The Blessing of Asher
“There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens
to your help, through the skies in his majesty. The eternal God is
your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms”
(Deuteronomy 33:26-27)
Deuteronomy chapter 33 contains the final words of Moses, “the man of God,” to the Israelites, before his death. The chapter is set in a literary format of blessing (33:1). These blessings are pronounced upon Jeshurun (a poetic description of the Israelites, emphasizing their upright (yashar) status through Yahweh (see vv. 6; 7; 8; 12;13; 18; 20; 22; 23; 24). The blessing of Asher is given in 33:24-29. While this passage lends itself to numerous considerations, we shall point out several of the most theological of these.
1. 33:26 – The incomparable God.
2. 33:26 – Jeshurun (God’s people) are the true recipients of his speedy help.
3. 33:27 – God is here poetically depicted as a dwelling place.
4. 33:27 – Even more intimate are his arms as, safe places forever.
May the blessing of Asher commend itself to you today.
-Robert M. Housby