Deuteronomy 33 Commentary
Moses has been a father to Israel for the past 40 years. Like the patriarchs, Moses must do one more task before his death: He has to bless Israel. Chapter 33 is similar to Genesis 49 as both contain patriarchal blessings.
While Chapter 49 is raw and unpolished in vision, Chapter 33 is prayerfully anticipatory in nature. It reflects the heart of the intercessor. It therefore reflects the heart of Jesus in its approach.
The blessing for Reuben exemplifies the conciliatory and prayerful attitude of Deuteronomy 33.
“Let Reuben live and not die, nor his people be few.” Verse 6.
The background to this blessing is that Reuben is destined for turbulence and failure. His life doesn’t deserve anything different. Yet Moses pronounces a blessing reminiscent of Calvary grace. It reflects the heart of God fully exemplified by the cross.
Up next is Judah. Could this be a recognition that Judah has taken over the role of leadership from Reuben? Judah requires help in his role as the leader and defender of the peoples of God. Judah’s enemies are the enemies of God. The blessing is key to the conquest of Canaan.
Levi comes up next. The Thummim and Urim are objects of decision-making in the presence of God. The chief priest carries them in the pouch as part of his vestments. This is Levi’s role. He needs skills for it, and so the blessing reflects the blessing of sanctuary ministry.
Benjamin is secure in the presence of the LORD. The mention of rest in the LORD for Benjamin envisions the rest that the many Sabbaths represent. The call to all to find rest in the LORD Jesus in Matthew 11 verse 28 can be connected here.
Joseph’s blessing is a special, loving, and softer gift from the LORD. It portrays Israel in a godly relationship with her God, set against a backdrop of Edenic serenity and fruitfulness.
Precious dew. Deep waters. Best of the sun. Finest of the moon. Choicest gifts. Fruitfulness of the everlasting hills. Best gifts of the earth and its fullness. Favor of him who dwelt in the burning bush.
Simply put, let creation honor God’s sweet heart!
We can think of Eden’s perfection when humanity was spiritually aligned.
The blessing for the one Jacob loved reminds us, and indeed reflects the blessing of the LORD on the saint who is loved by the LORD. It’s Israel’s blessing. It’s God who loves the people. Verse 3. You may want to think about John 3:16 and the LORD’s love, which saw no boundaries at the cross.
Zebulun represents the commercial machinery of Israel. Issachar pictures a settled Israel in worship.
A prosperous but complacent Issachar (Israel) became enslaved in Egypt. Moses’ blessing sees Issachar settled and in worship. It’s a blessing to express the will of God over Issachar (Israel).
Gad’s blessing is about enlargement. It represented both the economic increase and fruitfulness of the womb. You only think of changing homes when your family increases, say from one child to 4 children. At this point, more space is required.
Dan’s blessing is short but powerful. The picture of a lion’s cub portrays royalty in its beauty. There is also a sense of safety and security as the Lion of the tribe of Judah circles around.
Naphtali and Asher project the LORD’s favor over Israel. How Jacob needs it! Favor is never earned. Israel hasn’t deserved it, but the LORD has been faithful and gracious.
11 patriarchs and 11 various and multiple blessings for each should be enough, but Moses isn’t done yet.
“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’ Verses 26 and 27.
What a conclusion to the chapter and, indeed, the entire book!
Chapter 33 is too nice! You always have a faint feeling that we are missing something. Could it be that the complete omission of Simeon is that missing part? Is the Bible telling us that while the desired end is the LORD’s blessing on humanity, there still remains the justice portion of the LORD’s nature?
The omission of Simeon reveals two destinies. One comes with blessings, while the other speaks of complete exclusion from the LORD’s community. The end times will see this picture in full color as one side enjoys the fully unpacked glories of creation, while the other will experience total exclusion. The symbolism is truly powerful!
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