Deuteronomy 33:6

KJV

¶ Let Reuben live, and not die; and let [not] his men be few.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let Reuben {H7205} live {H2421}, and not die {H4191}; and let not his men {H4962} be few {H4557}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Let Re'uven live and not die out, even though his numbers grow few."

Berean Standard Bible

Let Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few.”

American Standard Version

Let Reuben live, and not die; Nor let his men be few.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 33:6 presents Moses' final, fervent blessing upon the tribe of Reuben, serving as a powerful intercessory prayer for their continued existence and numerical strength. Despite Reuben's past transgressions and the diminished prophecy from Jacob, Moses appeals for divine preservation, desiring that the tribe not only survive but also flourish and contribute to the nation of Israel. This verse underscores God's enduring grace, the power of intercession, and the hope for restoration even in the face of historical failings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 33 stands as Moses' final prophetic blessing upon the twelve tribes of Israel, delivered just before his death and Israel's entry into the Promised Land. This chapter mirrors Jacob's blessings in [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Prophetic Blessings"), but with a distinct tone. While Jacob's pronouncements often reflected past deeds and their consequences, Moses' blessings are primarily intercessory and forward-looking, emphasizing divine favor, future prosperity, and the unique contributions of each tribe to the national covenant. For Reuben, the firstborn, this blessing is particularly poignant, as it addresses a tribe whose historical trajectory had been marred by significant sin and a subsequent loss of primogeniture. Moses' words here act as a pastoral plea for a tribe that might otherwise fade into obscurity, seeking to secure their place within the covenant community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Reuben was Jacob's firstborn son, but his actions, particularly defiling his father's bed as recorded in [Genesis 35:22](/genesis/35-22 "Genesis 35:22 - Reuben's Transgression"), led to a severe curtailment of his birthright. Jacob's prophecy for him was grim: "unstable as water, thou shalt not excel" found in [Genesis 49:4](/genesis/49-4 "Genesis 49:4 - Jacob's Prophecy for Reuben"). This historical backdrop makes Moses' blessing for Reuben profoundly significant. In ancient Israel, tribal survival and numerical strength were paramount for military defense, economic viability, and political influence. A tribe that "died" or whose "men were few" faced the threat of assimilation, weakness, or even extinction, losing its distinct identity and inheritance within the land. Moses' prayer, therefore, is not merely a wish but a vital plea for the tribe's continued viability and a reversal of its diminished fortunes, ensuring its participation in the future of the nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Preservation and Survival**, emphasizing God's commitment to His covenant people, even individual tribes, despite their flaws. The plea "Let Reuben live, and not die" underscores the desire for the tribe's continued existence and vitality in the face of historical challenges. Secondly, it speaks to **Tribal Strength and Prosperity**, as "let [not] his men be few" is a direct prayer for numerical growth, which was essential for a tribe's security, influence, and ability to contribute to the nation's military and economic well-being. Thirdly, the verse beautifully illustrates **Moses' Intercession**, showcasing his role as a compassionate mediator for his people, even in his final moments. His concern extends not just to the nation as a whole but to each individual tribe, echoing his past intercessions, such as those recorded in [Numbers 14:19](/numbers/14-19 "Numbers 14:19 - Moses' Intercession for Israel"). Finally, it embodies a profound **Hope for Restoration**, demonstrating that despite past failures and their consequences, God's grace and the intercession of His servant can offer a path to overcoming adversity and flourishing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Live (Hebrew, _châyâh_):** This verb signifies more than mere biological existence; it denotes vitality, flourishing, and continued well-being. In the context of a tribal blessing, it implies the tribe's ongoing identity, prosperity, and active participation within the covenant community, avoiding decline or extinction. This root also carries the sense of being "quickened" or "revived."
* **Die (Hebrew, _mûwth_):** The antithesis of "live," this word refers to cessation of existence, perishing, or fading away. Moses' plea "and not die" is a direct petition against the tribe of Reuben becoming extinct or losing its distinct identity and place among Israel. It encompasses both literal death and figurative demise.
* **Few (Hebrew, _miçpâr_):** This noun means "number" or "count," often implying a small or countable quantity. The KJV's bracketed "[not]" reflects a textual nuance. The Hebrew phrase can be interpreted as a rhetorical question ("shall his men be few?") expecting a negative answer, or as a direct negative command ("let his men not be few"). Both interpretations convey the same desired outcome: that Reuben's population should be numerous and strong, not diminished.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let Reuben live, and not die":** This opening clause is a fervent prayer and prophetic declaration for the continued existence and vitality of the tribe of Reuben. Given Reuben's past failures, as detailed in [Genesis 35:22](/genesis/35-22 "Genesis 35:22 - Reuben's Transgression"), and Jacob's somewhat unfavorable prophecy in [Genesis 49:4](/genesis/49-4 "Genesis 49:4 - Jacob's Prophecy for Reuben"), there was a real possibility of the tribe's decline or even extinction. Moses' intercession here is a powerful appeal for divine preservation, ensuring that Reuben retains its identity and inheritance among the tribes of Israel, overcoming the potential consequences of its history.
* **"and let [not] his men be few":** This second clause complements the first, focusing on the numerical strength and proliferation of the tribe. The KJV's "[not]" highlights a textual ambiguity in the Hebrew, which can be read as a rhetorical question ("shall his men be few?") or a direct negative command ("let his men not be few"). In either case, the intent of the blessing is clear: Moses desires that Reuben's population be numerous, robust, and capable of contributing fully to the nation's military, economic, and social life. A large population was crucial for a tribe's security and influence in ancient Israel, and this prayer seeks to reverse any potential weakness or decline.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 33:6 employs several literary devices that enhance its impact. The most prominent is **Apostrophe**, where Moses directly addresses the tribe of Reuben, personifying it as the recipient of his blessing. This direct address creates a sense of intimacy and urgency in his intercession. There is also an element of **Parallelism**, particularly in the phrase "live, and not die," which uses a positive affirmation followed by a negative restatement to emphasize the desired outcome of continued existence and vitality. The entire blessing functions as a **Prophecy** and an **Intercession**, blending a divinely inspired foretelling of the tribe's future with Moses' heartfelt plea on their behalf. Furthermore, the potential for the phrase "let [not] his men be few" to be a **Rhetorical Question** ("shall his men be few?") is a powerful device, implying an emphatic negative answer and underscoring Moses' strong desire for Reuben's numerical strength.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 33:6 profoundly illustrates God's enduring grace and covenant faithfulness, even when His people falter. Moses' intercession for Reuben, a tribe with a checkered past and a diminished status, speaks volumes about God's willingness to grant second chances and to preserve His chosen people. It highlights the power of prayer and the compassionate heart of a leader who stands in the gap for his flock. This verse reminds us that God's purposes for His people are not easily thwarted by human weakness or sin, and that His desire is for their flourishing and continued participation in His redemptive plan. It underscores the truth that every part of God's community, even those seemingly less prominent or historically troubled, holds value and is worthy of divine preservation and blessing.

