God first revealed Israel’s national “constitution” to Moses at Sinai (Exod 20–23). The great leader Moses was now about to die. God had appointed a younger man, Joshua, to replace Moses, but he was not yet fully tested. Israel had been rescued from slavery in Egypt and miraculously preserved through forty years of wandering in the wilderness. The Israelites now stood on the verge of entering t…
1Esta es la bendición con la cual bendijo Moisés varón de Dios a los hijos de Israel, antes que muriese.
2Dijo: Jehová vino de Sinaí, Y de Seir les esclareció; Resplandeció desde el monte de Parán, Y vino de entre diez millares de santos, Con la ley de fuego a su mano derecha.
3Aun amó a su pueblo; Todos los consagrados a él estaban en su mano; Por tanto, ellos siguieron en tus pasos, Recibiendo dirección de ti,
4Cuando Moisés nos ordenó una ley, Como heredad a la congregación de Jacob.
5Y fue rey en Jesurún, Cuando se congregaron los jefes del pueblo Con las tribus de Israel.
6Viva Rubén, y no muera; Y no sean pocos sus varones.
7Y esta bendición profirió para Judá. Dijo así: Oye, oh Jehová, la voz de Judá, Y llévalo a su pueblo; Sus manos le basten, Y tú seas su ayuda contra sus enemigos.
8A Leví dijo: Tu Tumim y tu Urim sean para tu varón piadoso, A quien probaste en Masah, Con quien contendiste en las aguas de Meriba,
9Quien dijo de su padre y de su madre: Nunca los he visto; Y no reconoció a sus hermanos, Ni a sus hijos conoció; Pues ellos guardaron tus palabras, Y cumplieron tu pacto.
10Ellos enseñarán tus juicios a Jacob, Y tu ley a Israel; Pondrán el incienso delante de ti, Y el holocausto sobre tu altar.
11Bendice, oh Jehová, lo que hicieren, Y recibe con agrado la obra de sus manos; Hiere los lomos de sus enemigos, Y de los que lo aborrecieren, para que nunca se levanten.
12A Benjamín dijo: El amado de Jehová habitará confiado cerca de él; Lo cubrirá siempre, Y entre sus hombros morará.
13A José dijo: Bendita de Jehová sea tu tierra, Con lo mejor de los cielos, con el rocío, Y con el abismo que está abajo.
14Con los más escogidos frutos del sol, Con el rico producto de la luna,
15Con el fruto más fino de los montes antiguos, Con la abundancia de los collados eternos,
16Y con las mejores dádivas de la tierra y su plenitud; Y la gracia del que habitó en la zarza Venga sobre la cabeza de José, Y sobre la frente de aquel que es príncipe entre sus hermanos.
17Como el primogénito de su toro es su gloria, Y sus astas como astas de búfalo; Con ellas acorneará a los pueblos juntos hasta los fines de la tierra; Ellos son los diez millares de Efraín, Y ellos son los millares de Manasés.
18A Zabulón dijo: Alégrate, Zabulón, cuando salieres; Y tú, Isacar, en tus tiendas.
19Llamarán a los pueblos a su monte; Allí sacrificarán sacrificios de justicia, Por lo cual chuparán la abundancia de los mares, Y los tesoros escondidos de la arena.
20A Gad dijo: Bendito el que hizo ensanchar a Gad; Como león reposa, Y arrebata brazo y testa.
21Escoge lo mejor de la tierra para sí, Porque allí le fue reservada la porción del legislador. Y vino en la delantera del pueblo; Con Israel ejecutó los mandatos y los justos decretos de Jehová.
22A Dan dijo: Dan es cachorro de león Que salta desde Basán.
23A Neftalí dijo: Neftalí, saciado de favores, Y lleno de la bendición de Jehová, Posee el occidente y el sur.
24A Aser dijo: Bendito sobre los hijos sea Aser; Sea el amado de sus hermanos, Y moje en aceite su pie.
25Hierro y bronce serán tus cerrojos, Y como tus días serán tus fuerzas.
