Deuteronomy 33 is Moses' last blessing on the tribes, parallel to Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49. It opens with a vision of God's majesty. Yahweh came from Sinai, rose from Seir, and shone from Mount Paran, with myriads of holy ones. Yes, he loves the people. The law Moses gave was an inheritance for the assembly of Jacob, a gift of love rather than a burden.
Moses then speaks a word over each tribe. Reuben would live and not die. Judah would be helped against his adversaries. Levi, faithful at Massah and Meribah, would teach Jacob God's ordinances and offer incense and whole burnt offerings. Benjamin, the beloved of Yahweh, would dwell in safety between His shoulders. Joseph receives abundant blessings of heaven, deep springs, and ancient mountains, with the favor of him who lived in the bush. Zebulun, Issachar, Gad, Dan, Naphtali, and Asher follow.
The blessing climaxes in praise: There is no one like God, Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens for your help. The eternal God is your dwelling place. Underneath are the everlasting arms. Israel's happiness and security rest entirely on God: Who is like you, a people saved by Yahweh, the shield of your help? Believers today share this security in Christ, from whose hand no one can snatch them (John 10:28).