33:28 'dwell ... safely' is a concept often spoken of in Scripture. Leviticus 25:18 19 26:5 Deuteronomy 12:10 33:12 here Proverbs 1:33 Jeremiah 23:6 32:37 33:16 Ezekiel 28:26 34:25 28 38:8 11 It can be seen to be a blessing from God to Israel if they were faithful. Dew if also seen as a blessing from Yahweh Genesis 27:28 39 Deuteronomy 32:2 here Psalm 133:3 Hosea 14:5 Micah 5:7

34:5 So matter of fact - but how tragic! So close yet so far. The exhortations for us is so powerful. Consider how often, when the phrase 'servant of God' is found in Scripture, it refers to Moses. Joshua 1:13 Joshua 22:5 1Chronicles 6:49 2Chronicles 24:9 Nehemiah 10:29 Daniel 9:11 Revelation 15:3 There are only two New Testament uses of the phrase which do not speak of Moses Titus 1:1 James 1:1 If we are to consider the phrase 'Servant of the LORD' we will find that the link with Moses is even more striking. here Joshua 1:1,13 8:31,33 11:12 12:6 13:8 14:7 18:7 22:2,4,5 24:29 Judges 2:8 2Kings 18:12 2Chronicles 1:3 24:6 The only other man called a 'servant of the LORD' is David. Psalm 18:1 36:1

33:5 Jeshurun is another name for Israel which is only used in Deuteronomy in this song context.
(Deuteronomy 32:15 33:5 26)

33:6 - 24 This list of sons of Israel and their blessings differs from that of Genesis 49 - not that it should be the same.)

33:8 It seems that the Levites were at the forefront of the strife at 'the waters of Meribah' at the beginning of the wilderness journey, though we do not learn this from the historical record (Exodus 17:1-7)

34:7 In telling us that Moses' natural forces were not abated God is making the point that Moses' death was not a 'natural' death.

33:1 The character of Moses shines out here. He blessed the people before his death - but their behaviour was the reason for his death!

34:4  'the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob', as we saw (30:20) quotes Joseph (Gen 50:24) so right up to the end of his words Moses is reminding Israel of the need to have faith.

 
34:4 'the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob', as we saw (30:20) quotes Joseph (Genesis 50:24) so right up to the end of his words Moses is reminding Israel of the need to have faith.

Moses blessed the children of Israel before he died and before they entered the Promised Land.  The tribes are not all blessed in their birth order.  Note that first is Reuben and second Judah (33:6,7).  The firstborn of natural Israel is being recognized and also the firstborn of spiritual Israel (Jesus). 

Notice that Simeon is missing from those being blessed.  Jacob had been displeased with the actions of both Levi and Simeon (Gen 49:5-7).  However, Levi had redeemed itself with service through Moses, Aaron and the priesthood (vs.8,9) while Simeon had remained weak.  Because of this, Jacob's curse pertained and the tribe of Simeon did not inherit separate territory in the land but was absorbed by Judah (Josh 19:1-9).

It's a fact that God raises up special people for special jobs.  There is Paul in the New Testament, and Moses in the Old. Deut 34:10 says, in effect, that Moses was unique.  And God buried him in an unmarked grave (Deut 34:6), which one day soon, please the Lord, will be opened.

It's a fact that God raises up special people for special jobs.  There is Paul in the New Testament, and Moses in the Old. Deut 34:10 says, in effect, that Moses was unique.  And God buried him in an unmarked grave (Deut 34:6), which one day soon, please the Lord, will be opened.

33:13-16                The word translated ‘precious things’ <04022> is only found here in Deuteronomy 33 and in Song 3:13,16, 7:13.

33:2-3  This magnificent picture is how God viewed the giving of the law at Sinai and the people saying ‘all that the Lord hath said we will do’ Exo 19:8. As such Israel, at the border of the land, after all the rebellion in the wilderness, are reminded how their God had viewed them. This was to encourage them about their future in the land of Canaan.

