Deuteronomy 33: 12-13 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. [King James translation]
Biblical Lesson
Chapter 34 of the book of Deuteronomy is the blessing of the tribes. The very first verse of the chapter announces that “This is the blessing that Moses, the man of GOD, gave to the people of Israel before his death.” Moses wanted to share a prophetic word from the LORD with “the children of Israel.”
To the tribe of Benjamin, Moses prayed and declared that the LORD shall “cover him” and that the LORD “dwell between his shoulders.”
The shoulder in the Bible is associated with strength. In Luke 15:4, in the Parable of the Lost Sheep,” when the herdsman finds his lost sheep, he lifts it up and lays it on his shoulder, rejoicing. In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet Isaiah preaches a Messianic message that a Child is born, a son is given, and that his name shall be called “Wonderful,” “Counsellor,” “The Mighty GOD,” “the Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace” and that “the government shall be upon HIS shoulder.”
In the Book of Job, in Chapter 31, Job uses a shoulder argument to defend himself against the guilty stares and condemnation of his “friends.” Job gives a number of examples of ungodly behavior and then basically states that if he has committed any of those offenses against GOD (e.g., lied, deceived, lusted after another’s wife, been unfair to his servants, mistreated the poor, raised his hand to the fatherless, being insensitive to the plight of a widow, “then let my arm fall from the shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.” In pronouncing this judgment upon himself, if he were guilty of offending GOD, Job makes it clear that losing the strength of a shoulder or losing an arm, would be a harsh punishment indeed. See Job 31:22.
This verse also reminds us that when GOD dwells within us, whatever burden we may face, we have the blessed assurance that GOD can “shoulder it.” That is why the ancestors frequently said or sang: “Take your burdens to THE LORD and leave them there.”
The Need to Exercise the Shoulder
The shoulders are still associated with power. And it’s important not to take your shoulders for granted. Your shoulders allow you to get something off a shelf, drive your car, type at a keyboard, and to do numerous other things during the course of a day. Reach for something and you are using your shoulders. Carry a bag of groceries, scratch your back, lift anything of any weight and you are using your shoulders.
The shoulders are usually capable of a wide range of motion, which is why exercise is important.
Exercises that strengthen the shoulders, improve posture, increase flexibility and mobility. As one writer noted, a pair of sculptured shoulders can look good on anyone!
Shoulder Exercises
All of the exercises below are meant to be performed with dumbbells (the weight will depend on your strength). Plastic water bottles or books may also be used as substitutes for dumbbells.
Perform 2 to 3 sets (with 10-15 repetitions per set)
Lateral Raises
1. Stand with your feet apart with a dumbbell in a hand along your sides.
2. Slowly lift up your arms until you reach about shoulder height, so your body forms a “T” shape. Make sure you keep your shoulders down as you lift your arms.
3. Pause at the top (pausing for 1-3 seconds for a greater challenge)
4. Slowly return to your starting position stopping just short of your arms touching your hips.
Alternating Front Raises
1. Stand with your feet apart with a dumbbell in each and with your palms facing toward you.
2. Slowly raise your right arm in front of you with a slight bend in your elbow, stopping when you reach about shoulder height.
3. Pause at the top (again for 1-3 seconds for a greater challenge) and then slowly lower your arm to your starting position, pausing while there is still tension on the shoulder.
4. Repeat the same steps two and three on the left side. Alternate from right to left until you have complete 10-15 repetitions and 2-3 sets.
Prone Shoulder Extensions
1. Lie down on a mat with your arms by your side.
2. Place a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing up.
3. Lift your arms toward the ceiling, pausing at the top of your range of motion.
4. Return to your starting position, stopping short of your arms touching the floor.
For visuals, go to https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/shoulder-exercises-sculpt-tighten#3
If you have an injury, have a medical condition, are on medication, feel any pain attempting an exercise, have questions, concerns or need assistance consult your personal physician for the best exercise program for you.
Pray for Strong Shoulders
If you are concerned about our government, the governments of other countries, we can find comfort in the prophetic words of Isaiah---that one day “the government will be on HIS shoulders.” (Isaiah 9:6) Until then, we continue to pray for all government leaders. And we continue to ask GOD’s blessings and that HE dwells “between each of our shoulders” as well as our minds, and our hearts. Pray that each of us do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with GOD (Micah 6:8). Pray we help shoulder each other’s burdens. (Galatians 6:2-4).
Pray we Lift HIM up----and be ye lifted up---today and every day. (Psalms 24:9)
Be strong. Be prayerful. BE BLESSED!
