Gi – May Asher Dip His Foot in Oil 33: 24-29

May Asher Dip His Foot in Oil
33: 24-29

May Asher dip his foot in oil DIG: In what sense is Asher “the favorite of his brothers?” How are God’s arms “everlasting?” How would this uplift Jeshurun (Isra’el)? What does the character of ADONAI mean for Isra’el in verses 28-29? How does this poem of blessing reinforce the song of Moses in Chapter 32? In the long run, where did Isra’el end up? Why?

REFLECT: How have you been blessed by the Lord? Who would you like to bless? With what? Why? Do your brothers and/or sisters (in the Lord, or humanly speaking) look upon you with favor? Describe a time when you felt ADONAI’s everlasting arms around you. How has YHVH been a Shield for you in the battle of life?

On the day Moses died, he delivered his final blessing
and then ascended Mount Nebo to view the Land of Promise from afar.

Asher means “happy, blessed,” and Moshe asked ADONAI to bless the tribe with many children, the favor of his brothers, and great prosperity (see the commentary on Genesis, to see link click Ll – Asher’s Bread Will Be With Oil; He Will Provide Delicacies Fit for a King). Asher stretched along the coast from Acre to Tyre. It was also on the highway by which invaders entered Palestine. Hence, it was natural to wish for strong fortifications for Asher.⁷⁰³

For Asher he said: Most blessed of sons is Asher – may he be the favorite of his brothers, and may he dip his foot in oil (33:24). The exaggerated metaphor of bathing one’s foot in oil suggests abundant prosperity. Even though olive groves were abundant in their territory of Asher, it seems that here the oil, which often symbolizes blessing in the TaNaKh (Deuteronomy 32:13; Job 29:5-6 and 11), provides a metaphor of prosperity in general. The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze. As your days, so will your strength be (33:25). The iron and bronze bolts refer to bolts that held a city gate in place as an essential means of defending themselves. The basic idea here is, “May your land be as secure as if it were locked up with bolts of iron and bronze.”⁷⁰⁴ This tribe would enjoy many children, brotherly love, prosperity and security, and ADONAI would give them daily strength to accomplish their work. What more could anyone want?⁷⁰⁵

The last words of Moshe: What a great relief it must have been for Moses to realize that his life and ministry had not been in vain. And that the Jewish people whom he loved so much would rest safely in the Promised Land. Precious in the sight of ADONAI is the presence of all His people (Psalm 116:15). Therefore, these last words focus on the happiness of the people of God because of His blessings. As Moshe finished blessing the tribes, he visualized the whole nation and the joy Isra’el ought to have because they knew the true and living God. Their God wasn’t a dead idol sitting in a Temple; He rides the heavens to come to the aid of His people (Psalm 18:10, 68:33). But even more, ADONAI is Isra’el’s “home” and dwelling place (Psalm 90:1), and they live in Him no matter where they go. As we go forward by faith, He defeats the Enemy and holds us up in the battle.⁷⁰⁶

There is none like God, Jeshurun (literally, the upright One). Isra’el’s God is incomparable in power as the One riding through the heavens to her aid and through the skies in His majesty. The mention of Jeshurun links these concluding verses of praise to the introductory portion of the blessing where Jeshurun is also mentioned in 33:5. No matter what adversity Isra’el would face, ADONAI would be there instantly with power to deliver her. Because YHVH is eternal and is a Refuge for His people, His everlasting arms, figurative speaking, would protect Isra’el in times of calamity, and would destroy her enemy.⁷⁰⁷ A refuge is the ancient God, and underneath are everlasting arms. He drove out the enemy before you and said, “Destroy” (33:26-27).

Having such a wonderful and powerful God, the nation could be assured of conquering Canaan and then of living for a while in safety and prosperity. So Isra’el rests in safety, untroubled is Jacob’s fountain in a land of grain and new wine. Yes, his heavens drip dew (33:28). Jacob’s fountain does not refer to springs of water in the Land, but is a synonym for Isra’el (the parallel term) and their descendants. The guaranteed presence of grain, new wine, and dew represents the epitome of “the good life” in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 7:13, 11:10-12, 33:13-16; Genesis 27:28). Moses brings his conclusion to a climax by rejoicing over Isra’el’s blessed position. Because of their special relationship with YHVH, demonstrated by His deliverance of them from Egypt (and other calamities), they are unique among the nations of the world.⁷⁰⁸

Happy are you, O Isra’el! Who is like you? The answer would be, “None!” But Isra’el’s preeminence lay not in her own merit, because there is none like God, Jeshurun (33:26). The power and preeminence of Isra’el’s God imparted to Isra’el, her power and preeminence. Isra’el would be victorious, not through military genius, but because YHVH is a warrior (Exodus 15:3), and would lead His people into battle (see Ag – The Problem of Holy War in the TaNaKh) as the commander of ADONAI’s army (Joshua 5:14). Isra’el would be protected in battle by the Shield, which was God Himself.⁷⁰⁹ A people saved by ADONAI, the Shield of your help and the Sword of your triumph? Your enemies will cower before you, and you will trample down their high places (33:29).

Isra’el would face many enemies and fight many battles as they conquered the Promised Land, but ADONAI would give them the victory. They would live in a safe and productive land, separated from the pagan Gentile nations around her, but bearing witness to them about the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He would be their Helper, their Shield, and their Sword, so they had nothing to fear.

But Isra’el’s greatest danger wasn’t the armies around them so much as the desires within them. Their hearts needed to be weaned away from the love for idols and the sins associated with spiritual adultery. In the end, the Jews accepted and worshipped the gods of the goyim they had defeated, and this led to the spiritual and moral decay of the nation. Instead of trampling down their high places (33:29), Isra’el sank lower and lower into the pit of sin, until YHVH had to send them into captivity (see the commentary on Jeremiah Gu – Seventy Years of Imperial Babylonian Rule).⁷¹⁰

Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You that when all around us starts to crumble and mighty forces are against us, it is You who will protect us. The one true, all powerful God says of Asher’s land, her “land will be as secure as if it were locked up with bolts of iron and bronze.” In a similar way when we believe in You/trust You as our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10) then You become our strength and our Father (John 1:12). We do not need to worry or to fret, but to rest in Your care by seeking Your help. But You, ADONAI, are a shield around me. . . I lie down and sleep. I awake – for ADONAI sustains me (Psalms 3:3a). No matter how big the problem- You are greater and mightier. You have all the answers and You delight in helping Your child. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people all around who have taken their stand against me. . . From the Lord comes deliverance (Psalm 3:5-6,8a). You are my strong fortress. He said: “ADONAI is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer (Second Samuel 22:2). You are a wonderful Father! In Yeshua’s name and power of His resurrection. Amen