John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him , etc.] Which some understand of the high priests who were of this tribe, and according to the law were not to defile themselves, or mourn for a father or mother, ( Leviticus 21:11); or rather, as others, of their having no respect to them in judgment, but determining all causes that came before them according to the law of God, and the rules of justice and equity, in the most impartial manner, without having any regard to the nearest relations to them: with this compare what Christ the antitype of Levi says, in ( Matthew 12:49,50); neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children ; had no respect to persons in judgment, though ever so nearly related: many restrain this to the affair of the golden calf, when the tribe of Levi gathered together, girded their swords on their thighs, and slew every man his brother, companion, and neighbour, guilty of that idolatry, ( Exodus 32:26,27); for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant ; the law of God, spoken by him, and had the nature of a covenant with the people of Israel: this the tribe of Levi observed, not only what respects the worship of God, and the contrary to it, idolatry, but all other moral and religious duties; Christ fulfilled the whole law, and did always and all things what pleased the Lord, ( John 8:29).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 6-23 - The order in which the tribes are here blessed, is not the same as is observed elsewhere. The blessing of Judah may refer to the whole trib in general, or to David as a type of Christ. Moses largely blesses the tribe of Levi. Acceptance with God is what we should all aim at, an desire, in all our devotions, whether men accept us or not, 2Co 5:9 This prayer is a prophecy, that God will keep up a ministry in his church to the end of time. The tribe of Benjamin had their inheritanc close to mount Zion. To be situated near the ordinances, is a preciou gift from the Lord, a privilege not to be exchanged for any worldl advantage, or indulgence. We should thankfully receive the earthl blessings sent to us, through the successive seasons. But those goo gifts which come down from the Father of lights, through the rising of the Sun of righteousness, and the pouring out of his Spirit like the rain which makes fruitful, are infinitely more precious, as the token of his special love. The precious things here prayed for, are figure of spiritual blessing in heavenly things by Christ, the gifts, graces and comforts of the Spirit. When Moses prays for the good will of Hi that dwelt in the bush, he refers to the covenant, on which all ou hopes of God's favour must be founded. The providence of God appoint men's habitations, and wisely disposes men to different employments for the public good. Whatever our place and business are, it is our wisdo and duty to apply thereto; and it is happiness to be well please therewith. We should not only invite others to the service of God, but abound in it. The blessing of Naphtali. The favour of God is the onl favour satisfying to the soul. Those are happy indeed, who have the favour of God; and those shall have it, who reckon that in having i they have enough, and desire no more.
Original Hebrew האמר559 לאביו1 ולאמו517 לא3808 ראיתיו7200 ואת853 אחיו251 לא3808 הכיר5234 ואת853 בנו1121 לא3808 ידע3045 כי3588 שׁמרו8104 אמרתך565 ובריתך1285 ינצרו׃5341
