V'Zot HaBerachah וְזֹאת הַבְּרָכָה - And this is the blessing
Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12
Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 33:18–21
My Thoughts:
Blessings on two more tribes. It’s almost like every tribe has a “role” in the Kingdom of Elohim and here on earth. To each tribe he ascribes different unique blessings that must be in line with their particular “gifts and callings”. Zebulun was apparently a “seafaring” tribe. Doing trading with fish, etc. Hashem was going to bless this about them, for they would “draw out of the abundance of the seas” verse 19. This makes me think that whatever Hashem calls us to do -- if we are obedient to Him and His Torah -- He will allow us to “draw out of the abundance”. This abundance will be in our area of need. We follow and He blesses us. True of the people of Israel also. Amen.
Challenge:
There are blessings on the tribe of Gad in today’s readings. Remember Gad is one of the tribes that wanted to settle east of the Jordan and not west. But they offered to join the other tribes in conquering the land west of Jordan. They were apparently known as “fighters” -- efficient at war. And that’s where Hashem wanted them. From that story we learn that it’s okay to ask Hashem for special things (like settling east of Jordan) but when He asks us to do special things we must return His favor. That’s my challenge today. If Hashem is asking you to do something special, and maybe it’s out of your comfort zone -- do it! If He wants you to “go to war” and “fight” for Him -- do it! He will give you what you want, but we have to do what He wants too! Be ready to settle “East” but be prepared to also go “West” for a while to do His will! Amen!
Reading #4 - Deuteronomy 33:18–21
18 About Zebulun he said,
“Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out;
and Issachar, in your tents.
19 They will call the peoples to the mountain.
There they will offer sacrifices of righteousness,
for they will draw out the abundance of the seas,
the hidden treasures of the sand.”
20 About Gad he said,
“He who enlarges Gad is blessed.
He dwells as a lioness,
and tears the arm and the crown of the head.
21 He provided the first part for himself,
for the lawgiver’s portion reserved was reserved for him.
He came with the heads of the people.
He executed the righteousness of Hashem,
His ordinances with Israel.”
