Deuteronomy 33

In Deuteronomy 33, Moses delivers his final blessings to the tribes of Israel before his death. Similar to Jacob's blessings upon his sons in Genesis 49, Moses pronounces words of encouragement, prophecy, and guidance over each tribe, reflecting their character and future. This chapter serves as a reminder of God’s promises and favor upon His people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. It underscores God’s faithfulness and the unique role each tribe will play in Israel’s history.

Deuteronomy 33:1 (NKJV)
"Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death."

Moses, being referred to as the man of God, shows his intimate relationship with God and his role as the leader and prophet of Israel. The blessings he pronounces reflect his deep connection to God's will and his desire for the future well-being of the tribes of Israel. This verse introduces the significance of the blessings Moses is about to give before his death, marking a solemn and prophetic moment for the people.

Deuteronomy 33:2-3 (NKJV)
2 And he said:
"The Lord came from Sinai,
And dawned on them from Seir;
He shone forth from Mount Paran,
And He came with ten thousands of saints;
From His right hand
Came a fiery law for them.
3 Yes, He loves the people;
All His saints are in Your hand;
They sit down at Your feet;
Everyone receives Your words."

These verses depict the majesty of God’s revelation at Sinai. God is described as shining forth from Sinai, Seir, and Mount Paran, highlighting His divine presence over the region. The "fiery law" represents the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, a central event in Israel's history. God's love for His people is emphasized as they are described as being in His hand and sitting at His feet, symbolizing protection, intimacy, and learning from His words.

Deuteronomy 33:4-5 (NKJV)
4 Moses commanded a law for us,
A heritage of the congregation of Jacob.
5 And He was King in Jeshurun,
When the leaders of the people were gathered,
All the tribes of Israel together.

Moses reiterates the significance of the law given to Israel as their inheritance, something that would guide their lives and be passed through generations. "Jeshurun" is a poetic name for Israel, meaning upright or righteous. God is declared as their King, especially when the tribes are united under Him. This unity under God’s kingship and law is essential for their identity as His people.

Deuteronomy 33:6 (NKJV)
"Let Reuben live, and not die,
Nor let his men be few."

Moses begins with a blessing for Reuben, the firstborn. Although Reuben had lost his birthright due to previous sins, Moses still prays for his survival and that his descendants will not be few. This prayer reflects a desire for Reuben's tribe to continue and thrive, despite past failings.

Deuteronomy 33:7 (NKJV)
And this he said of Judah:
"Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah,
And bring him to his people;
Let his hands be sufficient for him,
And may You be a help against his enemies."

Judah, destined to be the tribe of kings, receives a blessing for strength in battle and leadership. Moses asks God to listen to Judah’s voice and give him victory in warfare, ensuring that the tribe remains strong and effective. This foreshadows Judah’s future leadership role in Israel, particularly through King David and eventually the Messiah.

Deuteronomy 33:8-11 (NKJV)
8 And of Levi he said:
"Let Your Thummim and Your Urim be with Your holy one,
Whom You tested at Massah,
And with whom You contended at the waters of Meribah,
9 Who says of his father and mother,
‘I have not seen them’;
Nor did he acknowledge his brothers,
Or know his own children;
For they have observed Your word
And kept Your covenant.
10 They shall teach Jacob Your judgments,
And Israel Your law.
They shall put incense before You,
And a whole burnt sacrifice on Your altar.
11 Bless his substance, Lord,
And accept the work of his hands;
Strike the loins of those who rise against him,
And of those who hate him, that they rise not again."

Levi is blessed for their loyalty to God during times of testing. The tribe’s role as priests is emphasized, with their responsibilities to teach God’s law, offer sacrifices, and serve in the sanctuary. Moses prays for God’s continued blessing on Levi’s work and protection against their enemies. Their commitment to God, even above family, reflects the tribe’s dedication to their priestly duties.

Deuteronomy 33:12 (NKJV)
Of Benjamin he said:
"The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him,
Who shelters him all the day long;
And he shall dwell between His shoulders."

Benjamin, being small in size but beloved by God, is blessed with divine protection and safety. The image of dwelling "between His shoulders" reflects intimacy and care, as if Benjamin is being carried by God. This portrays a unique closeness and favor from God towards the tribe.

