Deuteronomy Chapter 33
Prior to the death of Moses, he gave one last speech to the people of Israel. In this speech he wanted to encourage the people and pronounce blessings over each of the tribes, the sons of Jacob. Moses like any great leader, was fond of the people he was called to lead. When we look back at the beginning when God first called to him from the burning bush, we remember that Moses was reluctant to take on the task. Moses told God he was not equipped to be such a leader, which he was correct, but God strengthened him and spoke through him. Moses became the man that God called him to be.
We can tell that the words of blessing that Moses spoke were literally from God since in the introduction Moses refers to himself in the third person in the narrative of the history of their journey to the promised land. So as much as Moses wanted to see the children of Israel succeed in the promised land, we know that this is truly what God wanted for His people.
Look for blessings for each of the twelve tribes of Jacob to include Reuben, Judah, Levi [the tribe not normally counted in the twelve tribes], Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh [the sons of Joseph], Zebulun, Issachar, Gad, Dan, Naphtali, and Asher. I am not sure why, but I did not see the tribe of Simeon listed.
Let's Reflect
1. According to verse 10 what were the responsibilities of the Levites?
2. Of the brothers, it seems that the most words were used for the Levites who would serve as the priests, and for the sons of Joseph. The sons of Joseph were given the most land because they were the biggest tribes. How does verse 17 describe the population of these two tribes?
3. Joseph had been the one instrumental in keeping the Israelites alive during the great famine. God used him to save His people. What do you see in the blessing that was spoken for Joseph (his sons) that shows that God rewarded the faithfulness of Joseph?
4. Another hint can be found in this chapter that the land that God gave to Israel, the promised land, was a land that extended from the Jordan River all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. The hint can be found in the blessing of Issachar. What blessings would the tribe of Issachar reap? See verse 19.
5. In verse 26 we see the name Jeshurun used to describe Israel. This name was also used in chapter 32 verse 15. It is a name that means “the upright one.” It was a poetic and endearing name used for Israel. However, in chapter 32 it was used sarcastically as we see Israel described as “fat” in the future, full of the blessings of God, but forgetting to ascribe credit and glory to God. In chapter 33 verse 26 there is a promise given to Jeshurun that shows what a loving God will do for Israel. What will God do for Jeshurun (Israel)?
6. What other promises and blessings will Israel reap once inside the promised land according to verses 27-29?
