Deuteronomy 33:23 – Living in divine satisfaction

In Moses’ benediction over the tribe of Naphtali in Deuteronomy 33:23, he pronounced them fully satisfied in the blessing and favor that God had bestowed on them.  They would be so satisfied when they took “possession of the sea and the south.”  What did Moses mean by “the sea and the south?” He was probably referring to the Sea or Lake of Galilee. The portion of the land the tribe of Naphtali was allotted covered the lake in the south and expanding westward and northward toward the border of the tribe of Asher.  

The people of Naphtali would demonstrate satisfaction in two areas. Firstly,  they would delight over the territory they were given. Secondly, they would show delight in the favor that God had shown to them. Why was Naphtali so blessed in their possession? This possession for Naphtali included the Sea of Galilee and Nazareth, the area where the Lord Jesus and His early disciples (except for Judas Iscariot) hailed from. This tribe was blessed because a large portion of the ministry of the Lord Jesus and His disciples was carried out around these regions. The phrase “…full of the blessing of the Lord” suggests that they had no lack. How can they lack anything when they were the recipient of the Lord’s blessing?  

What better blessing could anyone have than to be so closely associated with the Lord and His ministry?  How could one be full of the blessing of the Lord, and yet be lacking in anything? Certainly not! These questions sound like describing the believers of Christ too. In Christ Jesus, we are greatly blessed. In Ephesians 1:3, Paul tells us that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in high places. If we have truly inherited our possession in Christ Jesus, we will have no lack. This is Romans 8:32’s assertion. For “He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” In Christ God has given us our inheritance. So be and stay contented!