Deuteronomy 33:6

Context

Deuteronomy 33 records Moses' final blessing upon the tribes of Israel before his death and their entry into the Promised Land. This chapter serves as a prophetic farewell, echoing Jacob's blessings in Genesis 49, but with a different tone, often highlighting strengths and future prosperity rather than past failings. For the tribe of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob, this blessing is particularly significant. Reuben had lost his birthright due to grave sin (Genesis 35:22), leading to Jacob's diminished prophecy for him: "unstable as water, thou shalt not excel" (Genesis 49:4). Moses' blessing here, therefore, represents a plea or prophecy for the tribe's continued existence and strength despite its turbulent history and diminished status.

Key Themes

• Divine Preservation and Survival: The primary plea, "Let Reuben live, and not die," emphasizes the desire for the tribe's continued existence and vitality. This was not a given, especially for smaller tribes or those with a history of weakness or transgression.
• Tribal Strength and Prosperity: The phrase "and let [not] his men be few" is a prayer for numerical strength and growth. A large population was crucial for a tribe's security, influence, and ability to contribute to the nation's military and economic well-being.
• Moses' Intercession: This verse beautifully illustrates Moses' role as an intercessor for his people, even in his final moments. His concern is not just for the entire nation, but for each individual tribe, seeking God's favor and blessing upon them. This highlights the power of intercessory prayer.
• Hope for Restoration: Despite Reuben's past failures and the consequences outlined by Jacob, Moses' blessing offers a glimpse of hope and a desire for the tribe to overcome its past and flourish. It speaks to God's enduring covenant faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's inclusion of "[not]" in brackets ("and let [not] his men be few") is a textual note indicating a potential ambiguity or variant in the Hebrew text. The Hebrew phrase can be read in several ways, often implying a rhetorical question ("shall his men be few?") which expects a negative answer, or as a direct statement that he should not have few men. The most common understanding, aligning with the context of a blessing, is that Moses desires Reuben's men to be numerous, hence "let his men not be few" or "let his men be many." This interpretation emphasizes a positive outcome for the tribe's population and strength.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 33:6 offers several timeless lessons:

• God's Grace and Second Chances: Even when we stumble or fall short, God's grace can extend promises of preservation and future strength. Reuben's story reminds us that past failures do not necessarily dictate our future, especially when God's favor is sought.
• The Power of Intercession: Moses' fervent prayer for Reuben underscores the importance of praying for others—for their well-being, their strength, and their flourishing. Our intercession can make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
• Value of Every Member: Just as Moses prayed for the survival and strength of even a potentially weak tribe like Reuben, this verse reminds us that every individual and every part of a community has value and a role to play. The flourishing of the whole depends on the health of its parts.
• Hope in Adversity: When facing challenges or feeling diminished, this blessing serves as a reminder to seek God's sustaining power and to hope for renewed strength and purpose, even against the odds.