Deuteronomy 33:4-14

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."

7 About the tribe of Judah he said: "Lord, listen to their cry for help; Unite them again with the other tribes. Fight for them, Lord, And help them against their enemies."

8 About the tribe of Levi he said: ¹ "You, Lord, reveal your will by the Urim and Thummim Through your faithful servants, the Levites; You put them to the test at Massah And proved them true at the waters of Meribah.

9 They showed greater loyalty to you Than to parents, brothers, or children. They obeyed your commands And were faithful to your covenant.

10 They will teach your people to obey your Law; They will offer sacrifices on your altar.

11 Lord, help their tribe to grow strong; Be pleased with what they do. Crush all their enemies; Let them never rise again."

12 About the tribe of Benjamin he said: "This is the tribe the Lord loves and protects; He guards them all the day long, And he dwells in their midst."

13 About the tribe of Joseph he said: "May the Lord bless their land with rain And with water from under the earth.

14 May their land be blessed with sun-ripened fruit, Rich with the best fruits of each season.

Deuteronomy 33:4-14 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.

Cross References

• 1. 33.8 aExodus 28.30; bExodus 17.7; cExodus 17.7;Numbers 20.13.

Footnotes

• [a]. [Probable text] Fight for . . . enemies; [Hebrew] The tribe of Judah will fight for itself, and the Lord will help it against its enemies.
• [b]. urim and thummim: [Two objects used by the priest to determine God's will; it is not known precisely how they were used.]
• [c]. And he . . . midst; [or] They live under his protection.