Deuteronomy 33:21 - He provided the first part for himself, for the lawgiver’s portion reserved was reserved for him. He came with the heads of the people. He executed the righteousness of Yahweh, His ordinances with Israel.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Deuteronomy 33:21" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 33:21 is part of Moses' blessing upon the tribe of Gad. It's a somewhat cryptic verse, but here's a breakdown of its possible meanings and interpretations:
"He provided the first part for himself...": This refers to the tribe of Gad settling east of the Jordan River (modern-day Jordan and Syria). They requested this land because it was good for livestock (Numbers 32). By choosing this land first, they prioritized their own needs.
"...for the lawgiver’s portion reserved was reserved for him.": This is the most debated part of the verse. "Lawgiver" almost certainly refers to Moses. Interpretations of what "portion" means include:
A burial plot: Some scholars believe Moses' burial plot east of the Jordan (Deuteronomy 34:6) was located within Gad's territory. This interpretation ties the verse to Moses' death and burial, highlighting Gad's role in honoring the lawgiver.
Leadership role in carrying the law: Some suggest that Gad took the lead in upholding the law and its principles.
A symbolic act of receiving the best: Gad's inheritance east of the Jordan, including the "portion" intended for Moses, symbolizes the best inheritance, the highest privilege, and honor that God had for them.
"He came with the heads of the people.": This refers to the Gadites' willingness to participate in the conquest of Canaan west of the Jordan, even though they had already received their inheritance (Numbers 32:16-24). They accompanied the other tribes as warriors, demonstrating their commitment to the unity of Israel. "Heads of the people" suggests the leaders or the best warriors of the tribe.
"He executed the righteousness of Yahweh, His ordinances with Israel.”: The Gadites fought alongside the other tribes to establish God's justice and laws in the Promised Land. They were instrumental in enforcing God's ordinances and bringing about righteous governance for Israel.
In summary, the verse celebrates Gad's:
Decision to settle east of the Jordan (providing for themselves).
Possible connection to Moses' burial (honoring the lawgiver).
Willingness to fight alongside the other tribes in the conquest of Canaan (commitment to the unity of Israel and enacting God's justice).
Participation in establishing God's law and order in the Promised Land (executing the righteousness of Yahweh).
The verse highlights a balance between self-interest and commitment to the community. Gad prioritized their own needs but remained loyal to Israel, demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice for the greater good of the nation and the establishment of God's kingdom.
Deuteronomy 33:21 - He provided the first part for himself, for the lawgiver’s portion reserved was reserved for him. He came with the heads of the people. He executed the righteousness of Yahweh, His ordinances with Israel.”
What does "Deuteronomy 33:21" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 33:21 is part of Moses' blessing upon the tribe of Gad. It's a somewhat cryptic verse, but here's a breakdown of its possible meanings and interpretations:
"He provided the first part for himself...": This refers to the tribe of Gad settling east of the Jordan River (modern-day Jordan and Syria). They requested this land because it was good for livestock (Numbers 32). By choosing this land first, they prioritized their own needs.
"...for the lawgiver’s portion reserved was reserved for him.": This is the most debated part of the verse. "Lawgiver" almost certainly refers to Moses. Interpretations of what "portion" means include:
A burial plot: Some scholars believe Moses' burial plot east of the Jordan (Deuteronomy 34:6) was located within Gad's territory. This interpretation ties the verse to Moses' death and burial, highlighting Gad's role in honoring the lawgiver.
Leadership role in carrying the law: Some suggest that Gad took the lead in upholding the law and its principles.
A symbolic act of receiving the best: Gad's inheritance east of the Jordan, including the "portion" intended for Moses, symbolizes the best inheritance, the highest privilege, and honor that God had for them.
"He came with the heads of the people.": This refers to the Gadites' willingness to participate in the conquest of Canaan west of the Jordan, even though they had already received their inheritance (Numbers 32:16-24). They accompanied the other tribes as warriors, demonstrating their commitment to the unity of Israel. "Heads of the people" suggests the leaders or the best warriors of the tribe.
"He executed the righteousness of Yahweh, His ordinances with Israel.”: The Gadites fought alongside the other tribes to establish God's justice and laws in the Promised Land. They were instrumental in enforcing God's ordinances and bringing about righteous governance for Israel.
In summary, the verse celebrates Gad's:
Decision to settle east of the Jordan (providing for themselves).
Possible connection to Moses' burial (honoring the lawgiver).
Willingness to fight alongside the other tribes in the conquest of Canaan (commitment to the unity of Israel and enacting God's justice).
Participation in establishing God's law and order in the Promised Land (executing the righteousness of Yahweh).
The verse highlights a balance between self-interest and commitment to the community. Gad prioritized their own needs but remained loyal to Israel, demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice for the greater good of the nation and the establishment of God's kingdom.