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JUDAH AND LEVI APPOINTED TO PROMINENCE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25
Deuteronomy 33:7-11

Matthew 1:1-21

 

“…Jacob begat Judas and his brethren.”

 

JUDAH AND LEVI APPOINTED TO PROMINENCE
 
In the later part of Israel’s history, the offices of a king and the priests were very important. In Moses’ blessings, Judah and Levi were destined to occupy these offices respectively as Simeon got nothing.
 
Judah was the fourth son of Jacob. Moses prayed that the Lord would hear the voice of Judah, bring him to his people and his hands be sufficient to him. He asked the Lord to be a help to him from his enemies. Moses was aware of what Jacob had said concerning Judah and that royalty was given to this tribe. This tribe deserved God’s protection as the family was tasked with great responsibility. Moses uttered these words without having to add to what their father had said and also without contradicting Jacob. Judah was destined for great things. The crowning glory was the birth of the Messiah in that family line. He was the high priest after the order of Melchisedec, and not after the order of Aaron.
 
Levi was put together with Simeon. In Jacob’s blessings, the patriarch did not have kind words for them because of an event in their lives. They had used deception and slew the household of Shechem against the wishes of their father (Gen 34). They felt justified because Shechem had defiled their sister Dinah, but they used unlawful means in their revenge. The house of Levi had the time to recover from the curse of that incident. It began with the Lord’s election of Moses as the leader of all Israel and the appointment of Aaron as the priest. This gave the house of Levi the duty of the priesthood. When the majority of Israel rebelled against the Lord in the wilderness, the tribe of Levi stood for the Lord.
 
As Levi was destined to occupy the priesthood, Moses had more to say of this tribe. They were given the custody of the Thummin and Urim (Deut 33:8), the stones used to determine the will of the Lord. They were also bestowed the duty of teaching Israel the judgments and laws of the Lord. They offered incense and burnt offerings upon the altar. These important duties overshadowed the shortcomings of Levi.
 
THOUGHT: God’s choice is by grace, and not personal merit.

PRAYER: Father, help me to find comfort in Thy saving grace.

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