Deuteronomy chapter 33

vs 11

I guess we shouldn't be surprised at the extra blessing that Levi is getting - after all, it is Moses' tribe. But it is also very important that God be pleased with the work of Levi's hands - his clan are the priests, after all.

The reference to foes might be both external and internal - a message to the rest of Israel, who regularly rebelled against Moses and Aaron.

vs 12

When did Benjamin change from being the one loved by Jacob to the one loved by God? Interesting transition. In any case, Benjamin seems to be blessed with special protection in God, and I am assuming that it means Benjamin dwells between the shoulders of God. Which to me is a bit of an odd picture, I'm not quite getting it, but the concept of protection is there.

vs 13

Joseph (two tribes for his two sons) will be rich, and his land blessed. After some of the other blessings, a simple material blessing in a land that is already meant to be plentiful seems a little weak.

vs 14-16

Perhaps that's why it just keeps going for so long. By the end of vs16, it does sound pretty impressive.

vs 17

The blessing also includes a statement of military might. It doesn't so much promise it as make it clear it's already there. Perhaps a reminder for them to fight hard.

vs 18

I guess one tribe will really enjoy the outdoors, and the other will be good at doing things inside? Far out, this is getting more and more like a religious RPG.

vs 19

As long as they don't eat shellfish. Interesting that Moses includes the idea of sacrifice on a mountain - we have to remember that this is fine, until God picks his spot. It's the sacrificing on the mountain tops after the temple is built that becomes the problem.

vs 20

I don't wonder if there might be a bit of a forked tongue in this blessing. Doesn't the tribe of Gad struggle to take their land, when it comes to Joshua? Perhaps all the more reason to try and build up their fighting spirits.