Deuteronomy 33:21-29

21 He chose the best [part] for himself, because a ruler's portion was assigned there for him. He came [with] the leaders of the people; he carried out the Lord's justice and His ordinances for Israel.^[a]

22 He said about Dan: Dan is a young lion, leaping out of Bashan.^[b]

23 He said about Naphtali: Naphtali, enjoying approval, full of the Lord's blessing, take^[c] possession to the west and the south.

24 He said about Asher: May Asher^[d] be the most blessed of the sons; may he be the most favored among his brothers and dip his foot in [olive] oil.^{[e] [f]}

25 May the bolts of your gate be iron and bronze, and your strength last as long as you live.

26 There is none like the God of Jeshurun,^[g] who rides the heavens to your aid on the clouds in His majesty.^[h]

27 The God of old is [your] dwelling place,^[i] and underneath are the everlasting arms. He drives out the enemy before you, and commands, "Destroy!"

28 So Israel dwells securely; Jacob lives untroubled^{[j] [k]} in a land of grain and new wine; even his skies drip with dew.^[l]

29 How happy you are, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is the shield that protects you, the sword you boast in. Your enemies will cringe before you,^[m] and you will tread on their backs.^{[n] [o]}

Deuteronomy 33:21-29 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] Nm 32:1-38
• [b] Jdg 5:17
• [c] Sam, LXX, Syr, Vg, Tg read he will take
• [d] Happy or Blessed; Gn 30:13
• [e] A symbol for prosperity
• [f] Gn 49:20
• [g] Upright One, referring to Israel
• [h] 2 Sm 22:8-20; Ps 18:7-19
• [i] Ps 91:9
• [j] Text emended; MT reads Jacob's fountain is alone
• [k] Nm 23:9
• [l] Dt 8:7-9
• [m] 2 Sm 22:44-46; Ps 18:43-45
• [n] Or high places
• [o] Dt 32:13; Hab 3:19