Deuteronomy 33:21-29

21 The people of Gad took the best land for themselves; a leader’s share was assigned to them. When the leaders of the people were assembled, they carried out the LORD ’s justice and obeyed his regulations for Israel.”

22 Moses said this about the tribe of Dan: “Dan is a lion’s cub, leaping out from Bashan.”

23 Moses said this about the tribe of Naphtali: “O Naphtali, you are rich in favor and full of the LORD ’s blessings; may you possess the west and the south.”

24 Moses said this about the tribe of Asher: “May Asher be blessed above other sons; may he be esteemed by his brothers; may he bathe his feet in olive oil.

25 May the bolts of your gates be of iron and bronze; may you be secure all your days.”

26 “There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor.

27 The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you; he cries out, ‘Destroy them!’

28 So Israel will live in safety, prosperous Jacob in security, in a land of grain and new wine, while the heavens drop down dew.

29 How blessed you are, O Israel! Who else is like you, a people saved by the LORD ? He is your protecting shield and your triumphant sword! Your enemies will cringe before you, and you will stomp on their backs!”

Deuteronomy 33:21-29 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Hebrew of Jeshurun, a term of endearment for Israel.