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Commentary on Deuteronomy 33 verses 6–7
Here is, I. The blessing of Reuben. Though Reuben had lost the honour of his birthright, yet Moses begins with him; for we should not insult over those that are disgraced, nor desire to perpetuate marks of infamy upon any, though ever so justly fastened at first, Deu 33:6. Moses desires and foretels, 1. The preserving of this tribe. Though a frontier tribe on the other side Jordan, yet, "Let it live, and not be either ruined by its neighbours or lost among them." And perhaps he refers to those chosen men of that tribe who, having had their lot assigned them already, left their families in it, and were now ready to go over armed before their brethren, Num 32:27. "Let them be protected in this noble expedition, and have their heads covered in the day of battle." 2. Let it be a numerous tribe; though their other honours be lost, so that they shall not excel, yet let them multiply." Let Reuben live and not die, though his men be few; so bishop Patrick, thinks it may be rendered. "Though he must not expect to flourish (Gen 49:4), yet let him not perish." All the Chaldee paraphrasts refer this to the other world: Let Reuben live in life eternal, and not die the second death, so Onkelos. Let Reuben live in this world, and not die that death which the wicked die in the world to come, so Jonathan and the Jerusalem Targum.
II. The blessing of Judah, which is put before Levi because our Loud sprang out of Judah, and (as Dr. Lightfoot says) because of the dignity of the kingdom above the priesthood. The blessing (Deu 33:7) may refer either, 1. To the whole tribe in general. Moses prays for, and prophesies, the great prosperity of that tribe., That God would hear his prayers (see an instance, Ch2 13:14, Ch2 13:15), settle him in his lot, prosper him in all his affairs, and give him victory over his enemies. It is taken for granted that the tribe of Judah would be both a praying tribe and an active tribe. "Lord," says Moses, "hear his prayers, and give success to all his undertakings: let his hands be sufficient for him both in husbandry and in war." The voice of prayer should always be attended with the hand of endeavour, and then we may expect prosperity. Or, 2. It may refer in particular to David, as a type of Christ, that God would hear his prayers, Psa 20:1 (and Christ was heard always, Joh 11:42), that he would give him victory over his enemies, and success in his great undertakings. See Psa 89:20 etc. And that prayer that God would bring him to his people seems to refer to Jacob's prophecy concerning Shiloh, That to him should the gathering of the people be, Gen 49:10. The tribe of Simeon is omitted in the blessing, because Jacob had left it under a brand, and it had never done any thing, as Levi had done, to retrieve its honour. It was lessened in the wilderness more than any other of the tribes; and Zimri, who was so notoriously guilty in the matter of Peor but the other day, was of that tribe. Or, because the lot of Simeon was an appendage to that of Judah, that tribe is included in the blessing of Judah. Some copies of the Septuagint join Simeon with Reuben: Let Reuben live and not die; and let Simeon be many in number.
Moses wished by his priestly power to absolve Reuben from his transgression and sin, in that he had lain with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, so that when his brothers should rise, he might not be cut off from their number. So he said in the beginning of his blessing, “Reuben shall live and not die and shall be in the number.”
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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. 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, 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. 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 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. 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. 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.