Deuteronomy 33:5-15

5 He was king over Jeshurun^[a] when the leaders of the people assembled, along with the tribes of Israel.

6 “Let Reuben live and not die, nor^[b] his people be few.”

7 And this he said about Judah: “Hear, LORD, the cry of Judah; bring him to his people. With his own hands he defends his cause. Oh, be his help against his foes!”

8 About Levi he said: “Your Thummim and Urim belong to your faithful servant. You tested him at Massah; you contended with him at the waters of Meribah.

9 He said of his father and mother, ‘I have no regard for them.’ He did not recognize his brothers or acknowledge his own children, but he watched over your word and guarded your covenant.

10 He teaches your precepts to Jacob and your law to Israel. He offers incense before you and whole burnt offerings on your altar.

11 Bless all his skills, LORD, and be pleased with the work of his hands. Strike down those who rise against him, his foes till they rise no more.”

12 About Benjamin he said: “Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.”

13 About Joseph he said: “May the LORD bless his land with the precious dew from heaven above and with the deep waters that lie below;

14 with the best the sun brings forth and the finest the moon can yield;

15 with the choicest gifts of the ancient mountains and the fruitfulness of the everlasting hills;

Deuteronomy 33:5-15 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. S Exodus 16:8; 1 Samuel 10:19; Psalms 10:16; Psalms 149:2
• 2. S Numbers 23:21; S Deuteronomy 32:15
• 3. S Genesis 34:5
• 4. S Genesis 49:10
• 5. S Genesis 29:34
• 6. Exodus 28:30
• 7. Psalms 106:16
• 8. S Numbers 14:22
• 9. S Exodus 17:7
• 10. Exodus 32:26-29
• 11. Psalms 61:5; Malachi 2:5
• 12. Ezra 7:10; Nehemiah 8:18; Psalms 119:151; Jeremiah 23:22; Malachi 2:6
• 13. S Leviticus 10:11; Deuteronomy 17:8-11; Deuteronomy 31:9-13
• 14. S Exodus 30:7; Leviticus 16:12-13
• 15. Psalms 51:19
• 16. 2 Samuel 24:23; Psalms 20:3; Psalms 51:19
• 17. S Genesis 35:18
• 18. Deuteronomy 4:37-38; Deuteronomy 12:10; S Deuteronomy 32:8
• 19. S Exodus 19:4
• 20. Psalms 60:5; Psalms 127:2; Isaiah 5:1
• 21. S Exodus 28:12
• 22. S Genesis 30:24; Genesis 49:25
• 23. Genesis 27:28; Psalms 148:7
• 24. Habakkuk 3:6

Footnotes

• [a]. "Jeshurun" means "the upright one," that is, Israel; also in verse 26.
• [b]. Or "but let"