26No hay como el Dios de Jesurún, Quien cabalga sobre los cielos para tu ayuda, Y sobre las nubes con su grandeza.
27El eterno Dios es tu refugio, Y acá abajo los brazos eternos; Él echó de delante de ti al enemigo, Y dijo: Destruye.
28E Israel habitará confiado, la fuente de Jacob habitará sola En tierra de grano y de vino; También sus cielos destilarán rocío.
29Bienaventurado tú, oh Israel. ¿Quién como tú, Pueblo salvo por Jehová, Escudo de tu socorro, Y espada de tu triunfo? Así que tus enemigos serán humillados, Y tú hollarás sobre sus alturas.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
I
Versículo 1
I. 33:1-29 On the eve of his death, Jacob blessed his twelve sons (Gen 49:1-28). As the founding fat…
33:1-29 On the eve of his death, Jacob blessed his twelve sons (Gen 49:1-28). As the founding father of his nation, Moses blessed these same sons, now grown into mighty tribes.
II
Versículo 2
II. 33:2 This poetic account does not establish an itinerary that God followed. Instead, it portrays …
33:2 This poetic account does not establish an itinerary that God followed. Instead, it portrays God in his splendor as he came at certain times and places to lead his people against their foes in God’s war. • Mount Paran is the highlands of Paran in the northeast region of the Sinai Peninsula (see 1:1).
III
Versículo 3
III. 33:3 In covenant contexts, to love is frequently synonymous with to choose. The Lord does love hi…
33:3 In covenant contexts, to love is frequently synonymous with to choose. The Lord does love his people, but here it means that he chooses them as his special possession (4:20). • his hands: This phrase figuratively conveys the security that Israel (his holy ones) had in the Lord. • his steps: Following the Lord requires adopting his lifestyle and going where he goes. • His teaching refers particularly and pertinently to the Torah in all its fullness.
IV
Versículo 4
IV. 33:4 of Israel: Literally of Jacob. The Hebrew probably uses Jacob because the tribes descended f…
33:4 of Israel: Literally of Jacob. The Hebrew probably uses Jacob because the tribes descended from Jacob’s twelve sons are here listed by name as recipients of God’s blessing (33:6-25; cp. Gen 49:1-28).
V
Versículo 6
V. 33:6 Moses said this about the tribe of Reuben: The NLT adds this line for clarity (cp. 33:7, 8, …
33:6 Moses said this about the tribe of Reuben: The NLT adds this line for clarity (cp. 33:7, 8, 12, etc.). • Reuben was Jacob’s eldest son by Leah (see Gen 29:32). His sin against his father (Gen 35:22) might explain his tribe’s lack of prominence (Gen 49:3-4).
VI
Versículo 7
VI. 33:7 Judah was Jacob’s fourth son by Leah (Gen 29:35). The anticipated messianic ruler would come…
33:7 Judah was Jacob’s fourth son by Leah (Gen 29:35). The anticipated messianic ruler would come through this tribe. This promise was fulfilled first in David (Ruth 4:18-22; 1 Chr 2:3-15) and then in Jesus Christ (Matt 1:1-6a; see Gen 49:10).
VII
Versículo 8
VII. 33:8 Levi was Jacob’s third son by Leah (Gen 29:34). The Levites, particularly those descended fr…
33:8 Levi was Jacob’s third son by Leah (Gen 29:34). The Levites, particularly those descended from Aaron, were entrusted with the priesthood (see Exod 28:1; 32:29; Num 3:9). • Thummim and Urim were precious stones embedded in or suspended from the breastpiece of the ephod, a garment worn by the chief priest. These stones could be consulted to determine God’s will. Their names may be translated “perfections” and “lights,” respectively (see study note on Exod 28:30). • Massah means “[place of] testing,” referring to an incident when the people ran out of water and tested the Lord (see study note on Deut 6:16; Exod 17:1-7). • Meribah means “[place of] contention,” referring to another occasion when the people of Israel fought with the Lord until he brought them water from a rock (Num 20:13, 24).
