What does "favor of Him who dwells in the burning bush" signify? Context: Joseph’s Blessing in Deuteronomy 33:16 • “With the best gifts of the earth and its fullness and the favor of Him who dwells in the burning bush—let all these rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince among his brothers.” • Moses is pronouncing prophetic blessings on each tribe just before his death. • For Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), he piles up imagery of lavish provision, then anchors it all in “the favor of Him who dwells in the burning bush.” Revisiting the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:2-6) • “There the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush… the bush was on fire but was not consumed.” • God reveals His personal name (“I AM WHO I AM,” v. 14), commissions Moses, and pledges deliverance for Israel. • The scene highlights God’s self-existence, holiness, covenant faithfulness, and power to preserve what should naturally be consumed. What “Favor” (Hebrew ratzon) Conveys • Delight, goodwill, pleasure freely bestowed. • Not earned; it flows from God’s gracious choice (Exodus 33:19, “I will show mercy on whom I will show mercy”). • Moses links Joseph’s material blessings directly to this divine goodwill, making it clear that prosperity is rooted in relationship, not merely in fertile fields. Why Call Him “the One Who Dwells in the Burning Bush”? • Reminds Israel that the same God who spoke in fire still abides with them—He “dwells,” not merely “appeared.” • Signals unchanging covenant loyalty: the God who initiated redemption in Exodus remains the source of blessing in Deuteronomy. • Underscores God’s transcendent holiness (fire) alongside His immanent care (within a lowly bush). • Highlights preserving power: just as the bush was not consumed, Joseph’s descendants would be protected amid surrounding nations (cf. Genesis 49:22-24). • Foreshadows the pre-incarnate Christ, the “Angel of the LORD,” who mediates God’s presence (John 1:14, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”). Implications for Joseph’s Descendants • Material abundance—dew, sun-ripened fruit, ancient mountains—was to be enjoyed with humble recognition of divine favor. • Military strength (Deuteronomy 33:17) would be effective only because the burning-bush God fought for them (Joshua 17:17-18). • Their mandate: reflect the holiness and mercy of the One who preserved them, becoming a channel of blessing to the other tribes (Genesis 50:20). New Testament Echoes • Acts 7:30-34 reaffirms the burning-bush encounter as God’s launching point for redemption, now culminating in Christ. • Hebrews 12:29, “our God is a consuming fire,” recalls the same holy presence now accessible through Jesus (Hebrews 10:19-22). Takeaways for Today • God’s favor rests on those brought into covenant by His initiative, not by human merit (Ephesians 2:8-9). • The One who once dwelled in the bush now indwells believers by His Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). • His unchanging character assures provision, protection, and purpose, even when circumstances feel “fiery” (Isaiah 43:2). |
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