33:16   In saying that Benjamin was to be ‘separated’ from his brethren the Hebrew word for Nazarite is used. But the focus is on ‘Joseph’ who was the first born to the beloved wife Rachel.  Josephs’ dedication to the things of God separated him from his brothers. He was separated to God. What the rest of his siblings did was not a hindrance to his service to God. What about us? How often are we compromised by what we think others will think about our actions?

33:1-3 Moses is not giving an historical account here.  From Sinai and rose up from Seir (Edom). This could not have occurred as the nation of Israel headed to the Promised Land on its wilderness journey.  Israel was told to avoid Edom (Deut 2:5-8). 

And so, who is being spoken about? Who will move north to Paran, and north-east to Edom? It will be Jesus with His saints (His brothers and sisters who have been accepted at the judgement seat). This immortal band has an appointment with destiny as they move northward with Jesus who has a flaming fire at his right hand (ESV).  Their mission will be to rescue Israel that is being devastated by Gog’s invasion (Eze 38:16). 

For a fuller account of this e-mail me for: The Return of Jesus and End-time Prophecy.

Jeshurun

Can you imagine this? You're forty years old and you're by your father's death bed. With his last words he speaks about your future, giving his blessing. "Cedric, you will be blessed by God". Dad, you say, I'm called Ian. You remember, right? "Yes Cedric. I remember. God will bless you Cedric". But father, I'm Ian! You're the one who named me, and are you forgetting me now?

The name Jeshurun appears suddenly as a name for Israel, exclusively here in the song of God (ch 32) and the blessing of Moses (ch 33). Why would Moses do that? How do you think the Israelites felt about it?

But it's not quite the only place where the name is mentioned. The same name, spelled slightly different in the AV version, appears just once more, in Isa 44:2. Looking at the context, in Isa 44:22-28 God calls to remembrance the curse of the song. He says that even though Israel has done exactly what the song said they would do (ch 32), He would provide forgiveness for them. Thus the name Jeshurun is used by the dying Moses to remind them of the song, and again by God as a testimony that al of the song had come to pass, the curses of Deut 28 were coming upon them, but they would be saved if they returned to Him.

Deut 33:1-5 - V1 this is a blessing from Moses near death so it would seem to be future to his mortal existence. V2,3 perhaps the "saints" here refer to those led by the V5 "king" (second coming of Christ?) over Israel which becomes "Jeshurun" (i.e. "the upright one") as Israel recognizes Christ, mourns for him and they have their hearts circumcised (Zech 12:10;Deut 30:6).

Deut 34:4-5;Josh 1:1,2,6 - This is an echo of the second coming of Jesus leading faithful believers to the promised land. Moses represented the law which pointed to Christ but only Christ ("Joshua" is Hebrew for the Greek name "Jesus". Joshua was a symbolic type of Jesus.) can fulfill the law and lead believers to the promised land where he will reign as king.

34:5 Moses’ death in the wilderness was not because of his own sins. His life was exemplary, except that he was provoked – Psa 106:33 Do we ever think how our words and actions might impact upon the salvation of our brothers and sisters?

This chapter talks of the stubborn rejection of Israel to follow their God; their subsequent punishment; and the promise of the seed (Christ) who will arise.  The seraphim play an important symbolic role in heralding Christ. 

Seraphim are the plural of seraph which in Hebrew signifies burning.  The poisonous fiery (seraph) (because of its bright copper color) serpent in the wilderness is symbolic of Christ (Num 21:8; John 3:14).  

One set of the seraph's wings was for movement, one set covered the face, and one set covered the feet.  Covering the face was a sign of humility (Exo 3:6) and that was the reason a veil was worn to hide the face (of women particularly).  Remember, though, that Moses (ante-type of Christ) also wore a veil (Exo 34:33) showing humility in the face of Yahweh (Num 12:3).  Jesus followed, showing his character as one of great humility (Matt 11:29).  The veil was used to cover (hide) and therefore separate.  Israel (and by extension the Gentiles) was hidden and separated from Yahweh.  Through His sacrifice, Jesus opened the way to be put right with Yahweh (Matt 27:51; 2Cor 3:14-16).

