Deuteronomy 33 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“This is the blessing that Moses, the man of G_d gave the Israelites before his death.” Deuteronomy 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 Israel’s story, but opts to focus on G_d’s grace & mercy, as opposed to His punishment of sin. Moses’ blessing of Israel is gracious and positive. It is a sharp contrast to Jacob’s blessing, which seemed more like a curse! (Genesis 49)

Jacob’s 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 L_rd had shown him concerning His plans for Israel’s 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 blessing’s addition to Deuteronomy. Of course, while an educated guess, that’s all unfounded conjecture.

That said, the name “Simeon” does make a timely re-appearance, in the B’Rit Hadashah (New Testament) on the day of Yeshua’s circumcision.

“There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Ruach HaKodesh that he would not see death before he saw the L_rd’s Messiah. Guided by the Ruach, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Yeshua to perform for Him what was customary under the law, Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised G_d, 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” which Moses omits from his blessing, is the same “name” from which the Lord chose to blesses Messiah Yeshua, on the day He was dedicated by men, to the L_rd. Of course, in His pre-advent, Messiah had already been dedicated to be our Yeshua (salvation of G_d) before the World was founded. (1 Peter 1:20; Revelation 13:8)

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins
Daily Devotional, Tuesday, July 15, 2014