VIII
Versículo 9
VIII. 33:9 guarded your covenant: The verse alludes to the incident of the gold calf at Mount Sinai (Ex…
33:9 guarded your covenant: The verse alludes to the incident of the gold calf at Mount Sinai (Exod 32:25-29) and to the affair at Baal-peor (Num 25:6-9). The Levites’ love for the Lord and loyalty to his covenant eclipsed their devotion to their own families, averted God’s judgment, and brought them the honor expressed here.
IX
Versículo 10
IX. 33:10 They teach your regulations . . . instructions: In addition to carrying out priestly duties…
33:10 They teach your regulations . . . instructions: In addition to carrying out priestly duties such as sacrifices and otherwise assisting at the Tabernacle and the Temple, the Levites had the task of teaching the Torah (31:9-13). • present incense: This ministry was limited to Levitical priests (Num 16:39-40). Later, when King Uzziah entered the Temple to offer incense, he was roundly condemned for his arrogant breach of the priests’ privilege and was afflicted by a skin disease for the rest of his life (2 Chr 26:16-21).
X
Versículo 12
X. 33:12 Benjamin was Jacob’s youngest son (Gen 35:18; 49:27). Because Rachel was Jacob’s favorite w…
33:12 Benjamin was Jacob’s youngest son (Gen 35:18; 49:27). Because Rachel was Jacob’s favorite wife, Benjamin was also favored. His tribe was blessed by the Lord’s special protection.
XI
Versículo 13
XI. 33:13-17 Joseph was Jacob’s eleventh son (Gen 30:23-24) and his favorite child (Gen 37:3). Joseph…
33:13-17 Joseph was Jacob’s eleventh son (Gen 30:23-24) and his favorite child (Gen 37:3). Joseph and his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, received Jacob’s special blessing (Gen 48; 49:22-26). As a result, the tribes of Joseph prospered and multiplied, becoming two separate tribes.
XII
Versículo 16
XII. 33:16 the one who appeared in the burning bush: See Exod 3:2-4. The same Lord who favored Israel …
33:16 the one who appeared in the burning bush: See Exod 3:2-4. The same Lord who favored Israel by rescuing them from bondage blessed the tribes of Joseph. • the prince among his brothers: Joseph’s dream that he would rule over his siblings was fulfilled when they submitted to him in Egypt (Gen 37:5-11; 42:6).
XIII
Versículo 17
XIII. 33:17 Ephraim is listed first because he received the blessing of the firstborn over Manasseh (Ge…
33:17 Ephraim is listed first because he received the blessing of the firstborn over Manasseh (Gen 48:8-22). Manasseh, the firstborn, would normally have received the double portion belonging to the firstborn (cp. Deut 21:17), but Jacob gave it to Ephraim, Joseph’s younger son. Moses’ blessing reflects Jacob’s blessing by listing the tribe of Ephraim as numbering in multitudes (literally tens of thousands) and Manasseh in thousands. After the conquest and establishment of the nation, Ephraim became the dominant tribe of the north; later, after the kingdom was divided following Solomon’s death (1 Kgs 12), the name Ephraim was used interchangeably with Israel in speaking of the northern kingdom.
XIV
Versículo 18
XIV. 33:18 Zebulun and Issachar (NLT adds and Issachar for clarity) were the sixth and fifth sons of J…
33:18 Zebulun and Issachar (NLT adds and Issachar for clarity) were the sixth and fifth sons of Jacob by Leah (Gen 30:18, 20). • in their travels . . . in their tents: This figure of speech (a merism) encompasses life in all its fullness for both tribes, from activity (travels) to inactivity (tents).
XV
Versículo 19
XV. 33:19 to the mountain: Issachar was allotted much of the plains of Jezreel or Esdraelon. Mount Ta…
33:19 to the mountain: Issachar was allotted much of the plains of Jezreel or Esdraelon. Mount Tabor, a prominent landmark of this region, was probably the mountain in view because later tradition knows this as a place of worship (Hos 5:1). The nature of that worship is unclear, but it was probably proper even though it was not carried out at the Temple (see 1 Kgs 18:30, 32). • The phrase riches of the sea might refer to the maritime industry of the people of Zebulun when their western border extended to the Mediterranean Sea (see Gen 49:13).
