Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He chose the best land for himself; the leader’s portion was kept for him. When the heads of the people assembled, he carried out the LORD’s righteous will, and his judgments concerning Israel.” New Living Translation The people of Gad took the best land for themselves; a leader’s share was assigned to them. When the leaders of the people were assembled, they carried out the LORD’s justice and obeyed his regulations for Israel.” English Standard Version He chose the best of the land for himself, for there a commander’s portion was reserved; and he came with the heads of the people, with Israel he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments for Israel.” Berean Standard Bible He chose the best land for himself, because a ruler’s portion was reserved for him there. He came with the leaders of the people; he administered the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel.” King James Bible And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel. New King James Version He provided the first part for himself, Because a lawgiver’s portion was reserved there. He came with the heads of the people; He administered the justice of the LORD, And His judgments with Israel.” New American Standard Bible “Then he selected the choicest part for himself, For there the ruler’s portion was reserved; And he came with the leaders of the people; He executed the justice of the LORD, And His ordinances with Israel.” NASB 1995 “Then he provided the first part for himself, For there the ruler’s portion was reserved; And he came with the leaders of the people; He executed the justice of the LORD, And His ordinances with Israel.” NASB 1977 “Then he provided the first part for himself, For there the ruler’s portion was reserved; And he came with the leaders of the people; He executed the justice of the LORD, And His ordinances with Israel.” Legacy Standard Bible Then he provided the first part for himself, For there the ruler’s portion was reserved; And he came with the heads of the people; He did the righteousness of Yahweh, And His judgments with Israel.” Amplified Bible “He selected the best [land] for himself, For there the leader’s portion was reserved; Yet he came with the leaders of the people; He carried out the justice (righteous will) of the LORD, And His ordinances (judgments) with Israel.” Christian Standard Bible He chose the best part for himself, because a ruler’s portion was assigned there for him. He came with the leaders of the people; he carried out the LORD’s justice and his ordinances for Israel. Holman Christian Standard Bible He chose the best part for himself, because a ruler’s portion was assigned there for him. He came with the leaders of the people; he carried out the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel. American Standard Version And he provided the first part for himself, For there was the lawgiver's portion reserved; And he came with the heads of the people; He executed the righteousness of Jehovah, And his ordinances with Israel. Contemporary English Version Your leaders met together and chose the best land for your tribe, but you obeyed the LORD and helped the other tribes. English Revised Version And he provided the first part for himself, For there was the lawgiver's portion reserved; And he came with the heads of the people, He executed the justice of the LORD, And his judgments with Israel. GOD'S WORD® Translation They chose the best land for themselves. Indeed, a commander's piece of land was reserved for them. They were leaders of the people and did for Israel what the LORD considers fair and honorable." Good News Translation They took the best of the land for themselves; A leader's share was assigned to them. They obeyed the LORD's commands and laws When the leaders of Israel were gathered together." International Standard Version He chose the best part for himself, when the leader's portion was assigned. He came at the head of the people, carrying out the LORD'S justice and his ordinances concerning Israel." Majority Standard Bible He chose the best land for himself, because a ruler?s portion was reserved for him there. He came with the leaders of the people; he administered the LORD?s justice and His ordinances for Israel.? NET Bible He has selected the best part for himself, for the portion of the ruler is set aside there; he came with the leaders of the people, he obeyed the righteous laws of the LORD and his ordinances with Israel. New Heart English Bible He provided the first part for himself, for there was the lawgiver's portion reserved. He came with the heads of the people. He executed the righteousness of the LORD, his ordinances with Israel." Webster's Bible Translation And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated: and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel. World English Bible He provided the first part for himself, for the lawgiver’s portion was reserved for him. He came with the heads of the people. He executed the righteousness of Yahweh, His ordinances with Israel.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he provides the first part for himself, "" For there the portion of the lawgiver is covered, "" And he comes [with] the heads of the people; He has done the righteousness of YHWH, "" And His judgments with Israel. Young's Literal Translation And he provideth the first part for himself, For there the portion of the lawgiver is covered, And he cometh with the heads of the people; The righteousness of Jehovah he hath done, And His judgments with Israel. Smith's Literal Translation And he will see the first-fruits to himself, for there the portion of the ruler he covered: and he will mark out the heads of the people; he did the justice of Jehovah, and his judgments with Israel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he saw his pre-eminence, that in his portion the teacher was laid up: who was with the princes of the people, and did the justices of the Lord, and his judgment with Israel. Catholic Public Domain Version And he has seen his own pre-eminence, which his teacher has stored up as his portion. He was with the princes of the people, and he accomplished the justices of the Lord, and his judgment with Israel.” New American Bible He saw that the best should be his, for there the commander’s portion was assigned; he came at the head of the people. He carried out the justice of the LORD and his ordinances for Israel. New Revised Standard Version He chose the best for himself, for there a commander’s allotment was reserved; he came at the head of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his ordinances for Israel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he provided the first part of the spoil for himself, out of which he set aside the portion of the lawgiver; he went out at the head of the people; he executed the justice of the LORD and his judgments with Israel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he saw the First Himself, because there the portion of the Prophet was buried who was proceeding with the Head of the people; He performed the righteousness of LORD JEHOVAH and his judgments with Israel.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he chose a first part for himself, For there a portion of a ruler was reserved; And there came the heads of the people, He executed the righteousness of the LORD, And His ordinances with Israel. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he saw his first-fruits, that there the land of the princes gathered with the chiefs of the people was divided; the Lord wrought righteousness, and his judgment with Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes…20Concerning Gad he said: “Blessed is he who enlarges the domain of Gad! He lies down like a lion and tears off an arm or a head. 21He chose the best land for himself, because a ruler’s portion was reserved for him there. He came with the leaders of the people; he administered the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel.” 22Concerning Dan he said: “Dan is a lion’s cub, leaping out of Bashan.”… Cross References Numbers 32:29-32 And Moses said to them, “If the Gadites and Reubenites cross the Jordan with you, with every man armed for battle before the LORD, and the land is subdued before you, then you are to give them the land of Gilead as a possession. / But if they do not arm themselves and go across with you, then they must accept their possession among you in the land of Canaan.” / The Gadites and Reubenites replied, “As the LORD has spoken to your servants, so we will do. ... Joshua 1:12-15 But to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, / “Remember what Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you when he said, ‘The LORD your God will give you rest, and He will give you this land.’ / Your wives, your young children, and your livestock may remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But all your mighty men of valor must be armed for battle to cross over ahead of your brothers and help them, ... Joshua 22:1-6 Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh / and told them, “You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and you have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you. / All this time you have not deserted your brothers, up to this very day, but have kept the charge given you by the LORD your God. ... Genesis 49:19 Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels. Judges 5:17 Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger by the ships? Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors. 1 Chronicles 5:18-22 The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 warriors—valiant men who carried the shield and sword, drew the bow, and were trained for battle. / They waged war against the Hagrites, as well as Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. / And because they cried out to God in battle, they were helped against their enemies, and the Hagrites and all their allies were delivered into their hands. Because they put their trust in God, He answered their prayers. ... 1 Chronicles 12:8 Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains: Isaiah 33:22 For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us. Jeremiah 50:19 I will return Israel to his pasture, and he will graze on Carmel and Bashan; his soul will be satisfied on the hills of Ephraim and Gilead. Ezekiel 48:27 And Gad will have one portion bordering the territory of Zebulun from east to west. Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 19:28 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:30 so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. Acts 7:45 And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David, Treasury of Scripture And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel. the first part Numbers 32:1-6,16,17 Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle; … a portion Numbers 32:33 And Moses gave unto them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, even the cities of the country round about. Joshua 1:14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them; Joshua 22:4 And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan. seated [heb] cieled Numbers 32:16,21 And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones: … Joshua 4:12,13 And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spake unto them: … Judges 5:2,11 Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves… Jump to Previous Assembled Best Carried Chose Commands Covered Decisions Decrees Executed Heads Israel Judgments Justice Kept Lawgiver Ordinances Part Portion Provided Provideth Reserved Right Righteous Righteousness Ruler Ruler's SeatedJump to Next Assembled Best Carried Chose Commands Covered Decisions Decrees Executed Heads Israel Judgments Justice Kept Lawgiver Ordinances Part Portion Provided Provideth Reserved Right Righteous Righteousness Ruler Ruler's SeatedDeuteronomy 33 1. The majesty of God6. The blessings of the twelve tribes 26. The excellence of Israel He chose the best land for himself This phrase refers to the tribe of Gad, which selected a fertile and strategic region east of the Jordan River. The choice of land reflects the tribe's foresight and desire for prosperity. The "best land" indicates a place rich in resources, suitable for agriculture and livestock, which was crucial for the tribe's sustenance and growth. This decision aligns with the earlier agreement in Numbers 32, where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh requested land on the east side of the Jordan due to its suitability for their large herds. because a ruler’s portion was reserved for him there He came with the leaders of the people he administered the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel Persons / Places / Events 1. GadOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah. The tribe of Gad settled on the east side of the Jordan River. 