Deuteronomy 33:12
“The beloved of the LORD dwells in safety. The High God surrounds him all day long, and dwells between his shoulders”
Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourselves over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices”
Context:
Our passage from Deuteronomy comes from Moses’ blessing of the tribes of Israel before his own death (which in itself is a type of rest). Moses is described as “the man of God” (as in Psalm 90). Unlike Jacob’s blessing of his sons which had an order to it, the blessing of Moses has no discernible order (for example, Joseph is counted but not Simeon). Deut 33:12 is addressed to the tribe of Benjamin, Jacob’s youngest son born to Rachel. The tribe was known for their skills in archery, sling-throwing, left-handed fighting, yet verse 13 describes how it is the LORD who is their true shield: “For his shields him all day long.” The beautiful portrait of the youngest son perched on the LORD’s shoulders evokes a playful rest and security in knowing he is beloved.
Psalm 37 is a meditation in a particular context: The psalmist is fretting because of evil men (Ps 37:1). The prosperity of the wicked, though it may feel interminable, is from God’s perspective only temporary. Eventually God will bring them to judgment and the just into blessing.
Questions for Reflection:
Prayer Pointers: