The Pulpit Commentary — Deuteronomy — Section 537

no one prl'ten<ls (hat the prerogative of consulting through the oracle belonged to nny otlwr than the high priest. This shows the futility of the argument that in Deuteronomy all Le,·itcs 11111st be held as priests because priestly functions are in eh. x. 8, etc., 11.ttribute<l to the tribe as such. (2) They were to teach the Law to Israel (ver. 10), This prh·ilege now preserved hy ministers of the gospel, and other teachers in the Christian Church. In Le,·i's fidelity and spirit of consecration we see the qualifications requirc<l for such work. (3) They were to burn incense and offer sacrifice, 'l'his privilege hl\S its fulfilment in Christians in general, in whose personal consecration and offering or spiritual sacrifices, with the incense of prayers, the character of a" royal priesthood" is maintained (1 Pet. ii. 5, 9). Their sacrifices are acceptable through the High Priest, Christ. 2. Great promises were given (ver. 10). His substance would be blessed, and special protection afforded him. God's servants have all an interest in these promises, especially those whose sacred calling deprives them of the ordinary means of live- liliood.-J. 0. Vers. l2-l7.-Be11Jamin and Joseph. The name given to one of th~se sons of Rachel (ver. 12) would apply to both-" Ileloved of the Lord." I. ·wHoM Goo CHOOSES TO PRESERVE NO FOE CAN INJURE. Ilenjnmin would dwell in safety as between the shoulders of Jehovah (ver. 12). The Lord would cover him all the day long. This is true of every good man. No power can separate him from God's love. No enemy can reach him to harm him (Ps. cxxi.). Christ's sheep are in the Father's hand, whence no man can pluck them (John x. 29). II. WHOM Gon CHOOSES TO BLESS ALL TIIINGS CONSPIRE TO POUR BLESSING UPON. (Yers. 13-16.) All things would "work together" for the good of Joseph-would combine to fill his lap with treasnres. They would unite to benefit and enrich him. Precious things of heaven and o[ the deep, precious things of sun and moon, precious things of the hills, precious things of the earth, and with these "the good will of him that dwelt in the bush "-a better portion than nil, would be multiplied to this.favoured tribe. So all things in the spiritual respect work for the believer's good (Rom, viii. 28), even affiictions turning to his salvation through prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Christ Jerns (Phil. i. 19). III. WnoM GOJ? CHOOSES TO HELP NO ADVERSARY CAN WITHSTAND. (Ver. 17.)-J. 0. Ver. 16.-The good will of him that dwelt in the bush. God chose a bush of the desert as the medium of his appearance to Moses (Exod. iii. 2), which, burning, was not consumed. A symbol: 1. Of Divine condescension. God stooping to dwell with men (1 Kings ,iii. 27), using humble and despised instruments (1 Cor. ii. 18-31; 2 Cor. iv. 7). The bush, "a neglected manifestation of God." 2; Of indwelling presence. A symbol of the Church, and of the individual believer, indwelt in by God. Joconspicuous and contemned, yet the seat of the Divine presence-a medium of the Divine mani[estation. 3. Of miraculous preservation. l. God's presence is a fire in the midst of his Church-flaming out upon the adversaries. 2, God's presence preserves the Church amidst fires of persecution and affliction.-J. 0. Vcrs. 18, 19.-Zebulun and Issacliar. I. Two FORMS OF THE BLESSING OF THE ALMIGHTY. 1. Commerce. 2. Agriculture (ver. 18). Note: 1. Some are fitted for oi;e kind of life, some for another. Varieties of disposition and talent. Variety of situation, giving scope for innate gifts. Divine providence, as here in allotment of the tribes, fits the one to the other. 2. God's blessing is needed in one kind of life as well as in anotl,er. Neither in commerce nor in agriculture can that blessing be dispensed with. It may rest on us in both, both being legitimate lines of human activity. It is in both equally efficacious. 3. Prosperity flowing to us from God's blessing is a just cause for rejoicing. Unblessed prosperity is not to be rejoiced in, but prosperity with God's blessing attending it is riches indeed. II. WEALTH DERIVED FROM GoD's BLESSING IS TO BE SANCTIFIED TO ms GLOBY. (Ver. 19.) 1. The natW/1,11 are to be invited to share the blessing. Note here: Cornrnercial nation.s have peculiar opportunities for being missionary nations. Cosmo- politan in spirit. Come in contact with many nationalities. Usually possess the weall.6. The preaching of Christ was largely in the region of Zebulun and Issacbar, "'I• XXXlll, 1-29.] 'l'lIE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY. 663