Deu 33 | MHM | STEP | Moses's Blessing on Israel This chapter begins with Moses giving a final blessing to the people of Israel before his death. In the previous chapter, Moses warned Israel about God’s judgment because of their sins. But now, he offers a blessing to show his love and to leave in peace. Moses blesses the people as both a prophet and a father to Israel, just as Jacob blessed his sons before he died (Genesis 49:1 ). This blessing also shows that, even though the people had sinned, God’s promise to bless them was still alive. Moses’s blessing is a sign of his good will and desire for their happiness, even though he cannot enter the promised land with them. v. 1 : This verse introduces the chapter as the blessing of Moses, the man of God, on the Israelites . Moses, like Jesus who blessed his disciples before leaving them (Luke 24:50 ), gives this blessing before he dies. He blesses them as a prophet, and his words foretell good things for Israel. He also blesses them as a caring leader, just as a father cares for his children.

‏ Deuteronomy 33

Moses's Blessing on Israel

This chapter begins with Moses giving a final blessing to the people of Israel before his death. In the previous chapter, Moses warned Israel about God’s judgment because of their sins. But now, he offers a blessing to show his love and to leave in peace. Moses blesses the people as both a prophet and a father to Israel, just as Jacob blessed his sons before he died (Genesis 49:1 ^a). This blessing also shows that, even though the people had sinned, God’s promise to bless them was still alive. Moses’s blessing is a sign of his good will and desire for their happiness, even though he cannot enter the promised land with them.

v. 1: This verse introduces the chapter as the blessing of Moses, the man of God, on the Israelites . Moses, like Jesus who blessed his disciples before leaving them (Luke 24:50 ^b), gives this blessing before he dies. He blesses them as a prophet, and his words foretell good things for Israel. He also blesses them as a caring leader, just as a father cares for his children.

v. 2: Moses begins his blessing by describing how God appeared to Israel in a powerful and glorious way when He gave them the law at Mount Sinai. God’s appearance was as bright as the sun, and even the distant mountains of Seir and Paran saw His glory. God came with thousands of holy angels, showing His greatness and majesty, just as it is written, The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints ; see also Habakkuk 3:3-4; Psalm 18:7-9 ^c; Jude 14 ^d). The angels attended God, just as the chariots of God are twenty thousand (Psalm 68:17 ^e), and the law was given by the help of angels (Acts 7:53; Hebrews 2:2 ^f).

v. 3: God gave His law to Israel out of love. The law is called a fiery law because it was given from the midst of fire (Deuteronomy 4:33 ^g). God’s law is powerful like fire; it can warm and purify if accepted, but it can also judge if rejected. God gave this law with His own right hand, showing its power and importance. Even though the law was strong, it was a sign of God’s love for His people, as it is written, Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand . God’s people are safe in His hand, and no one can take them away (John 10:28 ^h). This shows that the law of God is a special gift and a sign of His care.

v. 4: Moses commanded Israel to remember the law as their inheritance. The law set them apart from other nations, who did not have it (Psalm 147:20 ⁱ). The law was to be passed down to their children, just like any valuable inheritance. The people were to say, Moses commanded us a law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob (Deuteronomy 33:4; Psalm 119:111 ^j). This law was their true treasure, and following it meant keeping their place in God’s promises.

v. 5: The people are also taught to honor Moses as the one who gave them the law. Moses acted like a king in Israel, leading and caring for the people. He made sure the law was followed, and the people were blessed to have such a leader. When the heads of the people were gathered together, Moses led them well . Some people think this verse refers to God as King, but it is most likely about Moses. Good government is a blessing, and Israel was blessed when Moses ruled and the leaders worked together with him (1 Samuel 12:12 ^k).

The Blessings of Reuben and Judah

This section contains the blessings Moses gave to the tribes of Reuben and Judah. Although Reuben had lost his birthright because of his earlier sins, Moses still begins with him. This shows that we should not continue to shame those who have made mistakes. Judah’s blessing comes next, before Levi, because the kingdom—through which the Lord Jesus would come—was seen as greater than the priesthood. The tribe of Simeon is not mentioned here, possibly because of its past sins or because its land was closely connected with Judah’s.

v. 6: Moses asks God to let the tribe of Reuben survive and not disappear, even though they were not as honored as before. He prays, Let Reuben live, and not die . Even though Reuben would not be great among the tribes (Genesis 49:4 ^l), Moses hopes they will continue and be protected, especially since some of their men were helping their brothers in battle (Numbers 32:27 ^m). Some Jewish writers even saw this as a prayer for Reuben’s eternal life and protection from the second death.

v. 7: Moses prays for Judah, asking God to hear his prayers and give him success. He says, Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah, and bring him to his people; let his hands be sufficient for him; and be thou a help to him from his enemies . This blessing asks God to help Judah in all he does, both in work and in battle. It is also a prophecy that points to David and to Christ, the greater King who came from Judah. God would always hear their prayers (Psalm 20:1; John 11:42 ⁿ), give them victory, and gather the people to them, as was promised about Shiloh (Genesis 49:10 ^o). Simeon is not mentioned, possibly because their tribe was joined to Judah’s land or because of their past sins.

