illustration of this, and the typic... [ Continue Reading ]
Zebulun, and Issachar, were the sons of Jacob, by Leah; hence Moses hath included both under one blessing. If we interpret the prophecy according to gospel terms, perhaps it will be found that the going out, and abiding in the tents, implies both the propagating the gospel abroad, and rejoicing in i... [ Continue Reading ]
This verse throws a further light upon the former. The mountain of the LORD, hath always been considered in scripture terms, as referring to the gospel of JESUS. Isaiah 25:6; Micah 4:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
It was said of Gad, by Jacob his Father, that a troop should overcome him, but that he should overcome at the last. Genesis 49:19. And is not Gad, a figure of all GOD'S people, who are variously exercised: and as it should seem frequently overcome by troops of sins, troops of oppressors, troops of e... [ Continue Reading ]
The seat here spoken of, probably referred to the situation of Gad, on the other side Jordan Deuteronomy 4:43. Joshua dismissed the Gadites with a blessing after the war was over; see Joshua. Joshua 4:12 with Joshua 22:7.... [ Continue Reading ]
Taking this blessing in a temporal sense, perhaps it might refer to the victories of Samson, who sprung from this tribe; or to the tribe itself, whose exploits are rehearsed. Judges 18:1. But if we read the promise, with an eye to spiritual blessings in CHRIST JESUS, to leap from Bashan, may imply t... [ Continue Reading ]
There is much of gospel in this blessing of Naphtali. And no doubt, Moses had an eye to spiritual things in his prophecy of it. And what is it to be full with the blessing of JEHOVAH, but, in his three-fold character of Person, to enjoy the FATHER's love, the Redeemer's grace, and the HOLY GHOST's f... [ Continue Reading ]
Asher's blessing, is one of the general blessings of all the spiritual seed of Israel. As the day of GOD'S people is, so shall be their strength. Once known, and they must be acceptable to the brethren of the LORD JESUS, for they are accepted of the FATHER, in the beloved. Ephesians 1:6. And what co... [ Continue Reading ]
It is remarkable, how holy men of old, when under the SPIRIT of the LORD, break out in the midst of their office of blessing his people, with blessing the GOD of his people. Thus dying Jacob, in the midst of blessing his children, cries out, I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD. Genesis 49:18. An... [ Continue Reading ]
The man of GOD, having poured out his praises on Israel's GOD, now bestows his commendation on Israel. They have the eternal GOD for their refuge. JEHOVAH is engaged in all his covenant relations for their defense. He will protect, and govern, and bless, and rejoice over them; nay, he will not only... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS PAUSE, My soul, over the perusal of this most delightful Chapter, and while the man of GOD is pronouncing these blessings over the people of Israel: see, whether you can now, by virtue of an union with the true spiritual LORD of Israel, claim an interest in these mercies, and call yours... [ Continue Reading ]