New International Reader s Version - NIrV - 1996
Deuteronomy 33
1
Here is the blessing that Moses, the man of God, gave to the people of Israel before he died.
Reference
References God
Joshua 14:6
2
He said, "The Lord came from Mount Sinai. Like the rising sun, he shone on his people from Mount Seir. He shone on them from Mount Paran. He came with large numbers of angels. He came from his mountain slopes in the south.
Reference
📍 Mount Paran
Holy
Habakkuk 3:3
Psalm 68:17
Jude 1:14
Parallel theme
Revelation 5:11
Word
Hebrews 2:2
Acts 7:53
Galatians 3:19
3
Lord, I'm sure you love your people. All of the Israelites are in your hands. At your feet all of them bow down. And you teach them.
Reference
5
The Lord was king over Israel when the leaders of the people came together. The tribes of Israel were also there."
Reference
6
Here's what Moses said about Reuben. "Let Reuben live. Don't let him die. But let his people be few."
Reference
Parallel theme
Genesis 49:8
7
Here's what Moses said about Judah. "Lord, listen to Judah cry out. Bring him to his people. By his own power he stands up for himself. Lord, help him fight against his enemies!"
Reference
Parallel theme
Psalm 21:8
Psalm 20:2
1 Corinthians 15:25
Luke 19:27
References Lord
Hebrews 7:14
Isaiah 9:17
Psalm 146:5
8
Here's what Moses said about Levi. "Your Thummim and Urim belong to the man you favored. You put him to the test at Massah. You argued with him at the waters of Meribah.
Reference
9
Levi didn't show special favor to anyone. He did not spare his father and mother. He didn't excuse his relatives or his children. But he watched over your word. He guarded your covenant.
Reference
10
He teaches your rules to the people of Jacob. He teaches your law to Israel. He offers incense to you. He sacrifices whole burnt offerings on your altar.
Reference
11
Lord, bless all of his skills. Be pleased with everything he does. Destroy those who rise up against him. Strike down his enemies until they can't get up."
Reference
12
Here's what Moses said about Benjamin. "Let the one the Lord loves rest safely in him. The Lord guards him all day long. The one the Lord loves rests in his arms."
Reference
Parallel theme
Psalm 91:4
Matthew 23:37
Isaiah 51:16
Isaiah 37:35
1 Kings 12:21
2 Chronicles 11:1
References Lord
2 Chronicles 15:2
Isaiah 37:22
Deuteronomy 12:10
13
Here's what Moses said about Joseph. "May the Lord bless Joseph's land. May he bless it with dew from the highest heavens. May he bless it with water from the deepest oceans.
Reference
14
May he bless it with the best crops the sun can produce. May he bless it with the finest crops the moon can give.
15
May he bless it with the best products of the age-old mountains. May he bless it with the many crops of the ancient hills.
Reference
16
May he bless it with the best gifts that fill the earth. May he bless it with the favor of the One who spoke out of the burning bush. Let all of those blessings rest on the head of Joseph. Let them rest on the head of the one who is prince among his brothers.
Reference
17
His glory is like the glory of a bull that was born first to its mother. His horns are like the horns of a wild ox. He will destroy the nations with them. He'll wipe out the nations that are very far away. The ten thousands of men in Ephraim's army are like the bull and the ox. So are the thousands in the army of Manasseh."
Reference
18
Here's what Moses said about Zebulun and Issachar. "Zebulun, be filled with joy when you go out. Issachar, be joyful in your tents.
19
You will call for all of the other Israelites to go to the mountain. There you will offer proper sacrifices. You will enjoy the many good things your ships bring you. You will enjoy treasures that are hidden in the sand."
Reference
20
Here's what Moses said about Gad. "May the One who gives Gad more land be praised! Gad lives there like a lion that tears off arms and heads.
Reference
Parallel theme
Genesis 49:19
21
He chose the best land for his livestock. The leader's share was kept for him. The leaders of the people came together. Then Gad carried out the Lord's holy plan. He carried out the Lord's decisions for Israel."
Reference
Parallel theme
Joshua 1:14
22
Here's what Moses said about Dan. "Dan is like a lion's cub that charges out of the land of Bashan."
Reference
23
Here's what Moses said about Naphtali. "The Lord greatly favors Naphtali. The Lord fills him with his blessing. Naphtali's land will reach south to the Sea of Galilee."
Reference
Parallel theme
Genesis 49:21
Matthew 4:16
Psalm 36:8
Matthew 4:13
Psalm 90:14
Matthew 11:28
References Lord
Jeremiah 31:14
24
Here's what Moses said about Asher. "Asher is the most blessed of sons. Let his brothers show favor to him. Let him wash his feet with olive oil.
Reference
Blessing
Psalm 115:15
Parallel theme
Genesis 49:20
Psalm 128:6
Romans 14:18
Psalm 128:3
Job 29:6
Acts 7:10
Exodus 12:10
25
The bars of his gates will be made out of iron and bronze. His strength will last as long as he lives.
Reference
26
"There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides in the heavens to help you. He rides on the clouds in his glory.
