Deuteronomy 33:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And this is the blessing {H1293}, wherewith Moses {H4872} the man {H376} of God {H430} blessed {H1288} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} before {H6440} his death {H4194}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is the blessing that Moshe, the man of God, spoke over the people of Isra'el before his death:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced upon the Israelites before his death.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 33:1 serves as a profound introduction to Moses' final prophetic act: a solemn and divinely inspired blessing pronounced upon the twelve tribes of Israel just before his death. This verse sets the stage for a powerful farewell address, marking the culmination of Moses' extraordinary leadership and ministry as "the man of God." It underscores his unique standing as God's chosen mediator and prepares the audience for a spiritual impartation of favor and future provision, echoing God's enduring covenant faithfulness to His people as they stand on the threshold of their promised inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 33:1 initiates a distinct poetic section within the book of Deuteronomy, immediately following Moses' extensive review of the Law, the covenant stipulations, and his final exhortations to Israel concerning their future in the Promised Land. The entire book of Deuteronomy is framed as Moses' farewell discourse, delivered to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab. Chapter 33, specifically, functions as Moses' spiritual last will and testament, a series of individual blessings pronounced over each tribe. This structure intentionally parallels Jacob's final blessings upon his sons in [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Prophetic Blessings"), highlighting a continuity of patriarchal and prophetic authority in Israel's history. It is a capstone to Moses' ministry, preceding the poignant account of his death and burial in [Deuteronomy 34](/deuteronomy/34 "Deuteronomy 34 - Moses' Death and Burial").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This verse is set on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, with the land of Canaan visible but not yet entered. The generation that experienced the Exodus had largely passed away, and a new generation, born and matured in the wilderness, stood poised to enter the Promised Land. Moses' imminent death (explicitly mentioned in the verse) signifies a critical leadership transition from him to Joshua. In the ancient Near East, a final blessing from a patriarch or leader carried immense weight, often seen as a prophetic pronouncement that shaped the destiny of the recipients. Such blessings were not mere wishes but potent declarations believed to convey divine favor and influence future prosperity and identity. Moses, as God's chosen mediator, delivers these blessings with divine authority, solidifying the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel before his departure.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 33:1 introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the chapter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Moses' unique legacy and authority** as "the man of God," a rare and significant title signifying one divinely appointed and intimately connected with the Lord, speaking on His behalf. His final act is one of blessing, confirming his role as God's chosen messenger and intercessor for Israel, echoing his unique relationship with God as described in [Deuteronomy 34:10](/deuteronomy/34-10 "Deuteronomy 34:10 - Moses' Unique Prophetic Stature"). Secondly, the verse highlights the nature of **divine blessing**, which is not merely a human wish but a prophetic pronouncement of God's favor and future provision for each tribe, reflecting God's enduring covenant faithfulness despite Israel's past failures and future challenges (cf. the blessings for obedience in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **transition and continuity**; Moses' death is imminent, yet his final words ensure the spiritual continuity of Israel's journey under God's guidance, looking forward to the nation's prosperity and strength in the land, a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **blessing (Hebrew, _Bᵉrâkâh'_):** This term (H1293) signifies more than a mere wish for good fortune; it denotes a divine impartation of favor, power, and prosperity. In a covenantal context, a "blessing" is God's active pronouncement of good upon His people, often tied to obedience and faithfulness. Here, it is a prophetic declaration, carrying the weight of God's own intentions for Israel's future, encompassing material well-being, numerical increase, and spiritual flourishing within the Promised Land.
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** This word (H376) in the phrase "man of God" (Hebrew: _ʼîysh ʼĕlôhîym_) is profound. It refers to an individual, but in this construct, it elevates Moses to a unique status as God's representative. It highlights his personal relationship with Yahweh (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_), signifying that he is not merely a human leader but one divinely appointed, empowered, and intimately connected with the divine, speaking with an authority that transcends human wisdom.
* **death (Hebrew, _mâveth'_):** This term (H4194) refers to the cessation of life, but in this context, it carries significant weight. The explicit mention of Moses' imminent death adds a poignant and solemn dimension to his final blessings. It emphasizes the definitive end of his earthly ministry, yet simultaneously highlights the enduring nature of the divine promises he is delivering, which will continue beyond his physical presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this [is] the blessing,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the nature of the ensuing discourse. It signals that the following chapters (Deuteronomy 33) contain a series of divine pronouncements of favor and prosperity, not merely human wishes. The use of "this" points forward to the specific blessings upon each tribe, emphasizing their collective significance as a unified prophetic word.
* **"wherewith Moses the man of God"**: This clause identifies the authoritative speaker. The appellation "Moses the man of God" is crucial, lending immense weight and divine authority to the blessings. It signifies that Moses is not speaking on his own accord but as God's specially chosen and empowered representative, ensuring that the blessings are divinely sanctioned and potent. This title underscores his unparalleled prophetic stature and intimate communion with Yahweh.
* **"blessed the children of Israel"**: This specifies the recipients of the blessing: the entire nation of Israel, represented by its twelve tribes. The act of "blessed" (Hebrew: _bârak'_, H1288) here is a formal, public, and prophetic act, conveying God's intended good for His covenant people as they prepare to enter and settle in the Promised Land. It is a corporate blessing, affirming their collective identity and destiny as the "children of Israel" (H1121, _bên_ H3478, _Yisrâʼêl_).
* **"before his death."**: This poignant phrase adds a layer of solemnity and finality to the blessings. It underscores that these are Moses' last inspired words to the people he faithfully led for forty years. Knowing his end is near, these blessings carry the weight of a spiritual testament, imparting a final, enduring legacy of hope and divine promise to the nation, ensuring spiritual continuity beyond his physical presence.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 33:1 employs several effective literary devices. It serves as a **Framing Device**, introducing the entire poetic section of tribal blessings that follows, setting the tone and context for Moses' final prophetic words. The explicit mention of "before his death" functions as **Foreshadowing**, creating a poignant sense of urgency and solemnity, reminding the audience of Moses' imminent departure and lending ultimate weight to his final pronouncements. The use of the specific **Appellation** "Moses the man of God" is a powerful rhetorical choice. This title immediately elevates Moses' status and authority, signaling to the audience that the words he is about to speak are not merely human counsel but divinely inspired declarations, thereby enhancing the theological significance and prophetic nature of the blessings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 33:1 is deeply rooted in the theology of God's covenant faithfulness and His election of Israel. It portrays God as the ultimate source of all blessing, who uses His chosen servants, like Moses, to mediate His favor to His people. The act of blessing, especially from a dying patriarch, underscores the enduring nature of God's promises even amidst transitions and the passing of generations. It affirms that God's plan for Israel's prosperity and presence in the land is secure, not contingent on any single human leader, but on His unwavering covenant commitment. This verse also highlights the profound significance of prophetic utterance and the power of words spoken under divine inspiration, shaping the future and identity of a nation.

