ADONAI Shields Benjamin All Day Long
33: 12
ADONAI shields Benjamin all day long DIG: What is the tone of the blessing for Benjamin this time? Why the charge before in Genesis?
REFLECT: When do you feel like you are resting “between the shoulders” of ADONAI?
On the day Moses died, he delivered his final blessing
and then ascended Mount Nebo to view the Land of Promise from afar.
The sad history of the tribe of Benjamin is a history of civil war and conflict (see the commentary on Genesis, to see link click Lo – Benjamin is a Ravenous Wolf, He Devours the Prey and Divides the Plunder). At one point in history, they were almost exterminated. Thank God they were not, otherwise we would not have had Mordecai (see the commentary on Esther Bh – The King Gave His Signet Ring to Mordecai), or Paul. The little tribe of Benjamin was situated next to Judah’s northern boundary, and the city of Jerusalem was on the northern border of Judah and the southern border of Benjamin. Since the Sanctuary would be in Jerusalem, Benjamin would be close to the LORD, who dwelt there with His people.695
Unlike the description in Genesis 49, which depicts Benjamin as a ravenous wolf, here Moses pronounces a tender blessing on Benjamin – Jacob’s youngest son – one reminiscent of Benjamin’s close relationship with his father (Genesis 42:4 and 38, 44:18-34). For Benjamin, Moshe said: The beloved of ADONAI rests securely beside Him. He shields him all day long. Between His shoulders he rests. Benjamin can rest securely on the shoulders of YHVH who shields him from all threats. The anthropomorphism of resting between the shoulders of ADONAI brings to mind the figure of a father carrying his young son on his shoulders. Here, Moses rejoices that the tribe of Benjamin will dwell safely in peace among the people of God, no longer in conflict during the Messianic Kingdom (see the commentary on Isaiah Ge – Your Eyes Will See the King in His Beauty).696
Dear kind Heavenly Father, Your love is as strong and firm as the mountains. Though the mountains depart and the hills be shaken, My love will not depart from you, nor will My covenant of peace be shaken, says ADONAI who has compassion on you (Isaiah 54:10). As I lift my eyes to You, I will not fear – no matter the armies marching, the number of virus infections, or any news that brings problems. He who dwells in the shelter of Elyon, will abide in the shadow of Shaddai. I will say of ADONAI, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. For He will rescue you from the hunter’s trap and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness is body armor and shield (Psalms 91:1-4). I rest securely in You, for You are my daddy and I love You! In Yeshua’s name and power of His resurrection. Amen
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