Deuteronomy 33:12

Blessing on Benjamin

33:12 Of Benjamin he said:

The beloved of the Lord will live safely by him;

he protects him all the time,

and the Lord ¹  places him on his chest. ² 

Deuteronomy 33:28

33:28 Israel lives in safety,

the fountain of Jacob is quite secure, ³ 

in a land of grain and new wine;

indeed, its heavens ⁴  rain down dew. ⁵ 

[33:12]  ¹ tn Heb “he”; the referent (the Lord) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[33:12]  ² tn Heb “between his shoulders.” This suggests the scene in John 13:23 with Jesus and the Beloved Disciple.

[33:28]  ³ tn Heb “all alone.” The idea is that such vital resources as water will some day no longer need protection because God will provide security.

[33:28]  ⁴ tn Or “skies.” The Hebrew term שָׁמַיִם (shamayim) may be translated “heaven(s)” or “sky” depending on the context.

[33:28]  ⁵ tn Or perhaps “drizzle, showers.” See note at Deut 32:2.