"And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face..." Such was said of Moses, who pastored the largest congregation in history, for the longest period of time. God gave the law and formed the Jewish church through Moses. What a special relationship he had with our Heavenly Father. So rich was this bond, that of it was born the song which would be sung through the ages as remembrance for the people of Israel. The song spoke of God's love, warned of His curse, comforted the faithful, and even bore witness to the grafting-in of the Gentiles. God Himself gave this song to bear witness of both His promises and His warnings. They were to memorize it, and on the day they realized His hand of blessing was removed they would sing the words and remember why.
Moses pronounced blessings over the tribes of Israel. I noted a few things in reading a few versions of this passage. Reuben received a blessing, truly by mercy as this tribe deserved to be cut off as Jacob predicted in Genesis. Judah would be so numerous and strong that they could hold their own, and the Messiah would come from this line. Levi was the family who kept the covenant with God when all the other tribes worshiped the golden calf. This is also the tribe who would have no land inheritance, but live fully dependent on God, serving in the temple. Benjamin was protected by God. The tribe of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) received the largest blessing of all, going on for several verses! Zebulon and Issachar seemed to be the one who reached out to the Gentiles, telling them of the one true God. The tribes of Gad and Dan were gifted in defense, killing all their enemies easily. Naphtali was favored of God. And, the family of Asher was given the blessing of many strong children. What rich blessings the Father bestows on His children!!! Did you notice that Simeon was missing? We will remember why as we read on....
The final chapter of Deuteronomy records the death of Moses. He was 120 yrs old, but still strong and his "eyes were not dim" with age. He was told to climb the mountain Nebo, and there was shown the land of the promise. He did so without hesitation, I think because He knew God, and was not afraid to be gathered to his ancestors. He had lived a life following God's word, this was no different. He was the mediator of the law.....but it was Joshua (like Jesus) who would eventually escort the people into the promised land.......grace. God loved Moses and buried him secretly. We read in Jude, that Satan fought the angel Michael over the body of Moses, knowing he could get Israel to worship the bones of this great leader rather than God, Himself. God did not allow it.
What made Moses different? With such a strong testimony of the life and death of Moses, it makes me wonder how it all happened? In Hebrews, the Hall of Faith, we read that "by faith" Moses' parents hid him from Pharaoh. He had strong roots!! His parents raised a God-fearing son during time when God seemed to be far away. We learned that "by faith" Moses would not be called the daughter of Pharaoh's son, but sought the greater identity. He realized the fame of royalty was temporary!! He found the riches of Christ more valuable than the riches of Egypt, and he looked for the reward.
Moses was greatly used by God, because He had great faith in God. A God who knew him face to face, because Moses came while all the others chose to stay in their tents. Don't you want to know Him, too?
