Deuteronomy 33 records the blessing Moses gave to the tribes of Israel just before his death. These questions are written for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study, and they walk through the chapter in order. Each set of questions includes notes a leader can use to guide discussion.
Deuteronomy 33 at a Glance
The chapter opens with a brief introduction and a picture of the LORD coming in power from Sinai, Seir and Paran. Moses then speaks tribe by tribe, offering a word of blessing to Reuben, Judah, Levi, Benjamin, Joseph, Zebulun, Gad, Dan, Naphtali and Asher, each shaped by that tribe’s history and place in the land.
The closing verses turn from the tribes to Israel as a whole. They name the LORD as Israel’s dwelling place, shield and sword, and end with a call to rejoice in a people saved by him. Keep this arc in mind: the individual blessings, then the collective celebration.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask the group to point to the text and describe what it says. Give people a minute of silence before moving to the next question.
Deuteronomy 33:1
This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.
(WEB)
Read this first to set the scene. It tells the group that what follows is Moses’ final blessing, which gives the rest of the chapter its weight and purpose.
Deuteronomy 33:12
About Benjamin he said, “The beloved of the LORD will dwell in safety by him. He covers him all day long. He dwells between his shoulders.”
(WEB)
This short verse offers one of the chapter’s most tender images. Reading it aloud gives people a moment to picture God’s protective nearness.
Deuteronomy 33:16-17
16 For the precious things of the earth and its fullness, the good will of him who lived in the bush. Let this come on the head of Joseph, on the crown of the head of him who was separated from his brothers. 17 The firstborn of his herd, majesty is his. His horns are the horns of the wild ox. With them he will push all the peoples, to the ends of the earth. They are the ten thousands of Ephraim. They are the thousands of Manasseh.”
(WEB)
These verses hold the full richness of Joseph’s blessing and its strong imagery. Reading them together helps the group feel the force of Moses’ language.
Deuteronomy 33:26-27
26 “There is no one like God, Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens for your help, in his excellency on the skies. 27 The eternal God is your dwelling place. Underneath are the everlasting arms. He thrust out the enemy from before you, and said, ‘Destroy!’
(WEB)
This passage moves from the tribes to the LORD himself. Reading it aloud can anchor the group’s discussion in the central truth of God as Israel’s refuge.
Deuteronomy 33:29
You are happy, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help, the sword of your excellency? Your enemies will submit themselves to you. You will tread on their high places.”
(WEB)
The chapter ends here with a note of joy and security. Reading it last gives the session a hopeful close and sends people out with a sense of thanksgiving.
Memory Verse for Deuteronomy 33
Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your dwelling place. Underneath are the everlasting arms. He thrust out the enemy from before you, and said, ‘Destroy!’
(WEB)
This verse gathers the chapter’s main truth into one sentence: God is a dwelling place and a sure support. It is short enough to repeat during the week and rich enough to return to often.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come before you as people who have been blessed and who still need your protection. Thank you for the gifts you give in ordinary days, from the dew on the grass to the rest we find in your presence. Help us receive your words with the humility of those who sit at your feet, and give us courage to be faithful where our loyalties are tested. Be our dwelling place and our strength this week, and let us rejoice in the salvation you have given. Amen.
