Deuteronomy 33:8-11

8 About Levi he said: “Your Thummim and Urim belong to your faithful servant. You tested him at Massah; you contended with him at the waters of Meribah.

9 He said of his father and mother, ‘I have no regard for them.’ He did not recognize his brothers or acknowledge his own children, but he watched over your word and guarded your covenant.

10 He teaches your precepts to Jacob and your law to Israel. He offers incense before you and whole burnt offerings on your altar.

11 Bless all his skills, LORD, and be pleased with the work of his hands. Strike down those who rise against him, his foes till they rise no more.”

Deuteronomy 33:8-11 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY 33

This chapter relates the blessings Moses pronounced upon the people of Israel a little before his death; first, in general, on account of their having a law given them in so glorious a manner, De 33:1-5; then, in particular, each of the tribes distinctly is blessed, Reuben, De 33:6; Judah, De 33:7; Levi, De 33:8-11; Benjamin, De 33:12; Joseph, De 33:13-17; Zebulun and Issachar, De 33:18,19; Gad, De 33:20,21; Dan, De 33:22; Naphtali, De 33:23; Asher, De 33:24,25; and the chapter is concluded with some strong intimations of what God was unto the people of Israel in general, and of what he had done and would do for them; all which are expressive of their great happiness, De 33:26-29.

Cross References

• 1. S Genesis 29:34
• 2. Exodus 28:30
• 3. Psalms 106:16
• 4. S Numbers 14:22
• 5. S Exodus 17:7
• 6. Exodus 32:26-29
• 7. Psalms 61:5; Malachi 2:5
• 8. Ezra 7:10; Nehemiah 8:18; Psalms 119:151; Jeremiah 23:22; Malachi 2:6
• 9. S Leviticus 10:11; Deuteronomy 17:8-11; Deuteronomy 31:9-13
• 10. S Exodus 30:7; Leviticus 16:12-13
• 11. Psalms 51:19
• 12. 2 Samuel 24:23; Psalms 20:3; Psalms 51:19