The Blessing of Levi

This section is about the blessing Moses gave to the tribe of Levi. Moses speaks at length about Levi, not because it was his own tribe, but because Levi was chosen by God to serve Him. The blessing covers both the high priest and all the other priests and Levites. It talks about their faithfulness, their special work, and the prayers Moses makes for them.

v. 8: Moses first blesses the high priest, called God’s holy one . The high priest’s job was very special, shown by the words Holiness to the Lord on his forehead. Moses remembers how Aaron and his family could have lost their place because of their sin at Meribah (Exodus 17:7 ^p), but God showed mercy. Moses prays that the high priest will always have wisdom and honesty, saying, Let your thummim and urim be with your holy one. These were special tools for guidance. Even though the Israelites lost them during exile, Jesus Christ, the true High Priest, keeps all wisdom and truth forever (Malachi 2:5 ^q).

v. 9: Moses praises the Levites because they showed great zeal for God when they stood against those who worshipped the golden calf (Exodus 32:26-28 ^r). They even punished close family members who did wrong. This shows that loyalty to God is more important than loyalty to family or friends. Some Levites, like the sons of Korah, did not join in rebellion (Numbers 26:11 ^s), and Phinehas acted bravely to stop a plague. The Levites often had to leave their families to serve at God’s altar, putting God’s work first—just like Jesus did (Matthew 12:48 ^t).

v. 10: Moses says that God gave the Levites the job of teaching the Israelites God’s laws and making decisions in difficult cases (Nehemiah 8:7-8; 2 Chronicles 17:8-9 ^u). The priests explained the law and helped people understand what God wanted. They also offered incense and sacrifices to God for the people’s sins. The Levites helped with these important duties. People who wanted God’s blessing needed to follow the Levites’ instructions carefully (Malachi 2:7; Haggai 2:11-13 ^v).

v. 11: Moses prays that God will bless the Levites’ work and give them enough for their needs. He says, Bless, Lord, his substance, asking God to make their food and supplies satisfying. He also asks God to accept their offerings and the work they do for Him, since acceptance by God is the most important thing (2 Corinthians 5:9 ^w). Lastly, Moses prays that God will protect the Levites from their enemies and stop anyone who tries to hurt them or stop their ministry. This shows that God will always defend those who serve Him, no matter what others do (1 Samuel 22:18 ^x).

The Blessing of Benjamin and Joseph

This section shares the blessings given to the tribes of Benjamin and Joseph. Benjamin is honored for his special relationship with God and his closeness to the temple. Joseph, which includes the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, is promised both great prosperity and power. These blessings highlight the special roles and gifts God gave to these tribes in Israel’s history.

v. 12: Moses blesses Benjamin, calling him the beloved of the Lord . Benjamin’s land was next to where the temple would be built, and Jerusalem was partly in his territory (Joshua 18:28 ^y). God promises Benjamin safety, saying he will dwell in safety by him. The temple was like God “dwelling between his shoulders,” giving Benjamin protection—like a person’s head rests safely on their shoulders (Psalm 91:1 ^z). Because Benjamin was close to the temple, his tribe stayed faithful to God even when others turned away. Being close to God’s house is a great blessing, but some people, sadly, can be near the church yet far from God in their hearts (Psalm 27:4-5; Nehemiah 6:10 ^aa).

v. 13: Moses begins blessing Joseph, which includes both Ephraim and Manasseh. He prays that their land will be rich and fruitful, saying, Blessed of the Lord be his land. Even though their land was already good, Moses asks God to send rain from heaven and water from underground—the precious things of heaven and the deep that coucheth beneath—because all real blessing comes from God (Psalm 65:9; Revelation 14:7 ^ab).

v. 14: He also asks for the blessings of the sun and moon, praying that Joseph’s land will have the best crops in every season—the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and the precious things put forth by the moon .

