29 MAY 2024 devotional

"And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders." (Deuteronomy 33:12)

I love when a Bible verse carries multiple meanings. Sometimes it can be frustration, sure, but it is like a wrapped present - awaiting to be opened by those who are curious enough to dig deeper.

Such is the case with our verse for today. Benjamin, being the smallest, seemingly most powerless tribe in the nation of Israel, is addressed as being secure in the LORD. Scripture tells us that the LORD shall cover Benjamin all the day long and give him perpetual security. What a blessing from God!

The tribe of Benjamin was encamped next to the tribe of Judah during travels in the Old Testament. Judah was given responsibility of the elements of the Tabernacle - its covering, its utensils, its handling when in transit, etc. BUT, when they came to Jerusalem, the GROUND beneath the Temple belonged to the tribe of Benjamin. The tribe of Judah still cared for the elements and service in the Temple, but the tribe of Benjamin provided the place.

It is also noted that when times of trouble arose in the desert wanderings and beyond, every tribe tended to abandon ship and side with others in a move of self-preservation; however, Benjamin remained faithful to God. Interesting. Perhaps it was their weakness that gave them this wisdom to stick to the God of their fathers?

The third insight isn't as deeply involved - more of a word picture. Have you ever ridden on your daddy's shoulders as a child (or maybe seen someone else do it with their father)? Maybe the child was tired of walking or maybe it was just a playful time between father and child. Either way, we see the Father carrying the child between his shoulders (on his back) - offering motion and movement, bonding time, protection, and play time with its parent.

So may we remain faithful to our Father at all times. May we stay close to Him, provide Him a place to stay (in our hearts), and experience those times when He carries us on His back. In times of our weakness, may He lift us up and carry us. In our times of sorrow, may He pick us up and hold us close. In our times of great joy, may He lift us high and dance around with us in His arms!

Stay close to Him today, my friend. He won't let you down. He will not forsake you, abandon you, or leave you helpless. Run into His arms today. Do it now.

Be blessed.