One set of the seraph's wings covered the feet.  Covering the feet was a sign of respect. When Ruth wished to be accepted by Boaz, she lay at his feet and requested to be covered (Ruth 3:8,9).  Christ has now risen to a position of authority.  His feet are now uncovered as he controls the affairs of men (Eph 1:22; Heb 2:8).

The seraph v.7 spoke to Isaiah and purged his sin.  Only Christ has that power.  He overcame the power of the first serpent that also spoke, but uttered a lie (Gen 3:4).

6:1  God was "lifted up" when Uzziah, whose heart was "lifted up" (2Chron 26:16) in his pride. So we see that however men behave – even kings of Judah – God is supreme.

6:7 Fire is seen here as a cleansing agent – which contrasts with how fire can ‘sear’ the conscience – 1Tim 4:2  So we see it all depends how things are used.

In Isaiah's vision, he realized that he was inadequate as a messenger of God (v.5). But Yahweh purified him (took away sin) by touching his lips with a burning coal from the altar (vs.6,7). The word coal is translated from the Hebrew ritspah which means glowing stone, a stone on which flesh was cooked and cakes were baked. The stone came from the altar of perpetual fire on which divine sacrifices were made. It was administered by a seraph whose name comes from the Hebrew word meaning burning. The seraph was a fiery copper-colored symbolic figure, synonymous with the fiery serpent that was in the wilderness (Num 21:8). The seraph (the symbolic creature that took away sin) represented Jesus, the only one who can truly take away sin (John 1:29; 3:14,15).

6:11 Isaiah’s question ‘how long’ and the answer which was in effect telling him to witness until there was no one left to listen is a salutary warning to us. There is not end to the work until the lord returns.

6:7 In laying the coal upon Isaiah’s lips we see the imagery of God cleansing him for the work, even though he saw himself as unworthy. Likewise Jer 1:9– is cleansed.

3:16 The use of Psalms to praise God has its origins in the Old Testament. [1 Chronicles 16:9 Psalm 95:2 105:2] And then passes into New testament use as an exhortation as to how we should praise. [Ephesians 5:19 Colossians 3:16 James 5:13] We might ask, how much do we rely on the Psalms in our own praise and prayers?

4:14 Demas figures favourably in two of Paul's early letters [Colossians 4:14 Philemon v.24] But by the time Paul is on trial for his life Demas has 'left the truth' 2 Timothy 4:10

3:8-9 The concept of putting off and putting on draws on the way that the high priest had to change his garments before he went into the most holy place on the day of Atonement. Lev 16:4-32

3:3 'Dead' is another quotation from Romans 6:2. The 'dead to sin' of Romans is expanded to speak of the provision God has made that we are 'hid' with Christ.

4:1 In what way were servant to be given that which is 'equal'?

The equality relates to the acknowledgement for what they have done. Whilst it might be thought that a servant had no rights Paul is encouraging the brethren to treat their servants with respect. They should acknowledge what the servant does. Of course we are servants, we cannot earn anything. However we trust that our God will treat us with mercy above that which we deserve as servants.

Col 3:8,12-14. Paul’s exhortation here is likened to one undressing and dressing. The old man must be put off, and the new man put on, as we all do with our clothing on a daily basis. The qualities of the old man (Adam) must be striped, and those of the new man (Christ) must be continually being developed. We can see how incompatible they are.

THE  OLD  MAN                                                                     THE  NEW  MAN
That which must be taken off                                               That which must be put on
v.8                                                                                             v.12
Impurity                                                                                Compassion                            
Immorality                                                                             Kindness
Anger                                                                                    Lowliness
Slander                                                                                 Meekness
Evil desires                                                                             Patience
Foul talk                                                                                Forbearance
Malice                                                                                  Forgiving nature
Covetousness                                                                              Love 

The final piece of clothing to be put on (which would seen by all, at all times) v.14 AGAPE

3:2 It is all to do with 'affection' isn't it? We might fall, we might commit terrible sins. However it is what is in our heart that really matters.(Matt 6:21, Luke 12:34) the two references are included because Jesus said these things on two separate occasions - so it must be important!

