Deuteronomy 33:1-6

1 These are the blessings that Moses, the man of God, pronounced on the people of Israel before he died.

2 The Lord came from Mount Sinai; he rose like the sun over Edom and shone on his people from Mount Paran. Ten thousand angels were with him, a flaming fire at his right hand.

3 The Lord loves his people and protects those who belong to him. So we bow at his feet and obey his commands.

4 We obey the Law that Moses gave us, our nation's most treasured possession.

5 The Lord became king of his people Israel when their tribes and leaders were gathered together.

6 Moses said about the tribe of Reuben: "May Reuben never die out, Although their people are few."

Deuteronomy 33:1-6 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

• [a]. [Probable text] Ten thousand . . . right hand; [Hebrew unclear.]
• [b]. [One ancient translation] his people; [Hebrew] the peoples.
• [c]. [Probable text] bow at; [Hebrew unclear.]