16
Versículo 20
16. 33:20 Gad was the elder of two sons of Jacob by Leah’s servant Zilpah (Gen 30:10-11). His name me…
33:20 Gad was the elder of two sons of Jacob by Leah’s servant Zilpah (Gen 30:10-11). His name means “good fortune,” but the message is that the one who enables the tribe to enlarge its territory is the fortunate one. That territory was east of the Jordan and the Sea of Galilee.
17
Versículo 21
17. 33:21 the best land: Gad chose this territory prior to the conquest. It was the famously rich and…
33:21 the best land: Gad chose this territory prior to the conquest. It was the famously rich and productive land of Bashan (Num 32:1-5). The commendation of Gad for carrying out the Lord’s justice and obeying his regulations probably refers to the tribe’s faithfulness in assisting the western tribes in their conquest of Canaan (Josh 22:1-3).
18
Versículo 22
18. 33:22 Dan was the elder of two sons of Jacob by Rachel’s servant Bilhah (Gen 30:5-6). The name me…
33:22 Dan was the elder of two sons of Jacob by Rachel’s servant Bilhah (Gen 30:5-6). The name means “he judged.” The tribe of Dan was originally given territory between Judah and the Mediterranean. However, because of fierce hostility in that region, they were unable to settle there (Josh 19:40-48). The tribe then moved to the far north, destroyed the people who lived there, and settled in their place near Mount Hermon, north of the Sea of Galilee and adjacent to Bashan. The historical record doesn’t mention Dan’s staging area from which an attack was made against Laish, but the phrase leaping out from Bashan might suggest that Dan would attack from Bashan (Judg 18:27-28; see Gen 49:16-17).
19
Versículo 23
19. 33:23 Naphtali was the younger of two sons of Jacob by Rachel’s servant Bilhah (Gen 30:7-8). The …
33:23 Naphtali was the younger of two sons of Jacob by Rachel’s servant Bilhah (Gen 30:7-8). The name means something like “my struggle.” • the west and the south (or southward to the sea): The Hebrew word (yam) can mean either “west” or “sea.” This phrase might refer to the region this tribe settled in near the Sea of Galilee (see Matt 4:12-17), known for its fishing and farming.
20
Versículo 24
20. 33:24 Asher was the younger of two sons of Jacob by Leah’s servant Zilpah (Gen 30:12-13). The nam…
33:24 Asher was the younger of two sons of Jacob by Leah’s servant Zilpah (Gen 30:12-13). The name means “happy” or “blessed,” evident in the abundance of olive oil from the orchards that cover the lower Galilean hills and Mount Carmel, as well as the security from danger that these hills and other natural formations provided (Deut 33:25).
21
Versículo 26
21. 33:26 He rides across the heavens: Moses’ blessing of the tribes climaxes with praise to the Lord…
33:26 He rides across the heavens: Moses’ blessing of the tribes climaxes with praise to the Lord. Like a mighty warrior, God rides triumphantly through the skies on chariots of cloud (see 1:30).
22
Versículo 27
22. 33:27 God’s everlasting arms suggest his eternal nature (he has always existed and always will), …
33:27 God’s everlasting arms suggest his eternal nature (he has always existed and always will), omnipotence (power), and care. God’s power would evict the Canaanites from the Promised Land so that Israel could enter and occupy it.
23
Versículo 29
23. 33:29 stomp on their backs: Treading on an enemy’s back figuratively meant having complete victor…
33:29 stomp on their backs: Treading on an enemy’s back figuratively meant having complete victory over him. The word backs can also be translated “high places,” meaning the heights of the land and the traditional places of pagan worship—a way of suggesting total physical and spiritual conquest. The Lord promised to lead the way and guaranteed success in the forthcoming conquest (see 11:24-25; Josh 1:3; 14:9; cp. Amos 4:13; Mic 1:3; Hab 3:15).