v. 15: Moses prays that even the hills and mountains will be fruitful for Joseph—the chief things of the ancient mountains, and the precious things of the lasting hills. In many places, mountains are rocky and dry, but here Moses asks that Joseph’s mountains would be especially blessed (Habakkuk 3:6 ^ac).

v. 16: He continues by asking for the best of the earth and its fullness, and the good-will of him that dwelt in the bush (Exodus 3:2 ^ad). This means Moses wants God’s special favor for Joseph, just as God showed favor when He appeared to Moses in the burning bush. God’s favor is better than any other blessing, because only God can make us truly happy, even if we have little else (Habakkuk 3:17-18; Luke 20:37 ^ae).

v. 17: Joseph’s power is described next. Moses says Joseph will be strong and honored, like the firstling of his bullock. This means he will be noble and a leader among his brothers. His horns are like the horns of a unicorn, meaning his people will be powerful in battle and able to defeat their enemies. The descendants of Joseph, especially Ephraim, would become very numerous and strong—the ten thousands of Ephraim, and the thousands of Manasseh (Genesis 48:19 ^af). Their greatness would last as long as they continued to trust and obey God (Psalm 78:9-10 ^ag).

The Blessings of Zebulun, Issachar, and Gad

This section gives the blessings that Moses spoke over the tribes of Zebulun, Issachar, and Gad. Zebulun and Issachar were both sons of Leah and their lands in Canaan were next to each other. Moses speaks about their different ways of life—one focused on trade and travel, the other on farming and learning. Both tribes are encouraged to use their gifts to serve God and help others. Gad is praised for their bravery and wise decisions, as well as their willingness to help their fellow Israelites.

v. 18: Zebulun is told to rejoice in his “going out,” and Issachar in his “tents.” This means Zebulun will be happy in his work away from home—like trading by the sea or even going to war (Judges 5:18; Genesis 49:13 ^ah). Issachar will be glad in his quiet life at home, working the land and enjoying peace (Genesis 49:14-15 ^ai). God gives people different talents and jobs, and everyone’s work is important for the good of the whole community (1 Corinthians 12:17 ^aj). It is wise and good to be content with the work God has given us (Ecclesiastes 5:19 ^ak).

v. 19: Both tribes will honor God and help others worship Him. They will call the people to the mountain, which means bringing people to the temple to worship God. Zebulun, who travels, can invite foreigners to know about the Lord (Matthew 4:14-15; Isaiah 2:2 ^al). Issachar, who works at home, will encourage his neighbors to go to the temple at the right times (1 Chronicles 12:32 ^am). Both tribes will offer sacrifices of righteousness. Zebulun will enjoy the riches from the sea, and Issachar will find treasures hidden in the sand. Their blessings will help them serve God with their wealth (Isaiah 60:5; Micah 4:13 ^an; Isaiah 23:18 ^ao).

v. 20: The tribe of Gad is blessed next. Moses says, Blessed be he that enlarges Gad. Gad’s land is large, and God is thanked for this blessing. Gad will be strong and brave, like a lion that can tear apart its enemies (1 Chronicles 5:19-20,22; 1 Chronicles 12:8 ^ap). God is the one who gives strength and success.

v. 21: Gad is praised for making wise choices. They chose their land early and settled in it with Moses’ permission (Numbers 32:2 ^aq). Gad’s people kept their promise to help the other tribes fight for Canaan. They crossed the Jordan River armed, helping to execute the justice of the Lord under Joshua’s leadership (Joshua 1:12,16; Joshua 4:12 ^ar). After the battles, Joshua blessed them for their faithfulness (Joshua 22:7 ^as). It is honorable to help others and to work for what is right in God’s eyes (Psalm 49:18 ^at).

The Blessings of Dan, Naphtali, and Asher

This section shares the blessings Moses gave to the tribes of Dan, Naphtali, and Asher. Each blessing shows how God planned different strengths and good things for every tribe. Some are blessed with courage and victory, others with happiness, favor, and wealth. Moses also prays that these tribes will continue to grow and have the strength to handle whatever comes their way.

v. 22: Dan is compared to a young lion that jumps out from Bashan. Moses sees Dan as brave and strong, unlike Jacob who described Dan as crafty like a serpent (Genesis 49:17 ^au). This could refer to Samson, who was from Dan and fought the Philistines with great strength, even killing a lion when he was young (Judges 14:5-6 ^av). It might also mean when the tribe of Dan surprised and conquered the city of Laish (Judges 18:27 ^aw). The image of leaping from Bashan shows their courage and ability to win battles suddenly and with great force.

