Blessed is he who enlarges Gad; he dwells as a lion, and tears the arm and the crown of his head. He provided the first part for himself, because a lawgiver’s portion was reserved there. He came with the heads of the people; he administered the justice of the Lord, and His judgments with Israel. (Deuteronomy 33:20-21)
This is Moses’ blessing for the tribe of Gad whose territory was east of Jordan, an area that had once been inhabited by Sihon and the Amorites — a territory larger than any that was given to the tribes who settled on the western side of the Jordan. Perhaps that is one of the reasons Moses said, “Blessed be He that enlarges Gad.” Not only was Gad large in area but bold in disposition, a tribe famed as courageous in times of war. Later it is said of the men of Gad, “Some Gadites joined David at the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains” (1 Chronicles 12:8).
We also know that the tribe of Gad, along with Reuben, were the first of the tribes to choose its territory — “He chose a first part for himself” – which was the first conquered territory of the Land. In so doing, Gad pledged to join the other tribes in battle until the land had been subdued, a pledge that was fulfilled thus the statement, “He executed the righteousness of the LORD.” What is interesting about this latter point is that Moses says this before the events actually happened; he was speaking as if it had already occurred. Was it the spirit of prophecy or a confidence that Gad would do as they had promised? Or maybe both?
So what does this say to us? Consider this: a good name, which is to say a good reputation, is a valuable commodity. The Bible says a good name is to be desired more than great riches (Proverbs 22:1). When others know you are a person of integrity they will make allowances for you because they trust your word. When they know that you are bold, ready and well-able to defend what is right, they will not flinch at aligning themselves with you because they are confident you will have their back. When people can trust that you are going to behave in a just manner, they will stand with you through thick and thin. In short, we need to take lessons from Gad — be decisive, be bold, do justly and be true.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments