Lesson 142 - Junior

Memory Verse

"Who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD" (Deuteronomy 33:29).

Notes

The Lawgiver

God had used Moses to give His Law to the people. After they had been delivered from Egypt, and led through the Red Sea, they camped before Mount Sinai ([EXO:19:1-2]). God said that the Children of Israel would be "an holy nation" and "a peculiar treasure" if they obeyed Him. They told Moses, "All that the LORD hath spoken we will do." As the representative of the people, Moses talked to God.

Before Moses went up on the Mount to receive the Law from God, all the people were told to prepare and sanctify themselves, for they would hear the voice of God from a thick cloud as He talked with Moses ([EXO:19:9]). How much more Moses must have prayed, consecrated himself, and searched his heart to prepares to talk to God! The people were not even to touch the mountain, for the Holy God was there, but Moses was commanded to go into His presence.

There was no doubt in the minds of the people that God was there. He showed forth His power and glory by the thunderings, lightnings, and fire ([EXO:19:16], [EXO:19:18]). The people trembled and drew back while Moses was shut in alone with God. For forty days and forty nights ([EXO:24:18]), Moses was in the cloud-covered Mount to receive the Law written with the finger of God ([EXO:31:18]), on two tables of stone ([EXO:34:1]). When Moses returned from being with God his face shone brightly with the light and glory of God ([EXO:34:29]).

God's Call Answered

Moses was the lawgiver, a mighty man of God, because he was willing to answer God's call and to fill the place that the Lord wanted him to fill. Moses went through a period of preparation for God's service. He denied himself and was separated from his family at times. Perhaps God would use you to be a great blessing to others if you, too, would be willing to prepare to be what he wants you to be.

Moses' work was nearly finished. He knew that he would soon leave the Children of Israel ([DEU:31:14]). Moses had learned to love them as his own children. He had taught them and worked for them that they might have the best of everything -" a godly inheritance from the Lord. He could do no more for them than pronounce a blessing in farewell. In like manner, Jacob had blessed his sons before his death ([GEN:49:1-33]). The families of these sons became the tribes of the -Children of Israel. When Moses blessed the individual tribe, the blessing was upon all the family, not just upon the one man at its head.

As True Believers

Moses desired the Children of Israel to be true followers of the Lord. The outstanding feature of each blessing applies to God's people today, too. To Reuben, Moses' blessing was that his family would live, and not die. Spiritual life has been promised to the true believer in contrast with death that awaits the sinner. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

The blessing of the tribe of Judah was that God would deliver him from his enemies, and hear his voice, as God would hear the prayer of His people. "The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous" (Proverbs 15:29). "The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles" (Psalm 34:17).

Priest unto God

The Levites had volunteered to be on the Lord's side. They had been made priests unto God. Upon the breastplate of the high priest were the Urim and Thummim which gave understanding and discernment to bear the judgement of the Children of Israel ([EXO:28:30]). The priests were anointed, consecrated, and sanctified ([EXO:28:41]) in order "to minister in the holy place" (Exodus 28:43). As well as being holy, the priest wore upon the mitre or headpiece these words: "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" (Exodus 28:36).

The Levites received no land when Canaan was divided among the Children of Israel, for the Lord was their inheritance ([NUM:18:20]). Many times their work demanded that they be away from their families. Yet they were faithful to God and to the Children of Israel to teach them the Law and to make offerings unto the Lord. Moses blessed the Levites and asked God to accept their work and protect them.

Beloved of the Lord

Moses called Benjamin the beloved of the Lord, and said that he would dwell in safety, depending upon the Lord.

"Just lean upon the arms of Jesus, He'll help you along, help you along; If you will trust His love unfailing, He'll fill your heart with song. "Lean on His arms, trusting in His love; Lean on His arms, all His mercies prove; Lean on His arms, looking home above, Just lean on the Saviour's arms!"

The blessing for Joseph (his two sons -" Ephraim and Manasseh) was pronounced upon his land -" the precious things of Heaven and earth. This included spiritual blessings as well as temporal blessings. To him was given great plenty and great authority, which was fulfilled in part by two great leaders -" Joshua from the line-age of Ephraim, and Gideon from the lineage of Manasseh.

The tribes of Zebulun and Issachar were blessed together. They were told to rejoice, or to have joy, each in his own place. "For the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). They would do service unto the Lord by offering sacrifices of righteousness, as well as by calling others to worship the Lord. Some think that the people of Zebulun became merchants, as they lived near the sea; and that the people of Isaachar became husbandmen or farmers; but each was of service in his own place to honour the Lord.

The Gadites were some of those Children Israel who preferred to settle on the east side of the Jordan River and not to go into the land of Canaan. They first provided for their families and for their cattle ([NUM:32:16]). Then the men of war went with the rest of the Children of Israel into Canaan to fight for them ([JOS:4:12]). It is understood by the blessing pronounced upon Gad that his tribe would grow. Paul encouraged true believers to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" ([2PE:3:18]).

Of Dan it was said that he was a young lion -- perhaps meaning lionhearted, courageous, and bold. One man of this tribe, Samson, proved himself to be strong, for at one time he slew a young lion ([JUG:14:5-6]). Samson was bold, and killed many of the enemies of the Children of Israel. At his death he slew more enemies "than they which he slew in his life" (Judges 16:30). God wants His people to be strong in Him and very courageous ([JOS:1:7]).

Naphtali was to be satisfied and full of the blessing of the Lord. "My people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD" (Jeremiah 31:14).

"Hallejujah! I have found Him Whom my soul so long has craved! Jesus satisfies my longings; Through His blood I now am saved."

To Asher was given the promise of prosperity, the fellowship of those about him, and strength as his days. "The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1).

Moses reminded the Children of Israel that there is none like unto the Lord and that He would be their ref-uge and rest. Moses concluded by saying that the Children of Israel should be happy to be so blessed of the Lord. Cannot a Christian say the same?

Questions

1. How did Moses know that he was about to die?

2. What had he done for the Children of Israel?

3. Whom did he bless?

4. How do we know that God loved the people?

5. Compare the blessings of the Children of Israel to those of a child of God today.