Deuteronomy 33 8

Deuteronomy 33:8 kjv

And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;

Deuteronomy 33:8 nkjv

And of Levi he said: "Let Your Thummim and Your Urim be with Your holy one, Whom You tested at Massah, And with whom You contended at the waters of Meribah,

Deuteronomy 33:8 niv

About Levi he said: "Your Thummim and Urim belong to your faithful servant. You tested him at Massah; you contended with him at the waters of Meribah.

Deuteronomy 33:8 esv

And of Levi he said, "Give to Levi your Thummim, and your Urim to your godly one, whom you tested at Massah, with whom you quarreled at the waters of Meribah;

Deuteronomy 33:8 nlt

Moses said this about the tribe of Levi: "O LORD, you have given your Thummim and Urim ? the sacred lots ?
to your faithful servants the Levites.
You put them to the test at Massah
and struggled with them at the waters of Meribah.

Deuteronomy 33 verses

Deuteronomy 33 8 Meaning

Deuteronomy 33:8 opens Moses' blessing upon the tribe of Levi, specifically addressing their unique priestly role. It signifies that God entrusted the Levites with the divine oracles, the Urim and Thummim, essential tools for discerning God's will. This sacred privilege was bestowed upon "thy holy one" (likely referring to the tribe of Levi itself or Moses as their representative), whose faithfulness was put to the test and ultimately affirmed during the trying periods at Massah and Meribah in the wilderness journey. The verse highlights Levi's profound commitment and God's recognition of their fidelity despite national rebellion, distinguishing them for their sacred duties.

Deuteronomy 33 8 Context

Deuteronomy 33 records Moses' prophetic blessing over the twelve tribes of Israel just before his death. This blessing serves as his final testament, encapsulating God's past dealings with Israel and providing a glimpse into their future, often reflecting characteristics and destinies rooted in their tribal histories. The overall chapter underscores the special relationship between Yahweh and His people. Within this context, the blessing of Levi stands out significantly, distinct from the other tribal blessings, focusing not on territory or prosperity but on their sacred calling and the divine responsibility entrusted to them. Verse 8 immediately follows Moses' praise for God as the Deliverer (vv. 2-5) and specific blessings for Reuben (v. 6) and Judah (v. 7). It emphasizes the unique, almost exclusive, relationship the tribe of Levi has with the divine will, linking their sacred role to critical historical events that underscored their loyalty or proved their resolve.

Deuteronomy 33 8 Word analysis

• And of Levi he said,: Introduces the blessing for the tribe of Levi, underscoring their unique spiritual significance, rather than their military or territorial prowess.
• Thy Thummim and thy Urim:
  • Urim (אוּרִים, ʾūrim): Meaning "lights" or "revealers."
  • Thummim (תֻּמִּים, tumīm): Meaning "perfections," "integrity," or "truth."
  • These were objects (their exact nature is unknown – perhaps sacred lots or stones) housed in the High Priest's breastplate. They were used to discern God's will and judgment on matters of national importance (e.g., direction in battle, judicial verdicts). They represent divine revelation, truth, and guidance. Their mention here signifies God's special appointment of Levi (the priestly tribe) as the custodians and channels of divine truth for Israel.
• are with thy holy one,:
  • Holy one (חָסִידֶךָ, ḥasîdekā): Literally "your faithful one," "your pious one," or "your loyal one." The interpretation of this phrase is debated.
    1. Moses: Given that Moses was a Levite and was intimately involved in the events of Massah and Meribah, some view it as referring to Moses as the one tested and proven.
    2. God: Less likely in context, but "Your Holy One" could refer to God Himself who owns these divine tools.
    3. The tribe of Levi (specifically the priesthood) or their representatives: This is the most prevalent and fitting interpretation. "Thy holy one" here would refer to the tribe of Levi itself or their dedicated priestly representatives, recognizing their unique covenantal faithfulness. It refers to those among Levi who remained devoted to God even amidst the rebellion of the Israelites.
  • The phrase affirms that God entrusted the sacred oracle to those loyal to Him, marking Levi as specially consecrated and reliable for handling divine truth.
• whom thou didst prove at Massah,:
  • Massah (מַסָּה, massāh): Means "testing" or "proving." Refers to an incident (Exo 17:1-7) where the Israelites tested God by demanding water at Rephidim, saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?"
  • The phrase implies that God (the implicit "thou" from the blessing) tested "thy holy one" (Levi or the Levites) at this critical juncture, and they demonstrated faithfulness. This might be linked to their immediate and unwavering obedience to Moses' call to separate from the rebellious during the Golden Calf incident (Exo 32:26-29), which often occurred around Massah.
• and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;:
  • Meribah (מְרִיבָה, mərîḇāh): Means "strife" or "contention." Refers to incidents of Israel's rebellion (Exo 17:1-7 alongside Massah, and Num 20:1-13 at Kadesh). At Meribah, Israel contended with Moses and with God for water.
  • While both incidents primarily highlight Israel's sin of testing God, the application to Levi ("with whom thou didst strive") signifies that these events also became moments where God worked with Levi or Levi was vindicated and confirmed in their distinct calling despite the national failures. This could again point to Moses' (a Levite) faithful endurance through these trying times, or the collective dedication of the Levites compared to other tribes. Their steadfastness qualified them for this immense responsibility.

Deuteronomy 33 8 Bonus section

The precise function and appearance of the Urim and Thummim are not fully described in the Bible, adding an air of mystery. They cease to be mentioned after the united monarchy, suggesting their use waned or ceased, possibly by the time of the divided kingdom or the Babylonian exile. Their eventual disappearance emphasized the shift from a direct oracle through objects to a reliance on prophetic words and written law. In post-exilic times, their absence led to certain matters being held in abeyance, awaiting a future priest with Urim and Thummim, possibly pointing toward the ultimate fulfillment of divine revelation in the Messiah. The loyalty of Levi, specifically mentioned as their observance of God's word and covenant in Deut 33:9 ("Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him... for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant."), serves as a powerful testament to their choosing God over family ties, particularly in the Golden Calf incident. This demonstrated faithfulness at crucial testing points is the underlying reason for their blessed priestly commission with the sacred Urim and Thummim.

Deuteronomy 33 8 Commentary

Deuteronomy 33:8 provides a profound theological basis for the Levitical priesthood. It does not merely grant them an office; it connects their spiritual authority (represented by Urim and Thummim) to their tested character and faithfulness during severe wilderness trials. The reference to Massah and Meribah, places known for Israel's faithlessness, implicitly highlights the Levites' contrasting fidelity. While the nation murmured and rebelled, Levi—the "holy one" (perhaps collectively as a tribe, or epitomized by Moses' endurance as a Levite leader)—was "proved" and remained faithful to God. This steadfastness in the face of widespread discontent solidified their unique role as intercessors, instructors of the Law (as implied by Urim/Thummim), and keepers of the covenant. The Urim and Thummim, tools for direct divine guidance, symbolize that Levi's primary duty was to stand before God for the people, bringing His light and truth to them, precisely because they themselves had passed through divine testing with integrity. This verse encapsulates the principle that spiritual authority and privilege are granted by God based on faithfulness and proved character.