* [Genesis 49:28](/genesis/49-28 "Jacob's Blessings to His Sons")
* [Numbers 6:23-27](/numbers/6-23-27 "The Priestly Blessing")
* [Deuteronomy 34:10](/deuteronomy/34-10 "Moses' Unique Prophetic Stature")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 33:1 offers powerful insights for contemporary believers concerning leadership, legacy, and the enduring nature of God's promises. Moses, knowing his earthly journey was concluding, chose to use his final moments not for self-pity or personal concerns, but to impart blessing and hope to the people he had faithfully served for forty years. This challenges us to consider the profound impact of our words, especially in moments of transition or farewell, recognizing that they carry significant weight and can impart either blessing or despair. Like Moses, we are called to live lives that point others to God, building a spiritual inheritance of faith, truth, and blessing for future generations. This verse also serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His people; even as one era ends and leaders pass on, God's plan and promises continue, assuring us of His steadfast faithfulness in all circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do our words, especially in significant moments of transition or farewell, reflect God's character and impart blessing to those around us?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy are we intentionally building and leaving for future generations, both within our families and communities?**
* **How does Moses' example of faithful leadership, even in the face of his own imminent death, challenge our understanding of service and stewardship?**

### FAQ
**Why is Moses called "the man of God" here?**

Answer: The title "man of God" (Hebrew: *ish ha'Elohim*) is a rare and highly significant designation in the Old Testament, reserved for individuals who enjoyed a uniquely intimate relationship with God and were divinely commissioned to speak on His behalf. For Moses, this title underscores his unparalleled prophetic authority and his role as the primary mediator of the covenant between God and Israel. It signifies that the blessings he is about to pronounce are not merely human wishes but divinely inspired pronouncements, carrying the full weight of God's will and purpose for His people. [Deuteronomy 34:10](/deuteronomy/34-10 "Deuteronomy 34:10 - Moses' Unique Prophetic Stature") further emphasizes Moses' unique prophetic stature, stating that "there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face."

**What is the significance of this blessing being given "before his death"?**

Answer: The timing of these blessings, "before his death," adds immense weight and solemnity to Moses' words. In ancient cultures, the final words of a patriarch or leader were considered particularly potent and prophetic, often shaping the destiny of their descendants. For Moses, knowing his earthly journey was ending, these blessings represent his final, comprehensive spiritual testament to the nation he led. It highlights the selflessness of his leadership—using his last moments to impart favor and hope to his people rather than focusing on himself. This detail underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant promises, which continue even as human leaders pass away, ensuring continuity for Israel's future.

**How does this blessing relate to the rest of Deuteronomy?**

Answer: This blessing serves as a climactic capstone to the entire book of Deuteronomy, which is largely Moses' farewell discourse. After extensively reviewing the Law, recounting Israel's history, and reiterating the covenant's demands and promises, Moses concludes his ministry by prophetically blessing each tribe. It functions as a spiritual will and testament, reaffirming God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel and His intention to bless them in the Promised Land, despite their past failures and future challenges. It is a powerful affirmation of God's faithfulness, looking forward to Israel's prosperity and strength under divine guidance as they prepare to enter their inheritance (cf. the blessings and curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 33:1, with Moses' final blessing upon Israel before his death, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate blessing bestowed by Christ. Moses, as "the man of God" and mediator of the Old Covenant, prefigures Jesus, the perfect "man of God" and mediator of a New and better Covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Just as Moses' final act was to bless his people, Jesus, before His ascension, gave His disciples a final commission and blessing, promising His enduring presence and the power of the Holy Spirit ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission") and [Luke 24:50-51](/luke/24-50-51 "Luke 24:50-51 - Jesus Ascends")). The blessings Moses pronounced were largely temporal and conditional, tied to the land and obedience to the Law. In contrast, the blessing Christ secures through His death and resurrection is eternal, spiritual, and unconditional for those in Him, redeeming us from the curse of the Law and granting us the blessing of Abraham, which is the Spirit ([Galatians 3:13-14](/galatians/3-13-14 "Galatians 3:13-14 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Christ's ultimate "blessing" is the gift of salvation, reconciliation with God, and eternal life, a spiritual inheritance far surpassing the earthly one Moses envisioned for Israel. He is the Prophet like Moses ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses")) who brings the ultimate and everlasting blessing.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 14:6

¶ Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.

Judges 13:6

Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance [was] like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he [was], neither told he me his name:

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

1 Timothy 6:11

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Genesis 27:27

And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son [is] as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed:

Genesis 27:29

Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed [be] every one that curseth thee, and blessed [be] he that blesseth thee.