In this 51st week of this first of seven-year study, we find Moses at the end of his physical life. Before transitioning to his eternal rest, he gathered many of the consecrated ones to bless them, encourage them and to intercede, specifically, on behalf Reuben and Judah.
Moses starts by reminding the people that YHVH left Sinai to come up to the people at Seir (H8165 – rough) and shine on them from Mount Paran (H6290 - ornamental). YHVH brought with Him thousands of angels and a “fiery law” (the commandments) FOR them.
Moses declared that YHVH loved them and all the saints (holy ones – different word than used before). Moses reassured the people that he was leaving them in YHVH’s care and instructed them that the inheritance of the physical congregation descended from Jacob (the carnal man) is Torah.
Moses then prophesied over Israel, declaring that when they are gathered together (in unity, as they were not always in unity) YHVH IS THEIR KING!
Moses specifically calls out two of the tribes, Reuben and Judah. You may remember that these two brothers had grievously sinned against their father, Jacob. Although they later confessed, the taint of their sin followed them.
First, Moses blessed Reuben, saying that Reuben would live beyond this physical life and that his descendants would multiply and not be few. Remember, Reuben was a difficult one. He was referred to as “uncontrolled as water” (Genesis 49:4). In Genesis 35:22 he took his father’s concubine, Bilbah. He and Bilbah had two children, Naphtali and Dan, while Jacob was away.
Later, the tribe of Reuben separated themselves from the other tribes, refusing to settle in the Promised Land, instead they asked Moses for land east of the Jordan river. Moses consented, but with a proviso that they help the other tribes in times of battle. Even though Reuben did not keep this promise to Moses, yet we know that they are reconciled later as having 12,000 sealed with the mark of YHVH (Revelation 7:5).
Moses then turned and interceded on behalf of Judah and esteemed them. Judah had also grievously sinned. Remember, Judah had taken responsibility for sinning against his father (Jacob) for leaving Benjamin (Joseph’s brother) as collateral in Egypt (Genesis 43), further grieving his already bereaved Father. Even though Judah was deeply remorseful, the memory of this sin followed them.
And as a seal, Moses further decreed that YHVH would hear, understand, and move on behalf of (shema) Judah. YHVH would hearken to Judah’s voice and help him against his enemies.
How sad, the memory of the sin and the resulting shame followed these two brothers and their descendants for generations. How incredibly grateful I am that Yeshua atoned for my sin and broke the curse so that the shame of it will not follow my children, and my children’s children. HalleluYah!
Love, Blessings and Shalom!