Deuteronomy 33:21

19 They will call the peoples to a mountain; there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.”

20 Concerning Gad he said: “Blessed is he who enlarges the domain of Gad! He lies down like a lion and tears off an arm or a head.

He chose the best land for himself, because a ruler’s portion was reserved for him there. He came with the leaders of the people; he administered the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel.”

22 Concerning Dan he said: “Dan is a lion’s cub, leaping out of Bashan.”

23 Concerning Naphtali he said: “Naphtali is abounding with favor, full of the blessing of the LORD; he shall take possession of the sea and the south.”

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
He chose the best land for himself, because a ruler’s portion was reserved for him there. He came with the leaders of the people; he administered the LORD’s justice and His ordinances for Israel.”
KJV
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.
WEB
He provided the first part for himself, for the lawgiver’s portion was reserved for him. He came with the heads of the people. He executed the righteousness of the LORD, His ordinances with Israel.”
ASV
And he provided the first part for himself, For there was the lawgiver`s portion reserved; And he came [with] the heads of the people; He executed the righteousness of Jehovah, And his ordinances with Israel.
DARBY
And he provided the first part for himself, For there was reserved the portion of the lawgiver; And he came with the heads of the people; The justice of Jehovah and his judgments Hath he executed with Israel.
BLB
And he provided the first for himself because there was reserved a portion of the lawgiver, and He came [with] the heads of the people. The justice of YHWH He administered, and His ordinances with Israel.”
ÅB
Han utså seg den første lodd, for der er den del gjemt som lovgiveren har tiltenkt ham; og så dro han fram foran folket; det som var rett for Herren, det som han hadde fastsatt, gjorde han, sammen med Israel.
OTB
Han valgte det beste landet for seg selv; lederens del ble holdt for ham. Han kom med folkets hoder; han utførte Herrens rettferdighet og hans forskrifter med Israel.”
B1930
Han utså sig den første lodd, for der er den del gjemt som lovgiveren har tiltenkt ham; og så drog han frem foran folket; det som var rett for Herren, det som han hadde fastsatt, gjorde han, sammen med Israel.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Joshua 4:12–13

    The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over before the Israelites, armed for battle as Moses had instructed them.

    Read in context
  • Judges 5:2

    “When the princes take the lead in Israel, when the people volunteer, bless the LORD.

    Read in context
  • Numbers 32:1–6

    Now the Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, surveyed the lands of Jazer and Gilead, and they saw that the region was suitable for livestock.

    Read in context
  • Joshua 22:1–4

    Then Joshua summoned the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh

    Read in context
  • Judges 5:11

    the voices of the singers at the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates:

    Read in context
  • Joshua 1:14

    Your wives, your young children, and your livestock may remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But all your mighty men of valor must be armed for battle to cross over ahead of your brothers and help them,

    Read in context
  • Numbers 32:16–42

    Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, “We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones.

    Read in context