Deuteronomy 33:21
Deuteronomy 33:21 in Multiple Translations
He chose the best land for himself, because a ruler’s portion was reserved for him there. He came with the leaders of the people; he administered the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel.”
And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel.
And he provided the first part for himself, For there was the lawgiver’s portion reserved; And he came with the heads of the people; He executed the righteousness of Jehovah, And his ordinances with Israel.
He kept for himself the first part, for his was the ruler's right: he put in force the righteousness of the Lord, and his decisions for Israel.
He chose the best land for himself, for he was allocated a ruler's share. He met with the people's leaders; he did what the Lord said was right, following the Lord's regulations for Israel.”
And hee looked to himselfe at the beginning, because there was a portion of the Lawe-giuer hid: yet hee shall come with the heades of the people, to execute the iustice of the Lord, and his iudgements with Israel.
And he provideth the first part for himself, For there the portion of the lawgiver is covered, And he cometh [with] the heads of the people; The righteousness of Jehovah he hath done, And His judgments with Israel.
He provided the first part for himself, for the lawgiver’s portion was reserved for him. He came with the heads of the people. He executed the righteousness of the LORD, His ordinances with Israel.”
And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated: and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel.
And he saw his pre-eminence, that in his portion the teacher was laid up: who was with the princes of the people, and did the justices of the Lord, and his judgment with Israel.
They chose the best part of the land for themselves; a large share of the land, a share that should be given to a leader was allotted to them. When the leaders of the tribes of Israel gathered together, they decided that the tribe of Gad should have a large share of the land. The tribe of Gad obeyed the commands of Yahweh and the things that he decided that they should do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 33:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 33:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֤רְא
רֵאשִׁית֙
ל֔/וֹ
כִּי
שָׁ֛ם
חֶלְקַ֥ת
מְחֹקֵ֖ק
סָפ֑וּן
וַ/יֵּתֵא֙
רָ֣אשֵׁי
עָ֔ם
צִדְקַ֤ת
יְהוָה֙
עָשָׂ֔ה
וּ/מִשְׁפָּטָ֖י/ו
עִם
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יַּ֤רְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
רֵאשִׁית֙
rêʼshîyth
H7225
first
N-fs
ל֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שָׁ֛ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
חֶלְקַ֥ת
chelqâh
H2513
portion
N-fs
מְחֹקֵ֖ק
châqaq
H2710
to decree
V-m
סָפ֑וּן
çâphan
H5603
to cover
V-Qal-Inf-c
וַ/יֵּתֵא֙
ʼâthâh
H857
to come
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
רָ֣אשֵׁי
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-mp
עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
צִדְקַ֤ת
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
N-fs
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עָשָׂ֔ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וּ/מִשְׁפָּטָ֖י/ו
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Conj | N-mp | Suff
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 33:21
וַ/יַּ֤רְא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
רֵאשִׁית֙
rêʼshîyth
H7225
"first"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the beginning or first part of something, like the firstfruits of a harvest. It is used in Exodus 23:19 to describe the best of the harvest. The idea is to give God the best.
Definition: : beginning 1) first, beginning, best, chief 1a) beginning 1b) first 1c) chief 1d) choice part Also means: re.shit (רֵאשִׁית ": best" H7225H)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: beginning, chief(-est), first(-fruits, part, time), principal thing. See also: Genesis 1:1; Job 42:12; Psalms 78:51.
ל֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׁ֛ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
חֶלְקַ֥ת
chelqâh
H2513
"portion"
N-fs
This word refers to smoothness, but can also imply flattery or slippery behavior. In some cases, it describes a plot of land or a portion of ground. The Bible uses this word to warn against smooth talk and deceitful actions.
Definition: 1) portion, parcel 1a) of ground
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: field, flattering(-ry), ground, parcel, part, piece of land (ground), plat, portion, slippery place, smooth (thing). See also: Genesis 27:16; 2 Kings 9:21; Psalms 12:3.
מְחֹקֵ֖ק
châqaq
H2710
"to decree"
V-m
This Hebrew word means to decree or enact a law, like writing it in stone. It appears in Judges 5:14, where it talks about being a scribe. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's laws and decrees.
