Topical Encyclopedia The benedictions pronounced by Moses upon the tribes of Israel are found in Deuteronomy 33. These blessings are significant as they represent Moses' final words to the tribes before his death and the Israelites' entrance into the Promised Land. Each blessing is tailored to the characteristics, history, and future of the respective tribe, reflecting both divine insight and pastoral care.Reuben Moses begins with Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob, saying, "Let Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few" (Deuteronomy 33:6). This blessing emphasizes survival and continuity, acknowledging Reuben's diminished status due to past transgressions but still affirming his place among the tribes. Judah For Judah, Moses prays, "Hear, O LORD, the cry of Judah; bring him to his people. With his own hands he defends his cause. Oh, be his help against his foes!" (Deuteronomy 33:7). This blessing highlights Judah's leadership role and military prowess, seeking divine assistance in his endeavors. Levi The tribe of Levi receives a blessing that underscores their priestly duties: "Your Thummim and Urim belong to Your godly one... They shall teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel" (Deuteronomy 33:8-10). Levi's role as the spiritual leader and teacher of Israel is affirmed, with a call for divine support in their sacred responsibilities. Benjamin Moses blesses Benjamin with a promise of divine protection: "The beloved of the LORD rests securely by Him; He shields him all day long, and he rests between His shoulders" (Deuteronomy 33:12). This imagery conveys a sense of intimacy and safety, reflecting Benjamin's favored status. Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) The blessing for Joseph, encompassing the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, is abundant and prosperous: "May the LORD bless his land with the precious dew from heaven above and the deep waters that lie beneath" (Deuteronomy 33:13). Joseph's descendants are promised fertility and strength, with Ephraim and Manasseh receiving specific mentions of their growth and power. Zebulun and Issachar Moses blesses Zebulun and Issachar together, highlighting their prosperity and joy: "Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and Issachar, in your tents" (Deuteronomy 33:18). The blessing suggests a harmonious relationship between commerce and domestic life, with both tribes benefiting from their endeavors. Gad For Gad, Moses declares, "Blessed is he who enlarges Gad’s domain! Gad dwells as a lion, tearing an arm or a head" (Deuteronomy 33:20). This blessing emphasizes Gad's strength and territorial expansion, portraying the tribe as fierce and victorious in battle. Dan Dan is likened to a lion's cub: "Dan is a lion’s cub, leaping out of Bashan" (Deuteronomy 33:22). This imagery suggests youthful vigor and potential for growth, with an emphasis on Dan's future exploits. Naphtali Naphtali is blessed with favor and abundance: "Naphtali is abounding with favor and full of the blessing of the LORD; he shall take possession of the sea and the south" (Deuteronomy 33:23). The blessing indicates a rich inheritance and divine favor. Asher Finally, Asher is blessed with prosperity and strength: "May Asher be most blessed of sons; may he be the most favored among his brothers and dip his foot in oil" (Deuteronomy 33:24). This blessing suggests wealth and stability, with Asher enjoying a position of honor among the tribes. These benedictions reflect Moses' deep understanding of each tribe's unique role within the nation of Israel. They serve as both a prophetic vision and a pastoral encouragement, ensuring that each tribe is equipped with divine favor as they prepare to enter the land promised to their forefathers. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 33:1And this is the blessing, with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death. Nave's Topical Index Library Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. ... Political and Religious Life of the Jewish Dispersion in the West ... The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs. The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ... Intercessory Prayer In Judaea The Best Strengthening Medicine The Miracle of Pentecost and the Birthday of the Christian Treatise on Christ and Antichrist. Index i. Of Subjects Resources Prayer in Practice ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgHow can Jesus be God if Deuteronomy 6:4 says that God is one? | GotQuestions.org Questions about the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.org Benediction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Benedictions by Araunah, Upon David Benedictions by Bethuel's Household, Upon Rebekah Benedictions by Eli, Upon Elkanah Benedictions by God: Upon Creatures he had Made Benedictions by God: Upon Noah Benedictions by Half the Tribes, Who Stood on Mount Gerizim Benedictions by Jesus, Upon his Followers Benedictions by Melchizedek. Upon Abraham Benedictions by Moses, Upon the Tribes of Israel Benedictions by Naomi, Upon Ruth and Orpah Benedictions by Simeon, Upon Jesus Benedictions by Solomon, Upon the People Benedictions by the People, Upon Ruth Benedictions: Apostolic, Forms of Benedictions: Divinely Appointed Benedictions: Levitical, Forms of Benedictions: Upon his own Sons Benedictions: Upon Joseph's Sons Benedictions: Upon the Reubenites and Gadites, and the Half Tribe of Manasseh Related Terms |
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