JACOB on his dying bed spoke of Zebulon as mingled with the nations and trafficking among them. Such Israel have been ever since their scattering. In Issachar he saw Israel in submission to the Gentiles, “couching between two burdens.” For the sake of ease and gain he “bowed his shoulder to bear” and became a servant to tribute.
But here in Moses’ blessing we see Zebulon and Issachar freed from the yoke of the Gentile, and rejoicing in liberty and plenty.
“Rejoice, Zebulon, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents. They shall call the people(s) unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness; for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand.”
Freed from their Gentile masters, in that day they shall be the messengers to the nations with the invitation to come up and do homage to the great King.
“And many peoples shall go and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob.. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” Isa. 2:2,32And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 3And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Isaiah 2:2‑3).
Israel shall be enriched by the abundance of the wealth of the nations which shall flow unto Jerusalem in that day.
Of Gad Jacob said, “A troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.” Moses says, “Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion.” Israel shall be delivered from all their distresses, they shall execute the juice of the Lord and His judgments with Israel; thus they “shall overcome at last.”
Dan would no longer be “an adder in the path,” as Jacob predicted, but a “lion’s whelp: He shall leap from Bashan.” Israel will no longer be characterized by self-will and rebellion, but bear the image of the King of righteousness in strength and majesty.
Naphtali is Israel in that millennial day “satisfied with favor, and full of the blessing of the Lord.”
Last of all Asher is “blessed with children” and “acceptable to his brethren.” What a lovely picture we have here of peace and contentment! Such will Israel and all earth be under Messiah’s beneficent reign.
“Let him dip his foot in oil.” The oil as ever is a type of the Holy Spirit. May we like Asher know what it is to “dip our foot in oil” to walk in the power of the Spirit so that we might enjoy in fuller measure the spiritual blessings so richly bestowed upon us.
“Thy shoes shall be iron and brass.” The iron speaks of strength, the brass God’s righteousness in judging sin, and these two things go together. To walk in self-judgment and communion with the Lord is to enjoy His strength along our pathway.
Then how comforting and encouraging to God’s people in all ages is the last promise to Asher: “and as thy days so shall thy strength be.”
ML-08/08/1976