InstaStudy

A Blessing for the Tribes: Exploring Deuteronomy 33

An outline for studying Deuteronomy 33.

1. The Man of God and His Prayer (Deuteronomy 33:1-5)

1.1 Moses' Role as Intercessor

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:1
  • Moses, as a prophet, speaks a blessing over the tribes before his death.
  • His words are prophetic declarations of God's intended future for each tribe.

1.2 The Manifestation of God

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:2
  • God's presence is described as coming from Sinai, Seir, and Paran, emphasizing His power and glory.
  • The phrase 'ten thousands of saints' suggests a heavenly host accompanying God.

1.3 God's Love for His People

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:3
  • God loves the people and all His saints are in His hand.
  • They sit down at His feet and receive His words.

2. Specific Blessings on the Tribes (Deuteronomy 33:6-25)

2.1 Reuben: A Plea for Life

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:6
  • Moses prays that Reuben may live and not die.
  • He asks that Reuben's men be not few.

2.2 Judah: Strength and Victory

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:7
  • Moses asks that God hear the voice of Judah and bring him to his people.
  • He prays that Judah's hands be sufficient and that God helps him against his enemies.

2.3 Levi: Faithfulness and Judgment

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:8-11
  • Levi is blessed for his faithfulness at Massah and Meribah.
  • He is entrusted with God's word and law.

2.4 Benjamin: Beloved of the Lord

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:12
  • Benjamin is described as beloved of the Lord and dwelling in safety by Him.
  • God covers him all the day long, and he dwells between His shoulders.

2.5 Joseph: Abundant Blessings

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:13-17
  • Joseph's land is blessed with the precious things of heaven and earth.
  • He is blessed with the best of the ancient mountains and the precious things of the lasting hills.

2.6 Zebulun and Issachar: Prosperity in Dwelling and Tents

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:18-19
  • They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness.
  • They shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand.

2.7 Gad: Enlargement and Strength

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:20-21
  • Gad is blessed with enlargement and dwells as a lion.
  • He tears the arm with the crown of the head.

2.8 Dan: Leaping from Bashan

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:22
  • Dan is described as a lion's whelp.
  • He shall leap from Bashan.

2.9 Naphtali: Satisfied and Blessed

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:23
  • Naphtali is satisfied with favour and full with the blessing of the Lord.
  • He possesses the west and the south.

2.10 Asher: Blessed Above Others

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:24-25
  • Asher is most blessed of sons and let him be acceptable to his brethren.
  • He dips his foot in oil.

3. The Excellency of God and Israel's Security (Deuteronomy 33:26-29)

3.1 God's Uniqueness and Power

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:26-27
  • There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rides upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.
  • The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

3.2 Israel's Victory and Safety

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:27-28
  • God shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.
  • Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew.

3.3 Israel's Blessedness

Verses: Deuteronomy 33:29
  • Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency!
  • And thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.