Deuteronomy 33:5

And he was king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people [and] the tribes of Israel were gathered together.

And he was king {H4428} in Jeshurun {H3484}, when the heads {H7218} of the people {H5971} and the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478} were gathered {H622} together {H3162}.

Then a king arose in Yeshurun when the leaders of the people were gathered, all the tribes of Isra'el together.

So the LORD became King in Jeshurun when the leaders of the people gathered, when the tribes of Israel came together.

And he was king in Jeshurun, When the heads of the people were gathered, All the tribes of Israel together.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 33:5 is a profound verse within Moses' final prophetic blessing upon the tribes of Israel, delivered just before his death and their entry into the Promised Land. This verse establishes a crucial aspect of Israel's identity and governance.

Context

This verse is part of a larger poetic blessing (Deuteronomy 33:2-29) where Moses, under divine inspiration, reviews God's faithfulness to Israel and pronounces specific blessings and prophecies over each tribe. The setting is solemn and significant, marking the end of Moses' leadership and the dawn of a new era for the Israelites. The phrase "he was king in Jeshurun" sets the stage for understanding the divine authority and order established over the nation, emphasizing that God Himself is the ultimate ruler.

Key Themes

  • Divine Kingship and Sovereignty: The primary theme is God's supreme rule over Israel. While human leaders like Moses or future kings would govern, this verse unequivocally declares that the ultimate "King in Jeshurun" is the Lord Himself. This emphasizes that Israel's true authority and order came from God, not from human institutions. For more on God's eternal reign, see Psalm 145:13.
  • Israel's Unique Identity (Jeshurun): The poetic name Jeshurun (ื™ึฐืฉึปืืจื•ึผืŸ) is used here as an affectionate and idealized term for Israel, meaning "the upright one" or "the righteous one." It reflects God's desire and expectation for His chosen people to live righteously and in covenant faithfulness. This name contrasts with Israel's frequent failings, yet highlights God's enduring hope and purpose for them. It appears elsewhere, such as in Deuteronomy 32:15 and Isaiah 44:2.
  • Unity and Divine Order: The gathering of "the heads of the people [and] the tribes of Israel" signifies the unity and organized structure of the nation under God's kingship. It portrays a people divinely assembled and governed, emphasizing the importance of corporate obedience and communal identity in their relationship with God.

Linguistic Insights

The term Jeshurun (Hebrew: ื™ึฐืฉึปืืจื•ึผืŸ, Yeshurun) is particularly significant. It is a diminutive or endearing form derived from the root ื™ึธืฉึธืืจ (yashar), meaning "straight" or "upright." Its use here underscores God's perspective of Israel as His special, upright people, despite their imperfections. It is a name of covenant endearment, reflecting the ideal state of the nation under divine rule.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 33:5 reminds us that God remains the ultimate King over His people. For believers today, this means recognizing Christ's supreme authority in our lives and in the Church. Just as ancient Israel was called to be "upright" under God's rule, so too are Christians called to live righteously, reflecting the character of their King. The verse also highlights the importance of unity within the community of faith, where believers are gathered under the one true Head, Jesus Christ, to fulfill His purposes.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 32:15 (4 votes)

    ยถ But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered [with fatness]; then he forsook God [which] made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

  • Judges 17:6 (3 votes)

    In those days [there was] no king in Israel, [but] every man did [that which was] right in his own eyes.

  • Exodus 18:19 (2 votes)

    Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:

  • Judges 9:2 (2 votes)

    Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether [is] better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, [which are] threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I [am] your bone and your flesh.

  • Numbers 23:21 (2 votes)

    He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God [is] with him, and the shout of a king [is] among them.

  • Genesis 36:31 (2 votes)

    ยถ And these [are] the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel.

  • Exodus 18:16 (2 votes)

    When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make [them] know the statutes of God, and his laws.