Deuteronomy 33:1-8

1 This is the blessing with which Moses, the man of God, blessed the Israelites before his death.

2 He said: The Lord came from Sinai, and dawned from Seir upon us; he shone forth from Mount Paran. With him were myriads of holy ones; at his right, a host of his own.

3 Indeed, O favorite among peoples, all his holy ones were in your charge; they marched at your heels, accepted direction from you.

4 Moses charged us with the law, as a possession for the assembly of Jacob.

5 There arose a king in Jeshurun, when the leaders of the people assembled— the united tribes of Israel.

6 May Reuben live, and not die out, even though his numbers are few.

7 And this he said of Judah: O Lord, give heed to Judah, and bring him to his people; strengthen his hands for him, and be a help against his adversaries.

8 And of Levi he said: Give to Levi your Thummim, and your Urim to your loyal one, whom you tested at Massah, with whom you contended at the waters of Meribah;

Deuteronomy 33:1-8 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]. Gk Syr Vg Compare Tg: Heb [upon them]
• [b]. Cn Compare Gk Sam Syr Vg: MT [He came from Ribeboth-kodesh,]
• [c]. Cn Compare Gk: meaning of Heb uncertain
• [d]. Or [O lover of the]
• [e]. Cn: Heb [with his hands he contended]
• [f]. Q Ms Gk: MT lacks [Give to Levi]