Deuteronomy 33

1 the man of God. A frequent name for a Divine messenger. See Judges xiii. 6, 8; 1 Sam. ix. 6-8, etc.

2 with ten thousands of saints. Heb., “from His holy myriads,”

a fiery law. Heb., “rays of fire.” Cp. Hab. iii. 3, 4.

5. And He. “And He (i.e., God) became king in Jeshurun (i.e., righteous Israel),”

king. A prince, or chief ruler: see Judges xix. 1.

6 let [not] his men be few. The word not is not in the original. The R.V. reads, “yet let his men be few.” The name “Simeon” is omitted in the list.

8 with Thy holy one. Heb., “with Thy godly man,” etc. This is a prayer that the high priesthood may remain in the family of Aaron, “the saint of the Lord,” though he had failed in the trial at Meribah, since they and their tribe had, in zealous defence of God’s honour, faithfully executed justice, without any respect of persons, even though the guilty parties might be their nearest kinsmen. See Exod. xxxii. 26-29; Numb. xxv. 7, 8.

12 in safety by Him. Heb., “shall dwell safely on Him,” as the rock on which he is built.

13. Blessed, etc. See note on ch. viii. 7. In this beautiful description we have all the richness of the large and valuable portions of Ephraim and Manasseh set before us.

14 by the moon. Heb., “moons,” or months. The R.V. renders “the growth of the moons.”

16. And for the good-will, etc. Rather, “let the good will of Him that dwelt in the bush come upon the head,” etc. See Ex. iii. 2-4. This appellation calls to mind God’s faithfulness and watchfulness, as well as His delivering power.

separated from his brethren. Heb., “consecrated among his brethren.” The R.V. marg. has “prince among his brethren.”

17 unicorns. Or, “urus”; “wild ox” (R.V.); see note on Numb. xxiii. 22. All the tribes were strong like oxen; Ephraim had “the majesty of a first-born bull, and his horns are the horns of a urus,” or wild buffalo. Ephraim was always a very powerful tribe, and at the disruption, after Solomon’s death, became head of the kingdom of the ten tribes. People should be “peoples.”

18. Rejoice, Zebulun, etc. The tribes of Zebulun and Issachar were the commercial and trading tribes. They occupied the country between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee, including the fertile plain of Jezreel, which belonged to Issachar.

19. They shall call the people (peoples). Because God has prospered them, they are to offer to Him the sacrifices of gratitude and righteousness of life.

20 enlargeth Gad. That is, “gives him a broad territory” in the beautiful land of Gilead.

lion; should be “lioness.” Gad is here represented as the leader of the Eastern tribes. This passage, which, from its brevity, is difficult, may be rendered, “He dwells as a lioness; and tears the arm, yea, the crown of the head; and he looks out the chief part for himself, for there the portion of the ruler is reserved. And he comes,” etc. Gad boldly chose a district which, because it was conquered first, and was really valuable, though exposed to enemies, was, in fact, due to the principal tribe; but he was faithful to the chiefs of Israel and to Jehovah in going on to the wars.

22. He shall leap. Literally, “that leapeth forth” (R.V.), i.e., the lion, which was found in large numbers in Bashan.

23 the west. Rather, “the sea” (R.V. marg.), i.e., the Sea of Galilee; the same word signifying west and sea in Hebrew, because the Great or Mediterranean Sea lay to the west of Canaan. A “south land” is used, in Josh. xv. 19, for a warm, sunny country. The tribe of Naphtali, although in the north-west of Canaan, was located on the southern slopes of Lebanon and Hermon.

24 his foot in oil. Let his land be fertile with olives.

25 shoes. Rather, bars (R.V.).

iron and brass. “Thy bars shall be strong.” Security and rest are promised to this tribe. Such an assurance would be peculiarly precious to a tribe situated on the north-western frontier, and therefore exposed to the incursions of the powerful nations in that quarter.

26. There is none, etc. Or, “There is none like unto God, O Jeshurun, who rideth through the heavens to thy help, and in His majesty through the clouds.” (See R.V.)

27. The eternal God, etc. This glowing description of Israel’s safety, triumph, and happiness should encourage the Church of God in all ages to look for protection, support, and supply of all good, and final victory over all enemies, to her faithful and Almighty Head.

28. Israel, etc. Heb., “and Israel dwells securely: alone (i.e., carefully separated) is the fountain of Jacob: in a land of corn and wine.”

drop down dew. The land not needing perpetual irrigation, like Egypt.

29 thy excellency. Or, “thy majesty,” as in ver. 26.

found liars. That is, “will feign unto thee” through fear, professing a regard they do not feel (R.V., “shall submit themselves unto thee”); for thou wilt take possession and “tread down their fastnesses.”