The Blessing of Moses

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PASSAGE: Deuteronomy 33:1-11

COMMENT: This chapter contains the blessing of Moses on the tribes of Israel before his death. As Jacob did before he died (Genesis 49:1-28), so Moses gave a poetic and often prophetic blessing on each of the tribes. The present passage gives an introduction to the blessing and the specific pronouncements upon Reuben, Judah, and Levi.

WHAT DOES IT SAY?

1.                   And this is the ____________ wherewith Moses the _______ of God blessed the children of Israel.

2.                   The Lord came from _________, and rose up from _______.

3.                   Let the hands of Judah be ___________ for him, and be thou a _________ to him from his enemies.

4.                   Levi did _______ the Holy One at Massah and did ________ with Him at the waters of Meribah.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

1.                   According to verse two, the Lord came from Sinai “with ten thousands of saints.” Some Bible students say this refers to the children of Israel who met with God at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19:18-20) and were led by Him through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). Others say the saints are the angels mentioned in Psalm 68:17. Read these passages. Who do you think the saints are? Why?

2.                   Jeshurun is found three times by this spelling (Deuteronomy 32:15; 33:5, 26) and once spelled as Jesurun (Isaiah 44:2). It means “the upright one” or perhaps, “the righteous nation.” To what does this title refer? What is its significance in the passages where it is found?

3.         Moses gives to the tribe of Reuben this short (13 words) and strange blessing: “Let Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few” (v.6). Why does Moses give such a blessing to Reuben? Read Genesis 49:3-4; 1Chronicles 5:1-2; Deuteronomy 11:6. Now explain the purpose for this particular blessing.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME?

1.                   Verse three states, “Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.” In what ways do we receive of the words of the Lord? How can we apply this verse to our own lives?

2.         Levi is given strange praise. He is praised for observing God’s word and keeping His covenant by saying “unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children” (v.9). What is the meaning of this? How does it apply to the call of Moses for help when he returned to find the children of Israel worshipping the golden calf (Exodus 32:26-28)? How does this teaching compare with the teaching of Christ in Luke 14:26? How can we apply this to our lives today?

SUGGESTED MEMORY VERSES: Deuteronomy 33:3  

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