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Chapter 33. Moses had preached them a sermon, sang them a song, now nothing remained but to dismiss them with a blessing which he did on each of the tribes of Israel.
The Blessing on Reuben. Though Reuben had loss the honor of his birthright, Moses begins with him not wanting to perpetrate his fault. Moses prophesies the preserving of this tribe. "Let it live and not be ruined by its neighbors." Remember Reuben's inheritance laid on the other side of the Jordan by their own choice. Though they will not excel in other things, let them multiply.
The Blessing on Judah. Great prosperity is prophesied for this tribe. God will hear their prayers and give them victory over their enemies.
The Tribe of Simeon is missing from the blessing because of the curse of Jacob and because it had never done anything to retrieve its honor. Some believe that sense Simeon became one with Judah that the blessings of Judah fell upon them also.
The Blessing on Levi. To the high Priest, "Lord, let the High Priest ever be upright and understanding". To the lesser Priests and Levites, may they constantly exercise self-denial and observe God's Word. He confirms the commission granted to this tribe to minister in Holy things. He prays that God will accept their endeavors and bring judgment upon their enemies.
The Blessing on Benjamin. Benjamin is here called "the beloved of the Lord". He is assured of divine protection. The Temple is here assured to be built within its boarders. Even though Jerusalem was in the bounds of Judah, the mount upon which the Temple was built belonged to Benjamin.
The Blessing of Joseph. Here Moses speaks of the half tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, the sons of Joseph. Great plenty is promised to these tribes. Great wealth and abundance. Fresh fruits produced by the heavenly bodies. Good will and great power is promised to these tribes.
The Blessing of Zebulun and Issachar. They are here put together for they were both the sons of Jacob by Leah. They have a comfortable dwelling and a game full employment. They will be blessed with the benefits of land and sea commerce. They will experience great prophets and live to enjoy their retirement. They shall both be great witnesses for the Lord and shall invite others to the services of the Lord.
The Blessing of Gad. He prophecies the enlargement of the inheritance of this tribe and that they will be a valiant and victorious tribe. He commends them for their choices in the past that led them to claim a prosperous and peaceful land. They had done quite well for themselves.
The Blessing of Dan. This tribe had the subtlety of a serpent and the courage of a lion. He compares their victories to those of Samson who was of this tribe. They had conquered the furtherest reaches of Israel and made themselves masters of it.
The Blessings of Naphtali. He applauds this tribe. "You are happy, you shall always be so." He suggests that there are three things that make this tribe happy. They were satisfied with their lot. They were blessed by the Lord. They had access to the sea and to the areas of the south.
The Blessing of Asher. Leah, one of the wives of Jacob, is called the father of this tribe. They had increased in numbers and were now a great tribe. They were blessed with children. They were interested and blessed with good neighbors. Their land was rich and prospered greatly. Their land possessed deposits of iron and brass.
These are the last recorded words of Moses.
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