The Blessing contains: (1) an Introduction, Deuteronomy 33:1; (2) the Benedictions pronounced on the tribes individually, Deuteronomy 33:6; (3) a Conclusion, Deuteronomy 33:26. It was no doubt spoken by Moses, probably on the same day and to the same assembly as the Song Deuteronomy 32:1, as soon... [ Continue Reading ]
The title “the man of God” in the Old Testament is one who is favored with direct revelations, but not necessarily an official prophet. The occurrence of the title here is no doubt a token that the Blessing was not, as was the Song, transcribed by Moses himself. Compare Deuteronomy 31:27.... [ Continue Reading ]
By “Seir” is to be understood the mountain-land of the Edomites, and by “mount Paran” the range which forms the northern boundary of the desert of Sinai (compare Genesis 14:6 note). Thus the verse forms a poetical description of the vast arena upon which the glorious manifestation of the Lord in the... [ Continue Reading ]
“The people” are the twelve tribes, not the Gentiles; and his saints refer to God’s chosen people just before spoken of. Compare Deuteronomy 7:18, Deuteronomy 7:21; Exodus 19:6; Daniel 7:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE WAS KING - i. e., not Moses but the Lord became king.... [ Continue Reading ]
LET NOT HIS MEN BE FEW - literally, “a number,” i. e., “a small number,” such as could be easily counted (compare Genesis 34:30 note). While the verse promises that the tribe shall endure and prosper, yet it is so worded as to carry with it a warning. The Reubenites, occupied with their herds and fl... [ Continue Reading ]
BRING HIM UNTO HIS PEOPLE - Moses, taking up the promise of Jacob, prays that Judah, marching forth at the head of the tribes, might ever be brought back in safety and victory; arm intimates that God would grant help to accomplish this.... [ Continue Reading ]
THY HOLY ONE - i. e., Levi, regarded as the representative of the whole priestly and Levitical stock which sprang from him. The contrast between the tone of this passage and that of Genesis 49:5 is remarkable. Though the prediction of Jacob respecting the dispersion of this tribe held good, yet it w... [ Continue Reading ]
WHO SAID UNTO HIS FATHER AND TO HIS MOTHER - Compare Matthew 10:37; Luke 14:26.... [ Continue Reading ]
SMITE THROUGH THE LOINS - Rather, strike the loins, i. e., the seat of their strength.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE SHALL DWELL BETWEEN HIS SHOULDERS - i. e., be supported by God as a son who is carried by his father (compare Deuteronomy 1:31). Benjamin was especially beloved of his father Genesis 35:18; Genesis 44:20; Moses now promises no less love to him from God Himself.... [ Continue Reading ]
Comparing the words of Moses with those of Jacob, it will be seen that the patriarch dwells with emphasis on the severe conflicts which Joseph, i. e., Ephraim and Manasseh, would undergo (compare Genesis 49:23); while the lawgiver seems to look beyond, and to behold the two triumphant and establishe... [ Continue Reading ]
Zebulun possessed a commodious sea-shore and the fisheries of the Lake of Tiberias: and was therefore to thrive by commerce, and to rejoice in his “going out,” i. e., in his mercantile enterprises. Issachar possessed a fertile inland district, and would therefore dwell at home and prosper in agricul... [ Continue Reading ]
i. e., Blessed be God who shall grant to Gad a spacious territory. Compare the blessing of Shem Genesis 9:26. WITH THE CROWN - Rather, yea, the crown. The warlike character of this tribe is shown by their leading the van in the long campaigns of Joshua (compare Joshua 4:12; Joshua 22:1). Compare als... [ Continue Reading ]
The first fruits of the conquest made by Israel were assigned to Gad and Reuben by Moses, at their own request. BECAUSE ... SEATED - Render, because there was the leader’s portion reserved, i. e., there was reserved the fitting portion for Gad as a leader in war. AND HE CAME ... - i. e., he joined... [ Continue Reading ]
Dan shall be like a lion which leaps forth from his covert in Bashan. Compare Song of Solomon 4:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
SATISFIED WITH FAVOR - Compare Genesis 49:21 and note. THE WEST AND THE SOUTH - i. e., taking the words as referring not to geographical position but to natural characteristics, “the sea and the sunny district.” The possession of Naphtali included nearly the whole west coast of the Sea of Galilee,... [ Continue Reading ]
Rather, “Blessed above the sons” (i. e. of Jacob-most blessed among the sons of Jacob) “be Asher; let him he the favored one of his brethren,” i. e., the one favored of God. The plenty with which this tribe should be blessed is described under the figure of dipping the foot in oil (compare the margi... [ Continue Reading ]
The strength and firmness of Asher is as if he were shod with iron and brass (compare Revelation 1:15). The territory of this tribe probably contained iron and copper. Compare the marginal reference. AS THY DAYS, SO SHALL THY STRENGTH BE - i. e., “thy strength” (some prefer “thy rest”) “shall be co... [ Continue Reading ]
Rather, There is none like unto God, O Jeshurun! See marginal reference and note.... [ Continue Reading ]
THY REFUGE - Rather, “dwellingplace.” Compare Psalms 90:1; Psalms 91:9.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE FOUNTAIN OF JACOB SHALL BE UPON A LAND OF CORN AND WINE - The King James Version does not preserve the symmetry of the clauses. Render it: “Israel shall dwell in safety; alone shall the fountain of Jacob be” (compare Psalms 68:26; Isaiah 48:1); “in a land,” etc.... [ Continue Reading ]
BE FOUND LIARS UNTO THEE - Perhaps rather, “cringe before thee.” The verb means to show a feigned or forced obedience: see the marginal references. TREAD UPON THEIR HIGH PLACES - i. e., occupy the commanding positions in their land, and so have it in subjection.... [ Continue Reading ]