Antiguo Testamento
Deuteronomy — Capítulo 33
God first revealed Israel’s national “constitution” to Moses at Sinai (Exod 20–23). The great leader Moses was now about to die. God had appointed a younger man, Joshua, to replace Moses, but he was not yet fully tested. Israel had been rescued from slavery in Egypt and miraculously preserved through forty years of wandering in the wilderness. The Israelites now stood on the verge of entering t…
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Esta es la bendición con la cual bendijo Moisés varón de Dios a los hijos de Israel, antes que muriese.
2Dijo: Jehová vino de Sinaí, Y de Seir les esclareció; Resplandeció desde el monte de Parán, Y vino de entre diez millares de santos, Con la ley de fuego a su mano derecha.
3Aun amó a su pueblo; Todos los consagrados a él estaban en su mano; Por tanto, ellos siguieron en tus pasos, Recibiendo dirección de ti,
4Cuando Moisés nos ordenó una ley, Como heredad a la congregación de Jacob.
5Y fue rey en Jesurún, Cuando se congregaron los jefes del pueblo Con las tribus de Israel.
6Viva Rubén, y no muera; Y no sean pocos sus varones.
7Y esta bendición profirió para Judá. Dijo así: Oye, oh Jehová, la voz de Judá, Y llévalo a su pueblo; Sus manos le basten, Y tú seas su ayuda contra sus enemigos.
8A Leví dijo: Tu Tumim y tu Urim sean para tu varón piadoso, A quien probaste en Masah, Con quien contendiste en las aguas de Meriba,
9Quien dijo de su padre y de su madre: Nunca los he visto; Y no reconoció a sus hermanos, Ni a sus hijos conoció; Pues ellos guardaron tus palabras, Y cumplieron tu pacto.
10Ellos enseñarán tus juicios a Jacob, Y tu ley a Israel; Pondrán el incienso delante de ti, Y el holocausto sobre tu altar.
11Bendice, oh Jehová, lo que hicieren, Y recibe con agrado la obra de sus manos; Hiere los lomos de sus enemigos, Y de los que lo aborrecieren, para que nunca se levanten.
12A Benjamín dijo: El amado de Jehová habitará confiado cerca de él; Lo cubrirá siempre, Y entre sus hombros morará.
13A José dijo: Bendita de Jehová sea tu tierra, Con lo mejor de los cielos, con el rocío, Y con el abismo que está abajo.
14Con los más escogidos frutos del sol, Con el rico producto de la luna,
15Con el fruto más fino de los montes antiguos, Con la abundancia de los collados eternos,
16Y con las mejores dádivas de la tierra y su plenitud; Y la gracia del que habitó en la zarza Venga sobre la cabeza de José, Y sobre la frente de aquel que es príncipe entre sus hermanos.
17Como el primogénito de su toro es su gloria, Y sus astas como astas de búfalo; Con ellas acorneará a los pueblos juntos hasta los fines de la tierra; Ellos son los diez millares de Efraín, Y ellos son los millares de Manasés.
18A Zabulón dijo: Alégrate, Zabulón, cuando salieres; Y tú, Isacar, en tus tiendas.
19Llamarán a los pueblos a su monte; Allí sacrificarán sacrificios de justicia, Por lo cual chuparán la abundancia de los mares, Y los tesoros escondidos de la arena.
20A Gad dijo: Bendito el que hizo ensanchar a Gad; Como león reposa, Y arrebata brazo y testa.
21Escoge lo mejor de la tierra para sí, Porque allí le fue reservada la porción del legislador. Y vino en la delantera del pueblo; Con Israel ejecutó los mandatos y los justos decretos de Jehová.
22A Dan dijo: Dan es cachorro de león Que salta desde Basán.
23A Neftalí dijo: Neftalí, saciado de favores, Y lleno de la bendición de Jehová, Posee el occidente y el sur.
