Deuteronomy 33:18-21

18 About Zebulun he said: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and you, Issachar, in your tents.

19 They will summon peoples to the mountain and there offer the sacrifices of the righteous; they will feast on the abundance of the seas, on the treasures hidden in the sand.”

20 About Gad he said: “Blessed is he who enlarges Gad’s domain! Gad lives there like a lion, tearing at arm or head.

21 He chose the best land for himself; the leader’s portion was kept for him. When the heads of the people assembled, he carried out the LORD’s righteous will, and his judgments concerning Israel.”

Deuteronomy 33:18-21 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 Genesis 30:20; Genesis 49:13-15
• 2. S Genesis 30:18
• 3. S Exodus 15:17; Psalms 48:1; Isaiah 2:3; Isaiah 65:11; Isaiah 66:20; Jeremiah 31:6
• 4. Psalms 4:5; Psalms 51:19
• 5. Isaiah 18:7; Isaiah 23:18; Isaiah 45:14; Isaiah 60:5,11; Isaiah 61:6; Haggai 2:7; Zechariah 14:14
• 6. Genesis 30:11; Genesis 49:19
• 7. Deuteronomy 3:12-17
• 8. Nu 32:1-5,31-32
• 9. S Numbers 34:14
• 10. Joshua 4:12; Joshua 22:1-3