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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for November 2024
December 1, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:6 – Let Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few.
Thought: Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn son. This tribe should have been the pride of the nation. However, Reuben and his descendants did not always behave wisely. Reuben lay with Bilhah, Jacob’s concubine (Gen. 35:22). Korah and his cohorts who rebelled against Moses were from the tribe of Reuben (Num. 16:1-3). In the wilderness, the population of the tribe declined. Thus, Moses asks for the tribe to live, “and let not his men be few.”
Genesis 29:32
December 2, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:7 – And this is the blessing of Judah: and he said, Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah, and bring him to his people: let his hands be sufficient for him; and be thou an help to him from his enemies.
Thought: Judah would often lead the Israel into battle. The blessing is a call for success. “Let his hands be sufficient for him.” “Be thou an help to him from his enemies.” “Bring him to his people.” His success, however, depended upon his reliance upon God. Before he fought, he needed to cry to the Lord in prayer. If he did, Moses’ desire was expressed in the words: “Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah.” Judah’s battles would be won with the Lord not without Him.
Judges 1:1-4
December 3, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:8, 9 – And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah; who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.
Thought: The Levites were the priestly tribe of Israel. They were to minister to the things of the tabernacle and teach Israel God’s statutes. The high priest was “the holy one.” He consulted the Thummim and Urim regarding God’s will. Moses mentions how Israel had proven Aaron at both Massah and Meribah. The Levites often opposed their brethren when they disobeyed. They understood they were to observe God’s word and keep His covenant.
Exodus 32:26-29
December 4, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:10, 11 – They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law: they shall put incense before thee, and whole burnt sacrifice upon thine altar. Bless, Lord, his substance, and accept the work of his hands: smite through the loins of them that rise against him, and of them that hate him, that they rise not again.
Thought: In these two verses, Moses continues to bless Levi, the priestly tribe. This tribe was to teach God’s statutes to the people. Too, they were to minister within the tabernacle (incense) and before the altar (whole burnt sacrifice). If the Levites were faithful to their duties, Moses desired for his substance to be blessed and his labor to be accepted. Too, he asked the Lord to smite those who hated him and rose up against him. He asked “that they rise not again.”
Exodus 30:7
December 5, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:12 – And of Benjamin he said, The Lord shall dwell safely by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.
Thought: Rachel gave two sons to Jacob, Joseph and Benjamin. Benjamin was born after Joseph was sold into slavery and was a beloved son to Jacob. The blessing to Benjamin is that the heavenly Father’s love would be with him. The Lord would be with Benjamin and would provide him constant protection. That which lies between the shoulders of a man is muscles of great strength. Benjamin, though the smallest tribe, would be strengthened by the Father.
Genesis 44:20
December 6, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:13 – And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the Lord be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath.
Thought: Joseph was the first son of Jacob by Rachel. His inheritance in Canaan was believed to be the most fertile of all. Prior to obtaining the land, Moses wishes a blessing upon his land’s productivity. The precious things of heaven involved the right aspects of the atmosphere such as the sunshine and rain. In a dry land, the dew of heaven was precious in the mornings. “The deep that coucheth beneath” involves an abundant supply of water by means of wells.
Genesis 49:22
December 7, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:14, 15 – And the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and the precious things put forth by the moon. And for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the lasting hills.
Thought: Moses’ blessing upon Joseph continues. The concept of productivity continues as well. The sun, the moon, the mountains, and the lasting hills all play an important role in the production of fruits and vegetables. Moses longs for all of them to bring forth abundantly for the tribe of Joseph. Remember, Joseph became two tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh. Thus, both of these tribes are the subjects of these words. Abundance brings prosperity.
Psalm 65:9-11
December 8, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:16 – And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and for the good will of him that dwelleth in the bush: let the blessing come upon Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren.
Thought: The blessing pronounced upon Joseph continues. He wishes the “precious things of the earth,” “the good will of him that dwelleth in the bush,” and “blessing” upon this portion of Israel. It is interesting how the Holy Spirit can allude to prominent historical events in a few brief words. It was God who dwelled in the burning bush as He appeared unto Moses. And, Joseph “was separated from his brethren” many years to bring deliverance to his family.
Exodus 3:2-4
December 9, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:17 – His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.
Thought: A bull was prized among the Israelites. It was useful in agriculture and for sacrifice. When the firstling of a bull was born, the owner gloried therein. This same type of glory was wished upon Joseph in Moses’ blessing. He also longed for him to be strong and powerful, signified by the horns of the “unicorn,” that is, an ox. From Joseph, two tribes were formed. Ephraim became the largest in number among the ten tribes. Manasseh was also large tribe.
Numbers 23:22
December 10, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:18, 19 – And of Zebulon he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; and Issachar, in thy tents. They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of the treasures hid in the sand.
Thought: Zebulun’s inheritance bordered upon the Sea of Galilee. Zebulun, therefore, received the blessing referring to as “the abundance of the seas, and the treasures hid in the sand.” Fishing, the harvesting of dye, and the production of glassware would bring her prosperity. Issachar, on the other hand, would be blessed by the land. This abundance would lead these tribes to worship God and offer sacrifices of righteousness upon the mountain of God.
