Question 1

What is happening in this passage where Moses blesses Israel?

Accepted Answer

This passage takes place near the end of Moses’ life. He knows he is about to die, so he speaks a final blessing over the people of Israel. He starts by reminding them how God came in glory at Sinai and gave them the law, showing both His power and His love. Then he speaks separate blessings over the tribes, pointing to their future places and roles in the land. He finishes by praising God as Israel’s helper, refuge, and protector, and calls Israel happy because they are saved by the Lord.

Question 2

What does it mean that a fiery law came from God’s right hand?

Accepted Answer

The picture of a fiery law coming from God’s right hand points back to when God gave Israel His commandments at Sinai. “Fiery” shows that the law is holy and pure. It can burn away what is evil or harden those who refuse it. Coming from His right hand shows His authority and power, but also that this law is a gift, not a human idea. It was meant to shape Israel’s life with God, guiding and guarding them as His special people.

Question 3

What does this passage teach about God’s love and protection?

Accepted Answer

The passage says plainly that God loved the people and that all His saints are in His hand. That shows close care and safety, like a parent holding a child. It calls God the eternal refuge with everlasting arms underneath His people, so they are never without support. It also says He rides on the heavens to help them and pushes out their enemies. Together these words show God as strong, faithful, and near, both guarding His people and giving them a safe place to live.

Question 4

Why did Moses bless each tribe of Israel separately?

Accepted Answer

Moses blessed each tribe because they had different callings and futures within God’s plan. Reuben is prayed for to live and not die out, even after past failure. Judah is prayed for help in battle and leadership. Levi is blessed in priestly work, teaching God’s law and offering sacrifices. Other tribes are promised safety, fruitful land, strength, and success in their places. By naming them one by one, Moses shows that God’s care is both for the whole nation and for each tribe’s specific role and need.

Question 5

What is the role of Levi in this passage and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Levi is given a special blessing because this tribe was set apart for priestly service. Moses asks that their Thummim and Urim, used to seek God’s guidance, stay with God’s holy one. The Levites are praised for putting God’s covenant above even family ties and for keeping His word. Their tasks are to teach Israel God’s judgments and law, burn incense, and offer whole burnt offerings on the altar. This shows how serious worship and teaching are, and that God raises up people to care for these things among His people.

Question 6

What does it mean that Benjamin is the beloved of the Lord and dwells in safety?

Accepted Answer

Benjamin is called the beloved of the Lord, and it says he will dwell in safety by God, covered all day long, and dwelling between His shoulders. This paints a gentle picture of nearness and protection, like being carried close to the heart. Since the temple later stood in this tribe’s land, the words hint that God’s presence would rest there in a special way. The main point is that Benjamin’s safety does not come from its own strength but from being held close by the God who loves them.

Question 7

Why does Moses describe Joseph’s blessing with rich land and strong animals?

Accepted Answer

Joseph’s blessing is full of pictures of rich land and strength. His land is said to have precious things from heaven, dew, deep waters, sun and moon, mountains and hills, and the fullness of the earth. This shows abundant crops and steady provision. His strength is pictured like a firstborn bull with strong horns, able to push peoples to the ends of the earth. The thousands of Manasseh and ten thousands of Ephraim show large, powerful descendants. Altogether, Joseph’s tribes are pictured as fruitful, favored, and strong under God’s good will.

Question 8

What does this passage show about God’s character as the God of Jeshurun?

Accepted Answer

Calling God the God of Jeshurun, a name for Israel, highlights His special bond with His people. He is shown as powerful, riding on the heavens to help, yet also as a safe home, the eternal refuge with everlasting arms underneath. He gives the fiery law, so He is holy and just, but He also loves the people and keeps them in His hand. He defeats enemies and gives His people a land of grain, wine, and dew. So God appears here as mighty, holy, loving, and faithful to His covenant.

Question 9

How can a believer today apply the message of Moses’ blessing?

Accepted Answer

A believer today can take this passage as a reminder that God’s care is both strong and tender. The same God who gave a fiery law and came in glory also holds His people in His hand and carries them with everlasting arms. This calls for a humble, listening heart, like Israel sitting at His feet to receive His words. It also encourages trust when life feels uncertain. Just as the tribes entered new land, believers can face future steps knowing God goes ahead, provides, and guards those He calls His own.

Deuteronomy 33:1

And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes

Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes

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Deuteronomy 33:1

And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

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Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes

Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes

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