Deuteronomy 33:14-24

14 with the best fruits that the sun brings, and with the best fruits that the moon brings.

15 Let the old mountains give the finest crops, and let the everlasting hills give the best fruits.

16 Let the full earth give the best fruits, and let the Lord who lived in the burning bush be pleased. May these blessings rest on the head of Joseph, on the forehead of the one who was blessed among his brothers.

17 Joseph has the majesty of a firstborn bull; he is as strong as a wild ox. He will stab other nations, even those nations far away. These are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and these are the thousands of Manasseh."

18 Moses said this about the people of Zebulun: "Be happy when you go out, Zebulun, and be happy in your tents, Issachar.

19 They will call the people to the mountain, and there they will offer the right sacrifices. They will do well from all that is in the sea, and they will do well from the treasures hidden in the sand on the shore."

20 Moses said this about the people of Gad: "Praise God who gives Gad more land! Gad lives there like a lion, who tears off arms and heads.

21 They chose the best land for themselves. They received a large share, like that given to an officer. When the leaders of the people gathered, the people of Gad did what the Lord said was right, and they judged Israel fairly."

22 Moses said this about the people of Dan: "Dan is like a lion's cub, who jumps out of Bashan."

23 Moses said this about the people of Naphtali: "Naphtali enjoys special kindnesses, and they are full of the Lord's blessings. Take as your own the west and south."

24 Moses said this about the people of Asher: "Asher is the most blessed of the sons; let him be his brothers' favorite. Let him bathe his feet in olive oil.

Deuteronomy 33:14-24 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.