Bless you….

Before Moses dies, he has one final thing to do. He pronounces a blessing on each of the twelve tribes of Israel, based on the twelve children of Jacob. Each blessing is different, tailored to the needs and attributes of each individual tribe. Rather like us really, when we are thinking about our own children. We love each one of them equally but not in the same way. We have a different relationship with each one of them. We yearn for different things for each one of them. We ask God to bless them all with health and happiness, but beyond that, each request for blessing looks very different, according to their needs and attributes.

Simeon is left out of the list of blessings on the tribes which is troubling. No child should ever be left out of receiving an equal measure of a parent’s love and grace and compassion and blessing. However, the commentary suggests that this is not serious as over the years, the Simeonites are gradually absorbed into the tribe of Judah.

This list of blessings has a much more positive feel than the song in the previous chapter which warns of impending doom. The blessings look forward to a time of reconciliation and peace, prosperity and happiness. There is hope.

The chapter introduces Moses as the man of God. He has proved himself a man of God over the years.

Firstly a reminder of who God is and what God has done. That is always the best place to start.

Reuben’s tribe lost great numbers when Dathan and Abiram rebelled against God with disastrous results (Numbers 16) so the blessing on this tribe is for an increase in numbers –

“Let Reuben live and not die, nor his people be few.”  Deuteronomy 33:6

The prayer for Judah is help against enemies; for the Levites a blessing of their (priestly) skills; for Benjamin (the beloved one) to be loved and protected like a lamb carried on the shoulders of the shepherd. The land of Joseph is to be blessed. Zebulun and Issachar are to be blessed with success and prosperity. The tribe of Gad lives in the mountains so they need to be blessed with the speed and strength of a lion. And Dan is described as a lion cub, full of adventurous spirit. Naphtali is to be blessed with beautiful and fertile land. The tribe of Asher will be favoured and strong.

The blessing for each tribe is different. Bespoke. Perfect for the individual needs and attributes of each tribe.

Moses knows them all. He has lived with them and travelled with them. Just as we can choose the best gifts to give to those we know the best, so Moses can identify the perfect blessing to proclaim on each individual tribe.

So when we are counting our blessings, we should never compare. Our blessings are perfect for us. Every individual is different. Every one of us has different needs and attributes. We are all loved by God in equal measure, but the way in which His love will manifest itself will be different for each one of us. We each only have one life. Never wish it away wishing to be someone else or being jealous of their blessings.

And the final section is true for all of us. There is no one like God. He is strong and powerful. We can rest safe and secure in His love. He is our shield and helper and sword. And verse 27 is a beautiful image for when we feel weak and inadequate and as if our legs are about to give way (like I feel now) –

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.  Deuteronomy 33:27

That beautiful promise is true for all of us all of the time.

Underneath are the everlasting arms.

Relax. Let God take your weight and support you. Rest safe and secure in His love. He will never drop you or let you down.