Deuteronomy 33:1-6

1 Moses, the man of God, gave this blessing to the Israelites before he died.

2 He said: "The Lord came from Mount Sinai and rose like the sun from Edom; he showed his greatness from Mount Paran. He came with thousands of angels from the southern mountains.

3 The Lord surely loves his people and takes care of all those who belong to him. They bow down at his feet, and they are taught by him.

4 Moses gave us the teachings that belong to the people of Jacob.

5 The Lord became king of Israel when the leaders of the people gathered, when the tribes of Israel came together.

6 "Let the people of Reuben live and not die, but let the people be 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.