May Joseph’s Land be Blessed by ADONAI
33: 13-17
May Joseph’s land be blessed by ADONAI DIG: How similar, or how different was Jacob’s blessing of Joseph, and Moshe’s blessing of Joseph’s descendents? What two ways does Moshes bless them? Who are the two tribes of Joseph? What blessings do they receive? Why are they so privileged?
REFLECT: What is your response to these blessings? How has ADONAI blessed you? How do you acknowledge the One in the burning bush as the source of all your blessings? Explain?
On the day Moses died, he delivered his final blessing and then ascended Mount Nebo to view the Land of Promise from afar.
The longest of the blessings, it applies by extension, to the tribes of Ephraim and Manassah. It is the most lyrical of all, with its moving list of all the sources of God’s material bounty. The blessing has a number of similarities with the blessing of Joseph spoken by Jacob (see the commentary on Genesis, to see link click Ln – Joseph is a Fruitful Vine).
Moses prayed for Joseph’s descendants in two ways. First, Moshe prayed for Joseph’s material prosperity, and all parts of creation, under the control of YHVH, will produce abundantly for Joseph’s heirs. For Joseph he said: May his land be blessed by ADONAI with heavenly bounty above, and from the dew and from the deep lying beneath (the poetic description of the subterranean waters which are the source of springs and rivers), and with the bounty of the sun’s produce and the moon months’ yield (the crops that would be nurtured by the sun and would produce crops at different seasons of the year), and with the best from the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills (for planting vineyards and olive trees). The climax of the prosperity provided is reached with the general description of the earth’s bounty and its fullness.697 All of this points to the ultimate source of the One who is the Giver of blessings, the favor of the One dwelling in the bush (see the commentary on Exodus Aq – Flames of Fire from within a Burning Bush). May it come on Joseph’s head, on the crown of the prince among his brothers (33:13-16).
Then, Moses prayed for the military successes of Joseph’s descendants, pictured like a bull or a wild ox goring the nations to the ends of the earth. This tribe was divided into the two tribes of Manasseh, Joseph’s firstborn, and Ephraim, his younger son. They were the largest of the Northern tribes. Though Manasseh was the older son, Jacob gave Ephraim the blessing of the firstborn (Genesis 48:17-20). That was why Moses mentioned Ephraim first and credited myriads to him, and just thousands to Manassah. They are the myriads of Ephriam, they are the thousands of Manasseh.698 The tribes of Ephraim and Manassah were known for their fruitful lands, their large flocks and herds, and their military power.
Dear Heavenly Father, How great that a relationship with You is the greatest blessing. Praise You that You offer that relationship to all who choose to love and follow You. How awesome to have a heavenly Father who has such a great love for His children! See how glorious a love the Father has given us, that we should be called God’s children – and so we are ( John 3:1a)! Your love is something that no one can ever take from us. No matter the trial, You are right there with us (Hebrews 13:5).
How wonderful that Your children will get to spend all eternity enjoying Your love and loving You back! What joy it is to know that Yeshua is making an eternal home in heaven for all who love Him. In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to Myself, so that where I am you may also be (John 14:2-3). Sometimes the days and years seem long, but earthly time is nothing compared to an eternity of joy and peace with You! For I consider the sufferings of this present time not worthy to be compared with the coming glory to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18). How important it is to use our time on earth wisely to please You by reading Your word, talking to You, praising and worshipping You. I love to make time for You in my busy life, for You are most important! I love You. In Yeshua’s holy name and His power of His resurrection. Amen
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