Definition: 1) to cut out, decree, inscribe, set, engrave, portray, govern 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in 1a2) to cut in or on, cut upon, engrave, inscribe 1a3) to trace, mark out 1a4) to engrave, inscribe (of a law) 1b) (Poel) 1b1) to inscribe, enact, decree 1b2) one who decrees, lawgiver (participle) 1c) (Pual) something decreed, the law (participle) 1d) (Hophal) to be inscribed
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: appoint, decree, governor, grave, lawgiver, note, pourtray, print, set. See also: Genesis 49:10; Proverbs 8:27; Psalms 60:9.
סָפ֑וּן
çâphan
H5603
"to cover"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To cover something, like a roof or a wall, is what this Hebrew word means, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:8. It can also mean to reserve or hide something, often used in a literal or figurative sense. The KJV translates it as cieled, cover, or seated.
Definition: 1) to cover, cover in, wainscotted, covered with boards or panelling 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cover in, panel 1a2) covered, panelled (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: cieled, cover, seated. See also: Deuteronomy 33:21; 1 Kings 7:7; Jeremiah 22:14.
וַ/יֵּתֵא֙
ʼâthâh
H857
"to come"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To arrive or come to a place, it can also mean to bring something. It is used in the Bible to describe the coming of people, events, or things.
Definition: 1) to come, arrive 1a) (Qal) to come (of men, time, beasts, calamity) 1b) (Hiphil) to bring Aramaic equivalent: a.tah (אֲתָה "to come" H0858)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (be-, things to) come (upon), bring. See also: Deuteronomy 33:2; Isaiah 41:5; Psalms 68:32.
רָ֣אשֵׁי
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
צִדְקַ֤ת
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
N-fs
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עָשָׂ֔ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
וּ/מִשְׁפָּטָ֖י/ו
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 33:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 33:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 33:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 33:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:21
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 33:21
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 33:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:21
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 33:21
Context — Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes
19They will call the peoples to a mountain; there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.”
20Concerning Gad he said: “Blessed is he who enlarges the domain of Gad! He lies down like a lion and tears off an arm or a head.
21He chose the best land for himself, because a ruler’s portion was reserved for him there. He came with the leaders of the people; he administered the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel.”
22Concerning Dan he said: “Dan is a lion’s cub, leaping out of Bashan.” 23Concerning Naphtali he said: “Naphtali is abounding with favor, full of the blessing of the LORD; he shall take possession of the sea and the south.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 32:16–42 | Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, “We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones. But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them into their place. Meanwhile, our little ones will remain in the fortified cities for protection from the inhabitants of the land. We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has taken possession of his inheritance. Yet we will not have an inheritance with them across the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has come to us on the east side of the Jordan.” Moses replied, “If you will do this—if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for battle, and if every one of your armed men crosses the Jordan before the LORD, until He has driven His enemies out before Him, then when the land is subdued before the LORD, you may return and be free of obligation to the LORD and to Israel. And this land will belong to you as a possession before the LORD. But if you do not do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD—and be assured that your sin will find you out. Build cities for your little ones and folds for your flocks, but do what you have promised.” The Gadites and Reubenites said to Moses, “Your servants will do just as our lord commands. Our children, our wives, our livestock, and all our animals will remain here in the cities of Gilead. But your servants are equipped for war, and every man will cross over to the battle before the LORD, just as our lord says.” So Moses gave orders about them to Eleazar the priest, to Joshua son of Nun, and to the family leaders of the tribes of Israel. And Moses said to them, “If the Gadites and Reubenites cross the Jordan with you, with every man armed for battle before the LORD, and the land is subdued before you, then you are to give them the land of Gilead as a possession. But if they do not arm themselves and go across with you, then they must accept their possession among you in the land of Canaan.” The Gadites and Reubenites replied, “As the LORD has spoken to your servants, so we will do. We will cross over into the land of Canaan armed before the LORD, that we may have our inheritance on this side of the Jordan.” So Moses gave to the Gadites, to the Reubenites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan—the land including its cities and the territory surrounding them. And the Gadites built up Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer, Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah, Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran as fortified cities, and they built folds for their flocks. The Reubenites built up Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim, as well as Nebo and Baal-meon (whose names were changed), and Sibmah. And they renamed the cities they rebuilt. The descendants of Machir son of Manasseh went to Gilead, captured it, and drove out the Amorites who were there. So Moses gave Gilead to the clan of Machir son of Manasseh, and they settled there. Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, went and captured their villages and called them Havvoth-jair. And Nobah went and captured Kenath and its villages and called it Nobah, after his own name. |
| 2 | Judges 5:11 | the voices of the singers at the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates: |
| 3 | Judges 5:2 | “When the princes take the lead in Israel, when the people volunteer, bless the LORD. |
| 4 | Numbers 32:1–6 | Now the Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, surveyed the lands of Jazer and Gilead, and they saw that the region was suitable for livestock. So the Gadites and Reubenites came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, and said, “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, which the LORD conquered before the congregation of Israel, are suitable for livestock—and your servants have livestock.” “If we have found favor in your sight,” they said, “let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan.” But Moses asked the Gadites and Reubenites, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here? |
| 5 | Joshua 22:1–4 | Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh and told them, “You have done all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and you have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you. All this time you have not deserted your brothers, up to this very day, but have kept the charge given you by the LORD your God. And now that the LORD your God has given your brothers rest as He promised them, you may return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you across the Jordan. |
| 6 | Joshua 4:12–13 | The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over before the Israelites, armed for battle as Moses had instructed them. About 40,000 troops armed for battle crossed over before the LORD into the plains of Jericho. |
| 7 | Joshua 1:14 | Your wives, your young children, and your livestock may remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But all your mighty men of valor must be armed for battle to cross over ahead of your brothers and help them, |
Deuteronomy 33:21 Summary
Deuteronomy 33:21 is talking about the tribe of Gad, who was given a special inheritance by God, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:20-21. This verse says that Gad chose the best land for himself, and that he worked with the other leaders of Israel to uphold God's laws and commands, similar to what is seen in Deuteronomy 1:9-18 and Exodus 18:13-27. This is a reminder that God wants us to work together with others to do what is right, as seen in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, and to trust Him to give us what is best for us, as seen in Romans 8:28. By following God's lead, we can be strong and courageous, like a lion, but also humble and gentle, like a lamb, as seen in Matthew 5:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the subject of Deuteronomy 33:21?
The subject of Deuteronomy 33:21 is Gad, as indicated by the preceding verse, Deuteronomy 33:20, which says 'Concerning Gad he said'. This is reinforced by the context, which describes the blessings and characteristics of the tribe of Gad, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:20-21.
What does it mean that a ruler's portion was reserved for Gad?
This phrase suggests that Gad was given a special inheritance, one that was set apart for him, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:21. This is reminiscent of the way God portioned out the land to the other tribes, as described in the book of Joshua, such as Joshua 13:24, which describes the inheritance of the tribe of Gad.
How did Gad administer the LORD's justice and ordinances for Israel?
The exact nature of Gad's administration is not specified in Deuteronomy 33:21, but it is likely that he worked alongside the other leaders of Israel, such as Moses and Joshua, to uphold God's laws and commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:9-18 and Exodus 18:13-27.
What is the significance of Gad lying down like a lion and tearing off an arm or a head?
This phrase, found in Deuteronomy 33:20, is a metaphorical description of Gad's strength and ferocity, and is not directly related to Deuteronomy 33:21, but it does provide context for the characteristics of the tribe of Gad, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:20-21, and is similar to the way God describes Himself as a lion in Hosea 11:10.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to 'choose the best land for myself', and how can I apply this principle to my own life, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:21?
- How can I, like Gad, administer God's justice and ordinances in my own sphere of influence, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:21 and Micah 6:8?
- What are some ways that I can work with others to uphold God's laws and commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:9-18 and Exodus 18:13-27?