Genesis 49:13-15
December 11, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:20 – And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head.
Thought: Moses desired for the enlargement of the tribe of Gad. This enlargement was in the form of land on the east side of the Jordan river. This tribe would become the warring tribe. This is inherent in the concept of dwelling as a lion. His military prowess would be great. His wisdom in war would allow him to “tear the arm” of enemies. This would inhibit their ability to fight. In the history of Israel, we will find Gad being called upon to assist in battle.
1 Chronicles 12:8
December 12, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:21 – And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the Lord, and his judgments with Israel.
Thought: Gad was granted his inheritance on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Initially, this was not part of the Promised Land. However, Moses made an appeal unto on behalf of Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh for this land. God granted the request on the condition that they would fight to drive out the wicked nations in the land of Canaan. This verse affirms what Gad did. He came. He executed the justice of the Lord and his judgments.
Numbers 32:1-5
December 13, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:22 – And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion’s whelp: he shall leap from Bashan.
Thought: Dan is described as “a lion’s whelp.” A whelp is a small lion. The lion was considered strong and courageous. As a lion, Moses said he would “leap from Bashan.” Bashan was a place that was frequented by lions. Lions leap upon their prey. Dan, therefore, would have a predatory character about him. Jacob’s blessing described Dan as a serpent. “The character there, and that given here, constitute the complete warrior-stratagem and courage” (Clarke).
Genesis 49:17
December 14, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:23 – And of Naphtali he said, O Naphtali, satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the Lord: possess thou the west and the south.
Thought: Rachel’s handmaid, Bilhah, gave birth to Dan and Naphtali. Naphtali’s portion in the land of Canaan had one of its boundaries on the Sea of Galilee. This land was also near the springs of the Jordan. The land was fertile. The Sea of Galilee was a fresh water lake that provided an abundance of fish. Truly, Naphtali was favored. It is believed that many of Jesus’ disciples were from Naphtali. These men would take the gospel across the land of Canaan.
Matthew 4:13-16
December 15, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:24 25 – And of Asher he said, Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil. Thy shoes shall be iron and brass, and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.
Thought: Moses desired for Asher to be blessed with children, a reward from God. Too, he wanted the tribe to continue in perfect fellowship with his brethren. The oil of the olive was one of the assets of the nation. Moses yearned for Asher to be abundantly blessed with it. The lawgiver also wanted the tribe to have shoes of iron and brass, that is, to be a strong part of the military. Asher would need to remain strong since her land bordered the Philistines.
Revelation 1:5
December 16, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:26 – There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.
Thought: Previously, we learned that the word “Jeshurun” is another name for Israel. The name means “upright one.” It was designed to describe the ideal character of this great nation. This character was obtained because they served Jehovah God. And, as Moses states: “There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun.” He rides within the heavens watching His people and providing them with assistance. This God is high and majestic as He canvasses the sky.
Psalm 68:33-34
December 17, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:27 – The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.
Thought: A refuge is a shelter in times of trouble. The eternal God was Israel’s refuge. God’s eternal nature was an important factor in Israel’s preservation. He existed prior to the rise of Israel’s enemies and existed after their demise. God’s everlasting arms of strength provided Israel with great hope. The promise was simple: “He shall thrust out the enemy before thee.” Often Israel had to fight, but God’s command and the outcome were the same. “Destroy them.”
Genesis 21:33
December 18, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:28 – Israel then shall dwell safely alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew.
Thought: Israel was the sole possession of God during the Mosaic age. This was the only nation in a covenant relationship with Jehovah. Thus, they dwelt alone having this distinction. This relationship came with wonderful blessings. The fountain of Jacob was upon their corn and wine. Fountains of water are necessary for healthy produce. Jacob’s fountain was the source of all fountains. Too, the heavens would bless Jacob with morning dew.
Psalm 68:26
December 19, 2024
Deuteronomy 33:29 – Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of excellency! And thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread their high places.
Thought: Moses begins with the words: “Happy art thou, O Israel.” The reason they were happy is because there was not another nation like unto them. They had been redeemed from Egypt by God’s powerful hand. He was their shield and their “sword of excellency.” The lies of their enemies were exposed by God. Too, they were victorious over their enemies and tread upon their high places. God provided Israel many blessings about which to be happy.
Psalm 144:15
December 20, 2024
Deuteronomy 34:1 – And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the Lord shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan.
Thought: Moses had been commanded by God to go up unto mount Nebo (Deut. 32:49). Having blessed the people, Moses obeyed the command of God. The view that Moses absorbed upon Pisgah, a peak in the Abarim mountain range, was a reward for forty years of leading the Israelites in the wilderness. It was also a curse because of his disobedience. As he looked across the Jordan River valley, he saw “all the land of Gilead, unto Dan” (See Gen. 14:14).
Numbers 27:12-14
December 21, 2024
Deuteronomy 34:2 – And Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea.
