King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 33:21 Mean?

“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. seated: Heb. cieled”

Context

They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand.

And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head.

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. seated: Heb. cieled

And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan.

And of Naphtali he said, O Naphtali, satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the LORD: possess thou the west and the south.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(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.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 33:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.