* [Isaiah 43:1-2](/isaiah/43-1-2 "Isaiah 43:1-2 - God's Promise of Preservation")
* [1 Samuel 12:23](/1_samuel/12-23 "1 Samuel 12:23 - Samuel's Commitment to Intercession")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love and Mercies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 33:6 offers timeless lessons for our lives today. The story of Reuben, marked by past failures yet receiving a blessing for preservation and strength, is a powerful testament to God's boundless grace and His willingness to offer second chances. It encourages us to look beyond our past mistakes and trust in God's capacity to redeem and restore. Just as Moses fervently interceded for Reuben, we are called to be people of prayer, lifting up others—our families, friends, communities, and even those who have stumbled—to God. Our intercession is a vital act of love and faith, contributing to the well-being and flourishing of others. Furthermore, this verse reminds us that every individual and every part of the community of faith is valuable in God's eyes. No one is too insignificant or too far gone for God's preserving hand. We are encouraged to hope for renewed strength and and purpose, even when facing adversity or feeling diminished, trusting that God desires our vitality and contribution to His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Reuben's story, from Jacob's diminished prophecy to Moses' blessing, encourage you about God's grace and His willingness to grant second chances in your own life?**
* **Considering Moses' intercession for Reuben, in what specific ways can you commit to more fervent and consistent intercessory prayer for others in your life or community?**
* **How does the desire for Reuben's continued strength and numerical growth speak to the value of every member within the body of Christ, and how might this influence your interactions with others in your faith community?**