Reference
Parallel theme
Jeremiah 10:6
Habakkuk 3:8
Psalm 104:3
Isaiah 19:1
Isaiah 40:25
Isaiah 66:8
References God
Exodus 15:11
Psalm 86:8
Isaiah 40:18
Deuteronomy 32:15
27
God lives forever! You can run to him for safety. His powerful arms are always there to carry you. He will drive out your enemies to make room for you. He'll say to you, 'Destroy them!'
Reference
Parallel theme
Isaiah 25:4
Proverbs 18:10
Psalm 91:9
Jude 1:24
Isaiah 32:2
Isaiah 57:15
References God
Psalm 18:2
Psalm 46:1
Romans 16:20
1 Peter 1:5
28
So Israel will live alone in safety. Jacob's spring of water is safe in a land that has grain and fresh wine. There the heavens drop their dew.
Reference
Parallel theme
Numbers 23:9
Exodus 33:16
Genesis 27:28
Revelation 21:27
Jeremiah 33:16
Deuteronomy 11:11
References Israel
Jeremiah 23:6
29
Israel, how blessed you are! Who is like you? The Lord has saved you. He keeps you safe. He helps you. He's like a glorious sword to you. Your enemies will bow down to you in fear. You will bring them under your control."
Reference
Parallel theme
Psalm 66:3
Psalm 18:44
Deuteronomy 32:13
References Israel
2 Samuel 7:23
References Lord
Psalm 33:20
Psalm 84:11
Habakkuk 3:19
Salvation
Isaiah 45:17
Isaiah 12:2
Word
Genesis 15:1
Chapter Summary
Deuteronomy 33 contains the final blessing of Moses concerning the tribes of Israel, just before dying. Moses had led Israel for a number of years, but now the nation had new leadership with Joshua. Moses' final words were not the rebukes that he had delivered in times past, but words of blessing and a reminder of God's faithfulness.
The chapter opens with Moses as the man of God who blessed the children of Israel before his death. Moses speaks of the Lord coming from Sinai and shining forth from Seir and Paran. God comes with power and glory to lead His people. The King is revealed as One who gives His law to Israel and leads the nation.
Moses speaks first of the Lord in His relationship to Israel as a whole. The people had surrounded Him and received His commandments. God had given them His law, which was much more than a set of regulations, for this established Israel as His people.
Moses then begins to speak of the blessings for the individual tribes. The arrangement and wording are different from when Jacob blessed his sons, Genesis 49. Moses is speaking to Israel as it enters Canaan.
Reuben is the first tribe named. Moses asks that Reuben might live and not die, and that his people be numerous. Reuben had already received territory on the east of Jordan, so that the tribe remains among the children of Israel.
Judah is next, and Moses asks God to hear Judah and to help him against his enemies. Judah would be prominent among the tribes, and Moses' blessing asks that his adversaries be made subject to him, and that the people return to their land.
Levi receives more extensive mention, the tribe being specially blessed by Moses because of their share in administering Israel's spiritual life. They teach Israel God's judgments and law and serve at the sanctuary. Moses recalls their faithfulness during the golden calf incident where they took their stand on the side of the Lord. He asks God to bless their service.
Benjamin is one whom the Lord loveth. Benjamin would live securely near the Lord and be kept safe by Him. The tribe's territory would be in proximity to Jerusalem where the Temple was to be built.
Joseph is blessed with one of the longest blessings. The two tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons, had received great territories and would be extensive in their distribution. Moses asks for blessings from the earth, from the heavens, from the deep waters, and from plenty in the land. Joseph is a prince among his brothers and as strong as a bull.
Ephraim and Manasseh receive separate mention in the blessing of Joseph. Ephraim is to possess ten thousands and Manasseh thousands. Here we find the same division as in other Israel's history in which Ephraim is the greater tribe.
Zebulun and Issachar receive a shared blessing. Moses speaks of their activity in going out and remaining in their tents. He also speaks of their sacrifices and calls the nations to the mountain where they could offer sacrifices to the Lord. Their territory would be in the north of Canaan.
Gad is praised as a tribe which had been given a large territory. Moses speaks of Gad as having the courage of a lion and choosing a first portion of the land. Yet the tribe still fulfilled their duties to the other tribes by helping them conquer the land to the west of Jordan.
Dan is a young lion that will leap from Bashan. The short blessing speaks of strength and motion and their part in Israel's future life.
Naphtali receives the blessing of the Lord's favor and blessing. Moses speaks of Naphtali possessing the west and the south. The tribe's territory would be in the northern part of Canaan near the Sea of Galilee.
Asher receives the last tribal blessing. Moses says that Asher would be blessed above the children of Israel and that his brothers would accept him. Asher would have plenty and be strong, and his shoes would be made of iron and brass.
Moses turns to Israel as a whole, and speaks of them as a people who have been specially protected. There is no other God like the God of Jeshurun (Israel). God comes down from heaven to aid His people and to be their refuge.
