Deuteronomy 33

Ver. 6–25. In Lev. xxvi. and chap. iv. 25–31. xxviii. xxix. 18–28. xxx. xxxi. 16–21, 29. and xxxii. the general fate of the Israelites has been predicted: here that of the particular tribes is foretold, in a manner answerable to the blessings of the patriarch Jacob; Gen. xlix. viz. that, notwithstanding internal weakness, and much harrassment from enemies, the Reubenites should be preserved; that the descendants of Judah should have their prayers heard, their warfare successful, their labours prosperous, and should enjoy peace and safety: that the Levites, who had acted so disinterestedly in punishing the principal worshippers of the golden calf, should be the honoured ministers of God, and useful instructors and judges of the people: that the Benjamites should enjoy much divine protection, and live near to the temple of God: that the descendants of Joseph should enjoy great favour from God, noted plenty from their fields, and great power and authority among their brethren: that the men of Zebulun in their sea-faring trade, and those of Issachar in their husbandry, should enjoy much comfort to themselves, and be remarkable promoters of a religious attendance on God’s solemn feasts: that the Gadites should enlarge their territory, punish their enemies, and faithfully assist their brethren in conquering Canaan: that the Danites should unexpectedly seize on Leish, near the springs of Jordan, and under Samson molest the Philistines: that the Naphtalites, when stationed on the west of the sea of Tiberias, should have most fertile fields, and their country be peculiarly blessed with the ministrations of Christ: and that the Asherites should mightily increase, live in noted friendship with their brethren, and have valuable mines of iron and brass in their territory

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXXIII.-The people of God are a peculiar and chosen generation: safe in the hand of their God, from whence none can pluck them; taught of God, and sweetly constrained to receive and obey his instructions; and privileged with the law of God, sounded in their ears, and written on their hearts. Unbounded blessings are with God for them; blessings suited to every tribe, every station in life, whether warriors, ministers, sailors, husbandmen, miners; blessings suited to every relation, and to every change of circumstance. And who can express their blessedness who have God’s law for their rule, God’s land for their residence, and God himself for their helper, refuge, Saviour, shield, portion, and infinite ALL! It is happy to be separated from the world, in order to enjoy him. But it is ravishing to leave this world quite transported with the glorious excellencies of God in Christ, and of our new covenant interest in him, to behold his face, and to enter upon the unaviled, uninterrupted, enjoyment of him in glory