### FAQ

**Why was Moses' blessing for Reuben so different from Jacob's earlier prophecy?**

Answer: Moses' blessing for Reuben in Deuteronomy 33:6 stands in stark contrast to Jacob's prophecy in [Genesis 49:4](/genesis/49-4 "Genesis 49:4 - Jacob's Prophecy for Reuben"). Jacob's words, "unstable as water, thou shalt not excel," were a direct consequence of Reuben's grave sin of defiling his father's bed, as recorded in [Genesis 35:22](/genesis/35-22 "Genesis 35:22 - Reuben's Transgression"), resulting in the loss of his birthright. Moses' blessing, however, is not a judgment but a pastoral and prophetic intercession. It reflects Moses' compassionate heart and his role as a mediator, pleading for God's grace and preservation over the tribe. This shift highlights God's capacity for redemption and restoration, demonstrating that even when consequences are severe, divine mercy can still offer a path to continued existence and even flourishing. It's a testament to the power of intercession and the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel, even for its less exemplary members.

**What is the significance of the KJV's "[not]" in "and let [not] his men be few"?**

Answer: The bracketed "[not]" in the King James Version of Deuteronomy 33:6 indicates a textual nuance or a common interpretive approach to the Hebrew phrase. The Hebrew literally reads "and his men be a number," or "and his men be few." This can be understood in two primary ways: either as a rhetorical question expecting a negative answer ("Shall his men be few? [No!]"), or as an elliptical negative statement where the "not" is implied for a positive outcome ("Let his men not be few," meaning "Let his men be many"). In the context of a blessing, the latter interpretation, implying a desire for numerical strength and abundance, is overwhelmingly favored by scholars and translators. Moses is clearly praying for Reuben to be numerous and strong, not to dwindle. The "[not]" clarifies this intended positive meaning for the English reader.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Moses' intercession for Reuben in Deuteronomy 33:6, pleading for the tribe's continued life and numerical strength despite its past failings, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Moses stood as a mediator for a flawed tribe, Christ stands as our great High Priest, continually interceding for His church, which is comprised of all who believe, regardless of their past sins or weaknesses, as declared in [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession"). Where Reuben's survival was a plea, Christ's intercession is a guarantee. He is the true "firstborn" over all creation, securing our spiritual inheritance and ensuring the eternal life and flourishing of all who are in Him. His prayer in [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer") for His disciples' unity and preservation echoes Moses' desire for Reuben, but with the divine authority and power to bring it to fruition. Christ's sacrifice and ongoing advocacy ensure that His church will "live and not die"; indeed, the gates of hell will not prevail against it, as promised in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Endures"). Through Him, God's people are not merely preserved from extinction but are made spiritually numerous and vital, growing into a holy bride, without spot or wrinkle, as described in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church"). The hope for Reuben's continued existence points forward to the absolute certainty of the church's eternal life and flourishing under the headship of Christ, who ever lives to make intercession for us, as affirmed in [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession for Believers").

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

Numbers 32:31

And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do.

Numbers 32:32

We will pass over armed before the LORD into the land of Canaan, that the possession of our inheritance on this side Jordan [may be] ours.

Genesis 49:8

¶ Judah, thou [art he] whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand [shall be] in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

Joshua 22:1

¶ Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh,

Joshua 22:9

And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which [is] in the land of Canaan, to go unto the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession, whereof they were possessed, according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

Genesis 49:3

Reuben, thou [art] my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:

Genesis 49:4

Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou [it]: he went up to my couch.