Let Reuben live, and not die, nor let his men be few. (Deuteronomy 33:6)
Though much of Moses’ blessing for the people was directed to the entire nation, he also was very specific with each of the tribes. If the overall nation was going to succeed in what God called them to do, it was important that each tribe fulfill their specific mission. In short, the overall welfare and success of the nation depended upon the success of each individual tribe. Therefore, Moses addressed each of the tribes to bless them, encourage them and pray for them.
Logically, he started with Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob. Being that this tribe, along with Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh, would inhabit the land on the eastern side of the Jordan, they would be exposed to attacks from neighboring enemies. Consequently, the entire nation was somewhat dependent on these tribes as a buffer from a lethal attack.
So then, Moses’ statement in regard to Reuben is important because this tribe had not always withstood the pressure of leadership. To begin with, Reuben forfeited his birthright to Joseph when he defiled his father’s bed with Bilhah. That resulted in a rebuke from Jacob who said of him, “You are as unstable as water” (Genesis 49:3-4). It was the tribe of Reuben that produced Dathan and Abiram, two men who joined with Korah in his rebellion. Consequently, Moses prays that his tendency to stray would not bring him to destruction, moreover, that Reuben would not decrease but increase in numbers.
The lesson we can glean from this is that, in spite of our past, God will not hold it against us if our heart is inclined to turn from the mistakes of the past. Reuben was in many ways a failure, nevertheless, the nation was not complete without him. Therefore, as a good shepherd would, Moses prayed for this tribe and its people that they would continue on the right path — the one the leads to blessing and prosperity. Likewise, the Good Shepherd encourages us to do the same; He doesn’t hold our past against us and we shouldn’t let our past determine our future. In Him there is always hope, prosperity and restoration.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments