5. The Lord became king of Israel.The leaders of the people gathered then.The tribes of Israel came together.
6. “Let the people of Reuben live and not die.But let the people be few.”
7. Moses said this about the people of Judah:“Lord, listen to Judah’s prayer.Bring them back to their people.They defend themselves with their hands.Help them fight their enemies!”
8. Moses said this about the people of Levi:“Lord, your Thummim and Urim belongto Levi whom you love.Lord, you tested him at Massah.You argued with him at the waters of Meribah.
9. He said about his father and mother,‘I don’t care about them.’He did not recognize his brothers.He did not know his children.But he protected your word.And he guarded your agreement.
10. He teaches your laws to the people of Jacoband your teachings to the people of Israel.He burns incense before you.And he makes whole burnt offerings on your altar.
11. Lord, make them strong.Be pleased with the work they do.Defeat those who attack them.Don’t let their enemies rise up again.”
12. Moses said this about the people of Benjamin:“The Lord’s loved ones will lie down in safety.The Lord protects them all day long.The ones the Lord loves rest with him.”
13. Moses said this about the people of Joseph:“May the Lord bless their land with the best fruits.Send rain from heaven above.And bring the water from the springs below.
14. Let the sun produce the best fruits.Let each month bring its best fruits.
15. Let the old mountains give the finest crops.And let the everlasting hills give the best fruits.
16. Let the full earth give the best fruits.Let the Lord who lived in the burning bush be pleased.May these blessings rest on the head of Joseph.May they rest on the forehead of the one who was separated from his brothers.
17. Joseph has the majesty of a firstborn bull.He is as strong as a wild ox.He will stab other nations,even those nations far away.These are the ten thousands of Ephraim.And these are the thousands of Manasseh.”