The Pulpit Commentary — Deuteronomy — Section 533

, ers. 22, 23.-T/ie blessing of Dan and Naphtali; the satisjacti()'TI, which accrues from the enfoyment of the Divine favour. The word rendered "favour" in this verse, i~ the same as the one translated "good will" in the blessing of Joseph. (For several instances in which that word is used, see the Homily on that passage.) We are not going beyond the significance attached to the word in the time of Moses, in thinking of it as conveying to us the meaning of that favour, grace, and mercy of God which is the portion of those who are accepted in his sight. And the Mosaic expression, "satisfied with fa.our," suggests to us this theme for meditation-Acceptance with God a matter for devout satisfaction. , I. THE BLESSING HERE PRONOUNCED ON DAN AND NAPHTALI SPEAKS OF TEMPORAL )rnncms OF No MEAN VALUE. To Dan is promised the strength and leaping freedom of young life. Samson was a mighty hero in this tribe. The historical details are not Fufficient to enable us to compare the history of the tribe with the blessing upon it. :K cvertheless, in general, it is sufficiently obvious that an amplitude of power is a great boon, if, indeed it be attended with the greater one, of wisdom to use it aright. :Kaphtali, too, was to enjoy "the sunny south" (see Hebrew). To be permitted to know this earthly life on its sunny side is indeed a mercy; how it sweetens our existence when, enjoying the warm sunbeams, we are permitted to feel that life is a privilege. Let such as have the earthly gifts bestowed on Dan and Nnphtali- strcngth and sunshine-not be slow to perceive or to acknowledge their indebtedness and responsibility to God. II. YET GREAT AS THESE TEMPORAL MERCIES ABE, BY THEMSELVES THEY WILL NOT YIBLD SATISFACTION TO THE HIGHER NATURE OF MAN, HOWEVER ABUNDANT THE DEGREE IN WHICH TREY MA y BE POSSESSED. It is true that this is not so much expressed in the text as implied in the form of it. The satisfaction of which Moses speaks arises from something else which neither might nor brightness can secure. IIL THERE IS A GREATER BOON, even "favour "-acceptance with God. Thio the Hebrews enjoyed who had made a covenant with God through sacrifice. (For the blessedness of this in its ripest Christian form, see Rom. v. 1-11). Earthly blessings are the gifts of God's hand. Spiritual blessings are the outflowings of his grace (Eph. i. 1-3; ii. 1-6). IV. THIS GREATER BOON IT II! WHICH YIELDS ENTIRE SATISFACTION. With God's "favour," all who possess it are abundantly satisfied. It must be so. For in t~is blessed state of acceptance, we enjoy what the Apostle Paul speaks of as a resurrection life. We are in" a new creation,''" all things are become new." (1) The intellect is satisfied. For so much comes into view to delight the soul (1 Cor. ii. 9, 10). (2) The conscience is pacified. For the enjoyment of God's favour comes out of Christ's own reconciling work, and is attended with pardon and adoption. (3) 'l'he affections art satisfied. For Dh·ioe love is "shed abroad in the heart.' Fellowship with God iR Oil, XUI1i. 1-20.] THE BOOK O~ DEUTERONOMY.