Deuteronomy 33:13-17 (NKJV)
13 And of Joseph he said:
"Blessed of the Lord is his land,
With the precious things of heaven, with the dew,
And the deep lying beneath,
14 With the precious fruits of the sun,
With the precious produce of the months,
15 With the best things of the ancient mountains,
With the precious things of the everlasting hills,
16 With the precious things of the earth and its fullness,
And the favor of Him who dwelt in the bush.
Let the blessing come on the head of Joseph,
And on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers.
17 His glory is like a firstborn bull,
And his horns like the horns of the wild ox;
Together with them
He shall push the peoples
To the ends of the earth;
They are the ten thousands of Ephraim,
And they are the thousands of Manasseh."

Joseph’s blessing is rich with imagery of abundance and fertility. His land is promised blessings from both the heavens and the earth, reflecting material prosperity. The reference to the burning bush recalls God’s presence with Moses. Joseph is also described as strong, like a bull with powerful horns, symbolizing the strength and expansion of his descendants, particularly Ephraim and Manasseh.

Deuteronomy 33:18-19 (NKJV)
18 And of Zebulun he said:
"Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out,
And Issachar in your tents!
19 They shall call the peoples to the mountain;
There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness;
For they shall partake of the abundance of the seas
And of treasures hidden in the sand."

Zebulun and Issachar, often paired together due to their close proximity, receive a shared blessing. Zebulun is blessed in his travels ("going out"), while Issachar is blessed in his settled life ("in your tents"). Both tribes are called to lead others in worship, offering righteous sacrifices. Their prosperity is tied to the sea and treasures beneath it, perhaps pointing to trade or hidden resources they would uncover.

Deuteronomy 33:20-21 (NKJV)
20 And of Gad he said:
"Blessed is he who enlarges Gad;
He dwells as a lion,
And tears the arm and the crown of his head.
21 He provided the first part for himself,
Because a lawgiver’s portion was reserved there.
He came with the heads of the people;
He administered the justice of the Lord,
And His judgments with Israel."

Gad is depicted as a fierce tribe, likened to a lion that strikes decisively in battle. This tribe received their portion of land on the east side of the Jordan, taking the first part of the inheritance. Gad’s involvement in the justice and governance of Israel is emphasized, as they supported the collective effort of administering God’s law.

Deuteronomy 33:22 (NKJV)
And of Dan he said:
"Dan is a lion’s whelp;
He shall leap from Bashan."

Dan is compared to a young lion, symbolizing potential strength and aggression. The reference to Bashan may indicate the tribe’s future territorial expansions or their fierce nature in battle. Dan’s position as a smaller tribe is acknowledged, but their ability to grow and expand is implied through the lion imagery.

Deuteronomy 33:23 (NKJV)
And of Naphtali he said:
"O Naphtali, satisfied with favor,
And full of the blessing of the Lord,
Possess the west and the south."

Naphtali is blessed with abundance and favor from the Lord, ensuring satisfaction and prosperity. The tribe is called to possess land in both the west and the south, indicating their future territorial strength. This blessing highlights the favor of God upon Naphtali, providing them with a fruitful inheritance.

Deuteronomy 33:24-25 (NKJV)
24 And of Asher he said:
"Asher is most blessed of sons;
Let him be favored by his brothers,
And let him dip his foot in oil.
25 Your sandals shall be iron and bronze;
As your days, so shall your strength be."

Asher receives a unique blessing of favor among the tribes, with imagery of prosperity and strength. The mention of dipping his foot in oil could refer to wealth, particularly in olive oil production. The tribe’s "sandals of iron and bronze" symbolize durability and strength in both peace and conflict, with the promise of continual renewal and vitality throughout their days.

Deuteronomy 33:26-27 (NKJV)
26 "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun,
Who rides the heavens to help you,
And in His excellency on the clouds.
27 The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms;
He will thrust out the enemy from before you,
And will say, ‘Destroy!’"

Moses concludes with a majestic description of God’s power and protection over Israel (Jeshurun). God is portrayed as the one who rides the heavens and provides eternal refuge for His people. His "everlasting arms" reflect both security and care, while His promise to destroy Israel’s enemies speaks of His active involvement in their protection and victory over threats.

Deuteronomy 33:28-29 (NKJV)
28 Then Israel shall dwell in safety,
The fountain of Jacob alone,
In a land of grain and new wine;
His heavens shall also drop dew.
29 Happy are you, O Israel!
Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord,
The shield of your help
And the sword of your majesty!
Your enemies shall submit to you,
And you shall tread down their high places."

Moses declares that Israel will dwell in safety and prosperity in the Promised Land, with abundant blessings from heaven and the earth. He praises Israel as a people uniquely saved by the Lord, highlighting their privileged position. God is their shield and sword, ensuring protection and strength. Moses concludes by affirming that Israel’s enemies will be defeated and submit to them, showing God’s continued favor upon His chosen people.