1-5. Moses, man of God, blessed the People of Israel with this blessing before his death. He said,God came down from Sinai,he dawned from Seir upon them;He radiated light from Mount Paran,coming with ten thousand holy angelsAnd tongues of firestreaming from his right hand.Oh, how you love the people,all his holy ones are palmed in your left hand.They sit at your feet,honoring your teaching,The Revelation commanded by Moses,as the assembly of Jacob’s inheritance.Thus God became king in Jeshurunas the leaders and tribes of Israel gathered.
6. Reuben:“Let Reuben live and not die,but just barely, in diminishing numbers.”
7. Judah:“Listen, God, to the Voice of Judah,bring him to his people;Strengthen his grip,be his helper against his foes.”
8-11. Levi:“Let your Thummim and Urimbelong to your loyal saint;The one you tested at Massah,whom you fought with at the Waters of Meribah,Who said of his father and mother,‘I no longer recognize them.’He turned his back on his brothersand neglected his children,Because he was guarding your sayingsand watching over your Covenant.Let him teach your rules to Jacoband your Revelation to Israel,Let him keep the incense rising to your nostrilsand the Whole-Burnt-Offerings on your Altar.God bless his commitment,stamp your seal of approval on what he does;Disable the loins of those who defy him,make sure we’ve heard the last from those who hate him.”
12. Benjamin:“God’s beloved;God’s permanent residence.Encircled by God all day long,within whom God is at home.”