2. Moses The leader of the Israelites who delivered them from Egyptian bondage and led them through the wilderness. He is the speaker in Deuteronomy 33, giving blessings to the tribes of Israel. 3. The Promised Land The land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, which the Israelites are preparing to enter under Joshua's leadership. 4. The Leaders of the People Refers to the leaders of the tribes of Israel, who were responsible for guiding and administering justice among the people. 5. The LORD’s Justice and Ordinances The laws and commandments given by God to the Israelites, which they were to follow as His covenant people. Teaching Points Choosing the Best with WisdomGad's choice of land reflects a strategic decision that balances personal benefit with communal responsibility. Believers are encouraged to make decisions that honor God and benefit the community. Leadership and Justice Gad's role in administering justice highlights the importance of righteous leadership. Christians are called to lead with integrity and uphold God's standards in their spheres of influence. Faithfulness to God's Commands The tribe of Gad is commended for their adherence to God's ordinances. Believers should strive to faithfully follow God's Word in all aspects of life. Community and Cooperation Gad's cooperation with other tribes underscores the value of unity and working together for the common good. Christians should seek to build and maintain unity within the body of Christ. Balancing Personal and Communal Needs Gad's choice reflects a balance between personal desires and communal responsibilities. Believers should consider how their choices impact both themselves and the wider community.(21) The first part.--The first territory conquered by Moses was distributed between Reuben and Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh. A portion of the lawgiver is interpreted by Rashi as the field of the "burial-place" of the lawgiver. But this can hardly have been in the mind of Moses. He came with the heads of the people.--The Gadites with their companion tribes passed over Jordan to the conquest of Canaan by Moses' order. Verse 21 refers to Gad's obtaining an inheritance for himself from Moses beyond Jordan. And he provided the first part for himself; literally, and he saw for himself (i.e. chose) the first, i.e. either the most excellent part or the firstfruits of the conquest. Because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; rather, for there the portion of the leader was reserved. The word rendered t, lawgiver," or "leader" (מְחֹקֵק), signifies primarily one who ordains or appoints, and is used in both the above senses (cf. Exodus 33:22; Judges 5:14); it is here applied to Gad, because that tribe displayed such promptitude and energy at the head of the tribes in the conquest of the land, that it might be regarded as their leader. An entirely different view of the passage has been taken by some, who by the mechokek understand Moses as the lawgiver, and his portion as the place of his grave, which was concealed, but was within the inheritance of Gad. But it is a fatal objection to this view that not only is the word rendered "portion" (חֶלְקַת) nowhere used of a grave, but the grave of Moses on Mount Nebo was in the territory of Reuben, not in that of Gad. Gesenius renders, "The portion of (assigned by) the lawgiver was preserved." But this does not tally with the immediately preceding statement, that Gad chose his portion for himself; at any rate, it could not be because of this that he chose it. Gad chose for himself a portion on the east of Jordan, and the portion he had chosen was sacredly kept for him, though he went with his brethren to the conquest of Canaan. And he came with the heads of the people; i.e. his place of marching was with the leaders; his place was at the head of the tribes (cf. Numbers 32:17, 21, 32, and Joshua 1:14; Joshua 4:12). He executed the justice of the Lord, etc.; i.e. he did what God required of him, obeying his commands, and thereby fulfilling all righteousness (cf. Matthew 3:15; Philippians 3:6). With Israel; in the fellowship of Israel.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew He choseוַיַּ֤רְא (way·yar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see the best [land] רֵאשִׁית֙ (rê·šîṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7225: The first, in place, time, order, rank for himself, ל֔וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew because כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction a ruler’s מְחֹקֵ֖ק (mə·ḥō·qêq) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 2710: To hack, engrave, to enact, prescribe portion חֶלְקַ֥ת (ḥel·qaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 2513: Smoothness, flattery, an allotment was reserved for him סָפ֑וּן (sā·p̄ūn) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular Strong's 5603: To hide by covering, to roof, wainscot, to reserve there. שָׁ֛ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither He came וַיֵּתֵא֙ (way·yê·ṯê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 857: To arrive with the leaders רָ֣אשֵׁי (rā·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 7218: The head of the people; עָ֔ם (‘ām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock he administered עָשָׂ֔ה (‘ā·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make the justice צִדְקַ֤ת (ṣiḏ·qaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 6666: Rightness, subjectively, objectively of the LORD יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and His ordinances וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֖יו (ū·miš·pā·ṭāw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style for עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with Israel.” יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Links Deuteronomy 33:21 NIVDeuteronomy 33:21 NLT Deuteronomy 33:21 ESV Deuteronomy 33:21 NASB Deuteronomy 33:21 KJV Deuteronomy 33:21 BibleApps.com Deuteronomy 33:21 Biblia Paralela Deuteronomy 33:21 Chinese Bible Deuteronomy 33:21 French Bible Deuteronomy 33:21 Catholic Bible OT Law: Deuteronomy 33:21 He provided the first part for himself (Deut. 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