Week 11 Deuteronomy 33
Moses was getting very close to the end of his life so he called the tribes together one last time. He was giving them a final blessing. It reminded me of Jacob. At the end he called his sons and gave them a final blessing too.
Moses went through the tribes in this order: Reuben Judah Levi Benjamin Joseph’s Ephraim & Manasseh Zebulun Issachar Gad Dan Naphtali Asher.
The order of Jacob’s list is different: Reuben Simeon Levi Judah Zebulun Issachar Dan Gad Asher Naphtali Joseph Benjamin.
I wonder why Moses organized the names the way he did (if there’s a plausible explanation I don’t know what it is). Another thing I wonder about is Simeon – he’s not even on Moses’ list. Where is Simeon and why isn’t he here? (I know Ephraim & Manasseh weren’t on Jacob’s list but that’s explainable.)
I notice that in both lists Joseph is given high praise. That’s understandable – he was the best of the bros. But Levi also gets quite a bit of space and commendation which seems like an upgrade.
I’m surprised Judah only got one-verse in Deuteronomy after five in Genesis (since his tribe will eventually dominate).
I’d be interested in comparing the blessings. See what things have changed. Check for adjustments or modifications or additions or amendments. For example Jacob compares Dan to a snake but Moses says he’s like a lion’s cub.
But time is short so I’ll have to let that project slide.
Note: compare Genesis 49 & Deuteronomy 33