Moses declares that the eternal God is Israel's refuge and that His everlasting arms are underneath them. God would drive out their enemies and command Israel to destroy them. Israel would dwell securely in the land, a land of grain and wine with the dew of heaven.
The final verses speak of Israel's happiness and security. Moses asks who is like Israel, a people saved by the Lord. God is their shield and protector and the sword that gives them victory. Their enemies would fear them and Israel would tread upon their high places.
Deuteronomy 33 is fittingly the final chapter of Moses' ministry over Israel. He had taught Israel, corrected, rebuked, and led the nation. His final message was a blessing of the people. Each tribe was to have a role in Israel's future, and all were united as God's covenant people.
The blessings given are also a reminder that the security and prosperity of Israel were in the hands of the Lord. They would not inherit this land by their strength, but by the God who had brought them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. Moses' final blessing reminded Israel that they were not to enter Canaan on their own, but with God going before them.
With this final blessing comes the last words of Moses. The next few verses contain Moses' final glimpse of the Promised Land and his passing on Mount Nebo.
The chapter opens with Moses as the man of God who blessed the children of Israel before his death. Moses speaks of the Lord coming from Sinai and shining forth from Seir and Paran. God comes with power and glory to lead His people. The King is revealed as One who gives His law to Israel and leads the nation.
Moses speaks first of the Lord in His relationship to Israel as a whole. The people had surrounded Him and received His commandments. God had given them His law, which was much more than a set of regulations, for this established Israel as His people.
Moses then begins to speak of the blessings for the individual tribes. The arrangement and wording are different from when Jacob blessed his sons, Genesis 49. Moses is speaking to Israel as it enters Canaan.
Reuben is the first tribe named. Moses asks that Reuben might live and not die, and that his people be numerous. Reuben had already received territory on the east of Jordan, so that the tribe remains among the children of Israel.
Judah is next, and Moses asks God to hear Judah and to help him against his enemies. Judah would be prominent among the tribes, and Moses' blessing asks that his adversaries be made subject to him, and that the people return to their land.
Levi receives more extensive mention, the tribe being specially blessed by Moses because of their share in administering Israel's spiritual life. They teach Israel God's judgments and law and serve at the sanctuary. Moses recalls their faithfulness during the golden calf incident where they took their stand on the side of the Lord. He asks God to bless their service.
Benjamin is one whom the Lord loveth. Benjamin would live securely near the Lord and be kept safe by Him. The tribe's territory would be in proximity to Jerusalem where the Temple was to be built.
Joseph is blessed with one of the longest blessings. The two tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons, had received great territories and would be extensive in their distribution. Moses asks for blessings from the earth, from the heavens, from the deep waters, and from plenty in the land. Joseph is a prince among his brothers and as strong as a bull.
Ephraim and Manasseh receive separate mention in the blessing of Joseph. Ephraim is to possess ten thousands and Manasseh thousands. Here we find the same division as in other Israel's history in which Ephraim is the greater tribe.
Zebulun and Issachar receive a shared blessing. Moses speaks of their activity in going out and remaining in their tents. He also speaks of their sacrifices and calls the nations to the mountain where they could offer sacrifices to the Lord. Their territory would be in the north of Canaan.
Gad is praised as a tribe which had been given a large territory. Moses speaks of Gad as having the courage of a lion and choosing a first portion of the land. Yet the tribe still fulfilled their duties to the other tribes by helping them conquer the land to the west of Jordan.
Dan is a young lion that will leap from Bashan. The short blessing speaks of strength and motion and their part in Israel's future life.
Naphtali receives the blessing of the Lord's favor and blessing. Moses speaks of Naphtali possessing the west and the south. The tribe's territory would be in the northern part of Canaan near the Sea of Galilee.
Asher receives the last tribal blessing. Moses says that Asher would be blessed above the children of Israel and that his brothers would accept him. Asher would have plenty and be strong, and his shoes would be made of iron and brass.
Moses turns to Israel as a whole, and speaks of them as a people who have been specially protected. There is no other God like the God of Jeshurun (Israel). God comes down from heaven to aid His people and to be their refuge.
Moses declares that the eternal God is Israel's refuge and that His everlasting arms are underneath them. God would drive out their enemies and command Israel to destroy them. Israel would dwell securely in the land, a land of grain and wine with the dew of heaven.
The final verses speak of Israel's happiness and security. Moses asks who is like Israel, a people saved by the Lord. God is their shield and protector and the sword that gives them victory. Their enemies would fear them and Israel would tread upon their high places.
Deuteronomy 33 is fittingly the final chapter of Moses' ministry over Israel. He had taught Israel, corrected, rebuked, and led the nation. His final message was a blessing of the people. Each tribe was to have a role in Israel's future, and all were united as God's covenant people.
The blessings given are also a reminder that the security and prosperity of Israel were in the hands of the Lord. They would not inherit this land by their strength, but by the God who had brought them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. Moses' final blessing reminded Israel that they were not to enter Canaan on their own, but with God going before them.
With this final blessing comes the last words of Moses. The next few verses contain Moses' final glimpse of the Promised Land and his passing on Mount Nebo.