Deuteronomy 33:1-11

1 Moses, the man of God, gave this blessing to the Israelites before he died.

2 He said: "The Lord came from Mount Sinai and rose like the sun from Edom; he showed his greatness from Mount Paran. He came with thousands of angels from the southern mountains.

3 The Lord surely loves his people and takes care of all those who belong to him. They bow down at his feet, and they are taught by him.

4 Moses gave us the teachings that belong to the people of Jacob.

5 The Lord became king of Israel when the leaders of the people gathered, when the tribes of Israel came together.

6 "Let the people of Reuben live and not die, but let the people be few."

7 Moses said this about the people of Judah: "Lord, listen to Judah's prayer; bring them back to their people. They defend themselves with their hands. Help them fight their enemies!"

8 Moses said this about the people of Levi: "Lord, your Thummim and Urim belong to Levi, whom you love. Lord, you tested him at Massah and argued with him at the waters of Meribah.

9 He said about his father and mother, 'I don't care about them.' He did not treat his brothers as favorites or give special favors to his children, but he protected your word and guarded your agreement.

10 He teaches your laws to the people of Jacob and your teachings to the people of Israel. He burns incense before you and makes whole burnt offerings on your altar.

11 Lord, make them strong; be pleased with the work they do. Defeat those who attack them, and don't let their enemies rise up again."

Deuteronomy 33:1-11 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.