God Our Dwelling Place
Deuteronomy 33:27 (ESV) … “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you and said, ‘Destroy.’”
This passage is a conclusion of the blessing. As Moses commenced with the glorious fact of the founding of the kingdom of Jehovah in Israel, as the firm foundation of the salvation of His people, so he also concludes with a reference to the Lord their eternal refuge, and with a congratulation of Israel which could find refuge in such a God. At least five things are said of God here.
• The superiority of God. “The eternal God” The finite mind cannot fully grasp eternity and what it means to have always existed. This God is vastly superior to idols.
• The safety in God. “Is your dwelling place” Our greatest protection is in God. Many do not want God around—they will get their desire and lose their greatest protection. God provides soul salvation in Jesus Christ which is the great protection of all.
• The support from God. “Underneath are the everlasting arms” Like a great eagle that swoops under the young eaglets to keep them from falling when learning to fly, God will sustain us through every trial and difficulty.
• The strength in God. “He shall thrust out the enemy before thee.” Israel will especially see this when they move into Canaan. God is omnipotent. The enemy cannot match His power.
• The statute from God. “Destroy them” God does not work for us in a way that would make us lazy or irresponsible. His miracles are not to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. God thrust out the enemy, but we are to do our part also. We are not spectators but are employed by God. Israel will have God working for them in Canaan, but Israel will still have to battle the enemy.[1]
As we make our way through this wilderness of life, the same promises are given to us as to the kind of God we serve. The Lord, our God, is the superior God that is our safety and support. He is the Lord our God who gives us strength and support as we go forth under his statue of discipleship.
[1] Butler, J. G. (2011). Analytical Bible Expositor: Leviticus to Deuteronomy (p. 590). Clinton, IA: LBC Publications.