Deuteronomy 33:1-2

The fourth heading: Moses’ blessing

1 This is the blessing that Moses the man of God gave the Israelites before he died.
2 He said: The LORD came from Sinai: from Seir he shone like the dawn on us, from Paran Mountain he beamed down. Thousands of holy ones were with him; his warriors were next to him, ready.

Deuteronomy 33:1-2 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 33

This chapter relates the blessings Moses pronounced upon the people of Israel a little before his death; first, in general, on account of their having a law given them in so glorious a manner, De 33:1-5; then, in particular, each of the tribes distinctly is blessed, Reuben, De 33:6; Judah, De 33:7; Levi, De 33:8-11; Benjamin, De 33:12; Joseph, De 33:13-17; Zebulun and Issachar, De 33:18,19; Gad, De 33:20,21; Dan, De 33:22; Naphtali, De 33:23; Asher, De 33:24,25; and the chapter is concluded with some strong intimations of what God was unto the people of Israel in general, and of what he had done and would do for them; all which are expressive of their great happiness, De 33:26-29.

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. Correcting with LXX, Vulg, Syr, Tg Onkelos (see 33:4); MT and Sam on them
  • [b]. Correction; cf LXX, Sam, Syr, Vulg; MT he came from Ribeboth-kodesh
  • [c]. LXX angels; Heb uncertain
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible