Moses' blessing on the tribes of Israel is a significant event recorded in Deuteronomy 33. As Moses neared the end of his life, he bestowed blessings upon the twelve tribes of Israel, each with unique characteristics and prophetic insights. This chapter serves as a testament to the covenantal relationship between God and His chosen people, highlighting the distinct roles and destinies of each tribe within the nation of Israel.

Context and Setting

The blessings are delivered by Moses shortly before his death, as the Israelites are poised to enter the Promised Land. This moment is pivotal, as Moses, the great leader and prophet, prepares to pass the mantle of leadership to Joshua. The blessings are both a reflection of the past and a prophetic glimpse into the future of each tribe.

The Blessings

1. Reuben: "Let Reuben live and not die, nor let his men be few" (Deuteronomy 33:6). Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob, is blessed with survival and continuity, despite his diminished status due to past transgressions.

2. Judah: "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). Judah is blessed with strength and divine assistance, foreshadowing its future prominence as the royal tribe from which King David and ultimately the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would come.

3. Levi: "Give to Levi Your Thummim and Urim, to Your godly one whom You tested at Massah and contended with at the waters of Meribah" (Deuteronomy 33:8). Levi is set apart for priestly service, entrusted with the sacred duties of the Thummim and Urim, symbols of divine guidance and judgment.

4. Benjamin: "Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders" (Deuteronomy 33:12). Benjamin is blessed with divine protection and intimacy with God, reflecting the tribe's favored status.

5. Joseph: "May the LORD bless his land with the precious dew from heaven above and with the deep waters that lie below" (Deuteronomy 33:13). Joseph, represented by the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, receives a bountiful blessing of prosperity and fruitfulness, indicative of his significant role in Israel's history.

6. Zebulun and Issachar: "Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and you, Issachar, in your tents" (Deuteronomy 33:18). These tribes are blessed with joy and prosperity in their endeavors, both in commerce and in their settled life.

7. Gad: "Blessed is he who enlarges Gad’s domain! Gad dwells as a lioness, tearing an arm or a head" (Deuteronomy 33:20). Gad is blessed with strength and expansion, likened to a lioness, symbolizing courage and ferocity in battle.

8. Dan: "Dan is a lion’s cub, leaping out of Bashan" (Deuteronomy 33:22). Dan is portrayed as a young lion, suggesting vigor and potential for growth and influence.

9. Naphtali: "Naphtali is abounding with favor and full of the blessing of the LORD; he will inherit southward to the lake" (Deuteronomy 33:23). Naphtali is blessed with favor and abundance, with a territory extending to the south and the Sea of Galilee.

10. Asher: "May Asher be most blessed of sons; may he be favored by his brothers, and may he dip his foot in oil" (Deuteronomy 33:24). Asher is blessed with prosperity and favor, symbolized by the abundance of oil, a sign of wealth and blessing.

Significance

Moses' blessings are not merely well-wishes but are deeply rooted in the covenantal promises of God. They reflect the unique identity and destiny of each tribe, as well as the overarching narrative of God's faithfulness to His people. These blessings underscore the diversity within the unity of Israel, each tribe contributing to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.