Deuteronomy 33:20-29

20 And to Gad he said, Blessed he that enlarges Gad: as a lion he rested, having broken the arm and the ruler.

21 And he saw his first-fruits, that there the land of the princes gathered with the chiefs of the people was divided; the Lord wrought righteousness, and his judgment with Israel.

22 And to Dan he said, Dan a lion's whelp, and shall leap out of Basan.

23 And to Nephthali he said, Nephthali the fulness of good things; and let him be filled with blessing from the Lord: he shall inherit the west and the south.

24 And to Aser he said, Aser blessed with children; and he shall be acceptable to his brethren: he shall dip his foot in oil.

25 His sandal shall be iron and brass; as thy days, so thy strength.

26 There is not as the God of the beloved; he who rides upon the heaven thy helper, and the magnificent One of the firmament.

27 And the rule of God shall protect thee, and under the strength of the everlasting arms; and he shall cast forth the enemy from before thy face, saying, Perish.

28 And Israel shall dwell in confidence alone on the land of Jacob, with corn and wine; and the sky misty with dew upon thee.

29 Blessed thou, O Israel; who like to thee, O people saved by the Lord? thy helper shall hold his shield over thee, and sword thy boast; and thine enemies shall speak falsely to thee, and thou shalt tread upon their neck.

Deuteronomy 33:20-29 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.