24A Aser dijo: Bendito sobre los hijos sea Aser; Sea el amado de sus hermanos, Y moje en aceite su pie.
25Hierro y bronce serán tus cerrojos, Y como tus días serán tus fuerzas.
26No hay como el Dios de Jesurún, Quien cabalga sobre los cielos para tu ayuda, Y sobre las nubes con su grandeza.
27El eterno Dios es tu refugio, Y acá abajo los brazos eternos; Él echó de delante de ti al enemigo, Y dijo: Destruye.
28E Israel habitará confiado, la fuente de Jacob habitará sola En tierra de grano y de vino; También sus cielos destilarán rocío.
29Bienaventurado tú, oh Israel. ¿Quién como tú, Pueblo salvo por Jehová, Escudo de tu socorro, Y espada de tu triunfo? Así que tus enemigos serán humillados, Y tú hollarás sobre sus alturas.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
Versículo 1
I. 33:1-29 On the eve of his death, Jacob blessed his twelve sons (Gen 49:1-28). As the founding fat…
Versículo 2
II. 33:2 This poetic account does not establish an itinerary that God followed. Instead, it portrays …
Versículo 3
III. 33:3 In covenant contexts, to love is frequently synonymous with to choose. The Lord does love hi…
Versículo 4
IV. 33:4 of Israel: Literally of Jacob. The Hebrew probably uses Jacob because the tribes descended f…
Versículo 6
V. 33:6 Moses said this about the tribe of Reuben: The NLT adds this line for clarity (cp. 33:7, 8, …
Versículo 7
VI. 33:7 Judah was Jacob’s fourth son by Leah (Gen 29:35). The anticipated messianic ruler would come…
Versículo 8
VII. 33:8 Levi was Jacob’s third son by Leah (Gen 29:34). The Levites, particularly those descended fr…
Versículo 9
VIII. 33:9 guarded your covenant: The verse alludes to the incident of the gold calf at Mount Sinai (Ex…
Versículo 10
IX. 33:10 They teach your regulations . . . instructions: In addition to carrying out priestly duties…
Versículo 12
X. 33:12 Benjamin was Jacob’s youngest son (Gen 35:18; 49:27). Because Rachel was Jacob’s favorite w…
Versículo 13
XI. 33:13-17 Joseph was Jacob’s eleventh son (Gen 30:23-24) and his favorite child (Gen 37:3). Joseph…
Versículo 16
XII. 33:16 the one who appeared in the burning bush: See Exod 3:2-4. The same Lord who favored Israel …
Versículo 17
XIII. 33:17 Ephraim is listed first because he received the blessing of the firstborn over Manasseh (Ge…
Versículo 18
XIV. 33:18 Zebulun and Issachar (NLT adds and Issachar for clarity) were the sixth and fifth sons of J…
Versículo 19
XV. 33:19 to the mountain: Issachar was allotted much of the plains of Jezreel or Esdraelon. Mount Ta…
Versículo 20
16. 33:20 Gad was the elder of two sons of Jacob by Leah’s servant Zilpah (Gen 30:10-11). His name me…
Versículo 21
17. 33:21 the best land: Gad chose this territory prior to the conquest. It was the famously rich and…
Versículo 22
18. 33:22 Dan was the elder of two sons of Jacob by Rachel’s servant Bilhah (Gen 30:5-6). The name me…
Versículo 23
19. 33:23 Naphtali was the younger of two sons of Jacob by Rachel’s servant Bilhah (Gen 30:7-8). The …
Versículo 24
20. 33:24 Asher was the younger of two sons of Jacob by Leah’s servant Zilpah (Gen 30:12-13). The nam…
Versículo 26
21. 33:26 He rides across the heavens: Moses’ blessing of the tribes climaxes with praise to the Lord…
Versículo 27
22. 33:27 God’s everlasting arms suggest his eternal nature (he has always existed and always will), …
Versículo 29
23. 33:29 stomp on their backs: Treading on an enemy’s back figuratively meant having complete victor…