Philippians 3:5 | Pastor Jerry A. Burns
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; — Philippians 3:5
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Paul now lays out his spiritual résumé. He was circumcised on the eighth day exactly according to the law. He was of the stock of Israel, meaning he was not a convert into Judaism but born into that covenant people. He was of the tribe of Benjamin, a tribe with a rich history and honour. Benjamin was the tribe of Israel’s first king, and it remained loyal to the house of David when others departed.
Paul also says he was a Hebrew of the Hebrews. In other words, no one could question the purity of his identity or upbringing. As touching the law, he was a Pharisee. The Pharisees were known for strictness, discipline, and the careful keeping of the smallest details. If outward religion could make a man right with God, Paul had everything in his favour.
Jacob blessed every one according to the blessings God in after-times intended to bestow upon them. He spoke about his burial-place, from a principle of faith in the promise of God, that Canaan should be the inheritance of his seed in due time. When he had finished both his blessing and his charge, and so had finished his testimony, he addressed himself to his dying work. He gathered up his feet into the bed, not only as one patiently submitting to the stroke, but as one cheerfully
composing himself to rest, now that he was weary. He freely gave up his spirit into the hand of God, the Father of spirits. If God's people be our people, death will gather us to them. Under the care of the Shepherd of Israel, we shall lack nothing for body or soul. We shall remain unmoved until our work is finished; then, breathing out our souls into His hands for whose salvation we have waited, we shall depart in peace, and leave a blessing for our children after us.