4:5 Walking in 'wisdom' draws on Prov 2:7 - The man who walks in wisdom has God as his 'buckler' - that is his defence.

3:5  Covetness = greed = idolatry.  We see that idolatry is not just bowing down to gods of wood, stone, or natural phenomena.  Being greedy means that minds are intent in accumulating more than is necessary.  To this pursuit there is no end.

The parable of the rich man should serve as a warning (Luke 12:16-21).  His energy had gone into the acquisition of material things instead of Yahweh's work.  It is not possible to serve the god of greed and to serve Yahweh at the same time (Luke 16:13).  Let us be content with what Yahweh gives us and put all our effort in serving Him (Matt 6:34; Phil 4:11; 1Tim 6:8; Heb 13:5).

3:1 Sitteth on the right hand of God quotes Psa 110:1. Jesus is exalted to priesthood. Those who are his will likewise be exalted to that status. That is how access to the Father is achieved. Entry into His presence was reserved for priest. Jesus was a priest after the order of Melchisedec – a king priest as was Melchisedec (Gen 14:18 this is our calling also (Rev 5:10)

4:2 How are we to ‘watch’ in prayer? There is no point asking God for something if we are not alert to the fact that He will hear. Of course the answer may not be quite what we expected. If we are not watching we may well miss the answer and then think that He does not answer prayer.

In this third chapter we have the same exhortation provided for us (V.17,23) "whatsoever ye do; do all in the name of the Lord Jesus", then beautifully concluded in V.24. Even though from his earthly master the slave may receive far less than he should, yet from his Heavenly Father he will receive the full amount, which by God's grace has been allotted to him. The promises of God, will not, nor can not be broken.

Col 3:21  The word for "fathers" here can, by implication, be either mothers or fathers (cp the way "man" is used to imply either man or woman), so that mothers are not let off the hook in this regard. We know that whether we are a mother or a father, we learn from the perfect parent, our Father in heaven.

3:13  Forbearing and forgiving each other make for unity. Bearing grudges makes for disharmony. It is as simple as that. We might, and rightly, emphasise correct beliefs. However correct behaviour towards each other is far more difficult to maintain than correct doctrine.

4:5   Walking in wisdom is a continuation of what we saw in 1:9. The way we behave is taught us by Scripture, not by what might seem expedient to achieve our objectives.

3:3 The word hid (KJV) means to be hidden by covering.  And so, those in Christ have had their sins covered by Him (Rom 4:7).

Jesus was symbolized by the mercy seat where Yahweh would commune with His people (Exo 25:21,22).  The NIV translates mercy seat as atonement cover.  In this translation we can better see the effect of Jesus’ atonement as he covers our sins.

3:18-22 These behaviors do not have a widespread following in the modern world.  But, they must be the norm to those who follow Jesus.

THANKFULNESS

Time and again through Paul's letter to the Colossians, the theme of thankfulness is repeated for us to learn.

"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you have for all the saints." (Col 1:3-4) Thank God for people, for their faith and love.

Paul urges us to be "joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." (v.11-12) So we need to give thanks joyfully because of the awesome inheritance we will receive.

Paul then says that we should be "overflowing with thankfulness." (2:7) Overflowing means that we can't hold it in. It just pours out from us all the time. Count your blessings at all times so that thankfulness overflows.

The next occurance of thankfulness is in the context of peace. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." (3:15) We need to be thankful for the peace we have in Christ.

The next one says, "And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (3:17) Every sentence we speak and every action we do should be another excuse to give thanks to God, and another reminder to give thanks to him.

And lastly, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." (4:2) In devoting ourselves to prayer we are making a committment to pray often, regularly and without fail. In our prayers we are to be devoted to being thankful.

So let us listen to Paul's lessons on thankfulness and change our attitude to become an attitude of gratitude toward God the Father.

4:6 Being able to ‘answer every man’ is not to be able to answer every difficult question that we may be asked. Rather it is to be able to show by the way that we live that we are Christ’s men and women.