Deuteronomy 33:16 - Moses' Blessing.

The good will of him that dwelt in the bush.

God chose a bush of the desert as the medium of his appearance to Moses ( Exodus 3:2 ), which, burning, was not consumed. A symbol:

1. Of Divine condescension . God stooping to dwell with men ( 1 Kings 8:27 ), using humble and despised instruments ( 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 :18-31; 2 Corinthians 4:7 ). The bush, "a neglected manifestation of God."

2. Of indwelling presence . A symbol of the Church, and of the individual believer, indwelt in by God. Inconspicuous and contemned, yet the seat of the Divine presence—a medium of the Divine manifestation.

3. Of miraculous preservation .

1. God's presence is a fire in the midst of his Church—flaming out upon the adversaries.

2. God's presence preserves the Church amidst fires of persecution and affliction.—J.O.