- How can I balance the desire for strength and ferocity, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:20, with the need for humility and gentleness, as seen in Matthew 5:5?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 33:21
And he provided a first part for himself,.... That is, the portion of the land of Sihon and Og, as Jarchi rightly interprets it; which was the beginning or firstfruits of the subduing of the land
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 33:21
And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:21
The first part; the first-fruits of the Land of Promise, the country of Sihon, which was first conquered, which he is said to provide for himself, because he desired and so obtained it of Moses, Numbers 32. A portion of the lawgiver, i.e. of Moses, whose portion this is called, either because this part of the land beyond Jordan was the only part of the land which Moses was permitted to enter upon; or because it was given to him by Moses; whereas the portions beyond Jordan were given to the several tribes by Joshua, according to the direction of the lot. Was he seated, Heb. hid or protected; for their wives and children were secured in their cities, whilst many of their men went over to the war in Canaan. He came with the heads of the people, i.e. he went, or he will go, (the preter tense being put for the future, after the manner of the prophets,) to wit, to the war in Canaan, with the princes, or captains, or rulers of the people of Israel, i.e. under their command and conduct, as indeed they did; or with the first of the people; or, in the front of the people, as the Syriac renders it; for this tribe and their brethren, whose lot fell beyond Jordan, were to march, and did march, into Canaan before their brethren, as it is expressed, . And the Hebrew word rosch oft signifies the beginning or first of a thing. He executed the justice of the Lord, and his judgments with Israel, i.e. he did or will execute the just judgment of God against the Canaanites, as the rest of the Israelites did; he will join in the war against them, as he promised to do, , and actually did, .
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:21
Deuteronomy 33:21 And he provided the first part for himself, because there, [in] a portion of the lawgiver, [was he] seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel.Ver. 21. In a portion of the lawgiver.] That portion that Moses the lawgiver assigned him on the other side Jordan. He executed the justice of the Lord,] viz., Upon the Canaanites; which is so noble an act that even the good angels refuse not to be executioners of God’ s judgments upon obstinate malefactors.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:21
(21) The first part.—The first territory conquered by Moses was distributed between Reuben and Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh. A portion of the lawgiver is interpreted by Rashi as the field of the “burial-place” of the lawgiver. But this can hardly have been in the mind of Moses. He came with the heads of the people.—The Gadites with their companion tribes passed over Jordan to the conquest of Canaan by Moses’ order.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:21
Verse 21. He provided the first part] That is, he chose for himself a very excellent portion, viz., the land of Sihon and Og, in which this tribe had requested to be settled by the lawgiver, viz., Moses, from whom they requested this portion, Numbers 32:1-5. He came with the heads of the people] Notwithstanding this portion fell unto them on the east side of Jordan, yet they proceeded with the heads of the people, the chiefs of the other tribes. To execute the justice of the Lord] To extirpate the old inhabitants of the country, according to the decree and purpose of the Lord. See on Num. xxxii.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 33:21
6–25. The Blessing Proper 6Re’ubén, may he live and not die, Though few be his men.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 33:21
The first fruits of the conquest made by Israel were assigned to Gad and Reuben by Moses, at their own request. Because ... seated - Render, because there was the leader’s portion reserved, i.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:21
21. He provided the first part for himself — He chose the firstfruits for himself. The land on the east of the Jordan, the firstfruits of the conquest, was apportioned to Gad and Reuben. Comp. Numbers 32.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 33:21
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Middle Grounders by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the dangers of living on middle ground, using the characteristics of the two and a half tribes of Israel—Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh—as a warning. He highli |
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Unity by Roy Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares a sad incident that occurred during a prayer meeting in South Africa. Initially, the prayer meeting was powerful and effective, with people seek |
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Leadership and Ministry (Judges 5:2) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of leadership in both spiritual and practical realms, asserting that effective leadership is essential for overcoming challenges and g |
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Leadership by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of leadership in both spiritual and practical realms, asserting that effective leadership is essential for overcoming challenges and g |
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Who Not to Follow by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of carefully choosing our associations to enter the promised rest of God, warning against following the counsel of the ungodly and sinful way |
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The Trans-Jordanic Tribes by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the lessons from the Trans-Jordanic tribes, who, despite choosing a portion outside the promised land, exemplified unselfish service by aiding their brethre |
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Joshua Chapter 13 the Trans-Jordanic Tribes by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson explores the lessons from Joshua Chapter 13, focusing on the two and a half tribes that chose their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan. He emphasizes their uns |