Ultimately, this book shows us that the love of God consummately works for His people that they may enjoy His full blessing according to His will and foreknowledge. In spite of the failure of God’s people in loving God and fearing Him and in spite of their unfaithfulness, God will be faithful to the end (2 Tim. 2:13), and eventually He will accomplish His intention that His people may enjoy His full blessing. God’s chosen people eventually entered into the Holy Land, possessed it, lived in it, and enjoyed it. This corresponds with the revelation of the entire Bible, which shows that in spite of the unfaithfulness, defeat, and failure of God’s people, God will still enable His chosen people to enter into the rich Christ to possess Him, enjoy Him, experience Him, and even live Him (cf. Phil. 3:7-14; 1:19-21). This is God’s success, and the boast and glory belong to no one other than Him.

Concerning Moses’ blessing of the twelve tribes of Israel in vv. 6-25, see notes on Jacob’s blessing in Gen. 49:3-28. Moses’ blessing here on Reuben was the blessing of increase.

Since Judah was a tribe accustomed to fighting for the people, this prayer of Moses’ for Judah was a prayer for Judah to be brought back to his people from the battlefield.

Enemies come from the outside, whereas adversaries arise from within. Cf. note Rev. 12:9^4c.

Or, the man of Your lovingkindness.

See note Exo. 32:27¹.

Or, substance.

I.e., months.

See note Gen. 48:5¹.

Moses’ word here and his word in Psa. 90:1 indicate that while he was traveling in the wilderness with the children of Israel for forty years, in his deep feeling he was dwelling in God. See note Psa. 90:1^1a.

For Asher to dip his foot in oil means that he would be rich in the produce of the earth.

Or, commander.

This going forth was fulfilled in the Lord’s sending forth the apostles (Matt. 28:16-20). Most of the apostles, who were sent forth to disciple the nations, came forth from the land of Zebulun, which was in the region of Galilee (Matt. 4:12-23).