Thought: Moses could not see all of the land of Canaan. However, he was privileged to get to see a very large portion of the middle section of the Promised Land. In the previous verse, we learn that he saw “the land of Gilead, unto Dan.” In this text, we read that he saw the land that would become the inheritance of four tribes: Naphtali, Ephraim, Manasseh, and Judah. The skies were very clear that day. He could see all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.
Numbers 34:6
December 22, 2024
Deuteronomy 34:3 – And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of the palm trees, unto Zoar.
Thought: From the perch on mount Pisgah, Moses could view farther south than he could to the north. He saw the south country, that is, the Negev. Abraham had camped in that region hundreds of years earlier. He could take in the plain of the valley of Jericho. Jericho was also called “the city of the palm trees.” Eventually, it would become “the city of priests.” He viewed this valley all the way to Zoar which is located at the bottom of the Dead Sea.
Judges 1:16
December 23, 2024
Deuteronomy 34:4 – And the Lord said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.
Thought: Several hundred years had passed since the Lord made the land promise to Abraham. He renewed the promise to Isaac and Jacob. Here, we learn an important lesson regarding God’s faithfulness. If God makes a promise, His promise will come to pass. It may take hundreds of years to come to fruition, but the promise will be fulfilled. God is not like men who lie or who renege on their promises. God’s motto is: “Promise made; promise kept.
2 Peter 3:8-9
December 24, 2024
Deuteronomy 34:5 – So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord.
Thought: Moses had lived a unique life. He escaped the wrath of the king of Egypt when he was born. He lived in the courts of Pharaoh as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter for forty years. He served quietly for forty years as a shepherd in the land of Midian. Then, the final forty years were spent redeeming Israel from Egyptian bondage and leading them to the Promised Land. Moses played an important role in the plan of God. But like all men, he had to die.
Hebrews 9:27
December 25, 2024
Deuteronomy 34:6 – And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.
Thought: At the burial of Moses, no one was there except God. He was buried in “in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor.” Was Moses buried in a cave? in a grave? in a pit? How was the body transported to its final resting place? Did angels assist in this burial? We have no answers to these questions. We do know that no man knows where the body was placed. Sadly, man has a tendency to idolize great leaders. Only God deserves to be reverenced.
Jude 1:9
December 26, 2024
Deuteronomy 34:7 – And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.
Thought: Old age comes with many difficulties. Most elderly people struggle with various eye problems. Too, their body become weak and frail. Such, however, was not the case with Moses. His eye was not dim. At one hundred twenty years old, he could see very well. Too, at the close of his life, he was a very strong man. His natural force was not abated. These two attributes alone served him well in the wilderness. Moses lived a full life and a healthy life.
Ecclesiastes 12:1-5
December 27, 2024
Deuteronomy 34:8 – And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.
Thought: Customs regarding grieving the dead vary from culture to culture. In our society, many do not want to grieve. Some will suffer momentarily when a loved one dies, but there will not even be a funeral service to honor the individual. Israel mourned for Moses thirty days. Moses was truly a great servant of God. He endured much while redeeming Israel and bringing them to Moab. Israel honored his memory through the expression of their grief.
Genesis 50:2-3
December 28, 2024
Deuteronomy 34:9 – And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.
Thought: There are several points of interest found in this verse. First, it is important to have good men in place who can lead when previous leaders pass away. Second, one of the most important qualities a leader can possess is wisdom. He needs to be able to make good decisions with the knowledge he possesses. Third, if a leader has been a positive influence upon a nation, it is important that the incoming leader continues his legacy. Joshua fulfills all three points.
Joshua 1:16-18
December 29, 2024
Deuteronomy 34:10 – And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.
Thought: There are some leaders who are referred to as “once in a lifetime” leaders. Moses was more unique than that. He was a “once in a dispensation” leader. Even though great prophets like Elijah would enter into Israel’s history, none would equal Moses. His experiences with God on mount Sinai set him apart from others. He has been in the very presence of God. He left God’s presence with God’s glory upon him. None would be like him, until the Christ.
Numbers 33:11
December 30, 2024
Deuteronomy 34:11 -In all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharoah, and to all his servants and to all this land.
Thought: Another thing that set Moses apart from all of the prophets to come after him were the terrible plagues he brought upon the Egyptians. Ten plagues decimated the world power of Moses’ day. There would be prophets who would do mighty works, but they would not do as many nor would they have the impact that the plagues had on Pharaoh. Moses would always be known as the prophet who redeemed the people of God from Egypt with a mighty hand.
Exodus 3:19-21
December 31, 2024
Deuteronomy 34:12 – And in all the mighty hand, and in all the terror which Moses shewed in the sight of Israel.
Thought: Occasionally, we see the devasting effects of a fire or a tornado or a hurricane. We are often speechless as we view the devastation. These local disasters, however, do not come close to the destruction brought upon the land of Egypt by God through His prophet Moses. Truly, terror filled the land as each plague invaded Egypt. The last five words of this verse, “in the sight of Israel,” let us know that the plagues were intended for Israel as well as Egypt.
Exodus 12:33-36
Read devotionals for January 2025