v. 23: Naphtali is called happy and blessed. Moses prays that Naphtali will be satisfied with favor and filled with the blessing of the Lord. This could mean the tribe would have the love of people, since Jacob called them kind and friendly (Genesis 49:21 ^ax). But even more, it means they would have God’s favor, which brings true happiness. Their land would be fruitful and rich, and they would often be the first to bring offerings to the temple. Naphtali’s land also included the Sea of Galilee, which brought them wealth and special blessings, as cities like Capernaum and Bethsaida were found there and Jesus lived in this region.

v. 24: Asher’s blessing is next. Moses prays that Asher will have many children, reminding us that children are a blessing from God (Numbers 26:47 ^ay). He asks that Asher will be accepted by his brothers, showing how important it is to have good relationships with others.

v. 25: Moses says Asher’s land will be rich, with so much oil that he could dip his foot in it. He will also have iron and brass, meaning his land will have valuable resources above and below ground. Some say this also means Asher will be strong, like iron and brass. Moses promises that as Asher’s days, so shall his strength be. This means God will always give enough strength for whatever happens each day. If they have hard work or troubles, God will give the power to handle it and not let them be tempted beyond what they can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13 ^az). This is a promise for all God’s people.

v. 26: Moses declares, “There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun” . The term "Jeshurun" is a poetic name for Israel, meaning "upright one" (Deuteronomy 32:15 ^ba). Moses emphasizes the uniqueness of Israel’s God, who is incomparable in His power, majesty, and care for His people. God is described as riding upon the heavens to help His people, demonstrating His swift and mighty intervention. This imagery highlights God’s sovereignty over creation and His active involvement in the lives of His people. No other god can do what the LORD does for His people, and no enemy can stand against Him. This verse reminds Israel of God’s greatness and His commitment to protect and deliver them (Psalm 68:33-34 ^bb). God’s help is swift, sure, and unmatched, showing His love and power for His chosen people. Moses concludes by praising God’s care and salvation for His people. He says, “There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help” (Deuteronomy 33:26 ^bc). God’s power and presence ensure that His people are “a people saved by the LORD” (Deuteronomy 33:29 ^bd). No one can harm those whom God helps, and His salvation is complete and eternal. This verse reminds Israel that their security and victory come from God alone. Just as God added to the church in Acts 2:47 ^be, He continues to save and protect His people. This passage emphasizes God’s incomparable greatness and His eternal commitment to His people.

v. 27: Moses describes God as “the eternal God” whose “arms are everlasting” . Unlike the gods of other nations, who are temporary and powerless, the LORD has always existed and will always exist. He is a refuge for His people, a safe and comforting home where they can find rest and protection, as echoed in “Lord, thou hast been our dwelling-place in all generations” (Psalm 90:1 ^bf). God’s everlasting arms support and protect His people, even in their most difficult times, giving them strength and hope, as Paul writes: “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9 ^bg). God also leads Israel to victory, thrusting out their enemies and commanding them to destroy them. This reflects God’s sovereignty as the true owner of all lands and His power to give Israel the right and ability to conquer Canaan (Psalm 44:2 ^bh). God’s eternal nature and His active role in Israel’s victories demonstrate His unmatched power and faithfulness.

v. 28: Moses promises that Israel will dwell in safety and peace. “Israel shall then dwell in safety alone” . Even without allies, Israel will be secure because of God’s protection. Their separation from other nations ensures their safety under God’s care. This promise reflects God’s faithfulness, as seen in “Israel shall dwell safely” (Jeremiah 23:6 ^bi). Additionally, Israel will be well provided for, with a land full of “corn and wine” and blessed with dew from heaven. The phrase “the fountain of Jacob” refers to the people of Israel, who will enjoy abundance and prosperity in the land God has given them. This earthly blessing also points to the ultimate hope of believers in heaven, a better and eternal country that surpasses any earthly land.

v. 29: Israel is also well protected and armed. God is their shield and their sword. He keeps them safe from attacks and helps them succeed in battle. God’s word and faith are the armor for all believers (Ephesians 6:16-17 ^bj). God promises victory over enemies. They shall be found liars unto thee, meaning the enemies will be forced to submit, even if they do not want to. Israel will tread upon their high places, showing complete victory, just as Joshua did (Joshua 10:24 ^bk). In the end, God will also defeat spiritual enemies for His people, as Paul writes: The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly (Romans 16:20 ^bl). When we look at all these blessings together, we understand why Moses says, Happy art thou, O Israel! Who is like unto thee, O people! Israel is truly blessed because the Lord is their God.