Concerning Benjamin he said:This phrase introduces the blessing given to the tribe of Benjamin by Moses. Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and his tribe held a unique position among the tribes of Israel. Historically, the tribe of Benjamin was known for its warriors and played a significant role in Israel's history, including the establishment of the first king, Saul, who was from this tribe. The blessing reflects the special favor and protection Benjamin receives from God.
May the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him;
The term "beloved of the LORD" signifies a deep, personal affection from God towards Benjamin. This phrase emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and the tribe, suggesting a special status among the tribes of Israel. The idea of resting secure in God implies a state of peace and safety, highlighting God's protective nature. This can be connected to the broader biblical theme of God as a refuge and fortress, as seen in Psalms 91:1-2.
God shields him all day long,
This part of the blessing underscores God's continuous protection over Benjamin. The imagery of a shield is common in biblical literature, symbolizing defense and safety. It suggests that God's protection is not temporary but constant, providing assurance against any threats. This aligns with the promises found in other scriptures, such asPsalm 121:5-8, where God is described as the keeper and protector of His people.
and upon His shoulders he rests.
The imagery of resting upon God's shoulders conveys a sense of care and support. It suggests that Benjamin is carried by God, much like a shepherd carries a lamb, indicating both protection and guidance. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who is often depicted as the Good Shepherd in the New Testament (John 10:11), carrying and caring for His flock. The phrase also evokes the image of a father carrying a child, emphasizing the closeness and trust in the relationship between God and Benjamin.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
BenjaminThe youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the ancestor of the tribe of Benjamin. Known for being favored and beloved, Benjamin's tribe held a special place among the Israelites.
2.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who delivered the blessings to the tribes of Israel before his death.
Deuteronomy 33 contains his final blessings to the tribes.
3.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is depicted as a protector and source of security for His people.
4.
IsraelThe nation consisting of the twelve tribes, including Benjamin, to whom Moses is speaking.
5.
The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter under Joshua's leadership. The blessings are given in anticipation of their settlement there.
Teaching Points
God's Protection and SecurityThe verse emphasizes God's protective nature, likening His care to a shield. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is their constant protector.
Intimacy with GodThe imagery of resting between God's shoulders suggests a close, intimate relationship. Christians are encouraged to cultivate a personal and loving relationship with God.
Being Beloved by GodJust as Benjamin is called the beloved of the LORD, believers are reminded of their identity as beloved children of God, which should influence their self-worth and actions.
Trust in God's PresenceThe assurance of God's presence "all day long" encourages believers to trust in His constant companionship and guidance in their daily lives.
Rest in God's CareThe concept of resting in God’s care invites believers to find peace and rest in Him, especially amidst life's challenges and uncertainties.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 33:12?
2.How does Deuteronomy 33:12 illustrate God's protection over Benjamin's life today?
3.What does "rest between His shoulders" signify about God's care for us?
4.How can we apply the promise of safety in Deuteronomy 33:12 daily?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize God's protection and presence like Deuteronomy 33:12?
6.How can believers find comfort in God's promise to "dwell securely"?
7.What does Deuteronomy 33:12 reveal about God's protection and love for His people?
8.How does Deuteronomy 33:12 reflect the relationship between God and the tribe of Benjamin?
9.Why is Benjamin specifically mentioned in Deuteronomy 33:12, and what is its significance?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 33?
11.How did early Israelites fulfill the centralized requirement of bringing firstfruits (Deuteronomy 26) before a formal temple or priesthood was consistently established?
12.Does the portrayal of Benjamin as a “ravenous wolf” in Genesis 49:27 conflict with other biblical accounts or historical evidence about the tribe’s character?
13.In Deuteronomy 12:5, why does the text insist on a single worship location when Israel's central sanctuary seems to have varied or been established later in Jerusalem?
14.How does Genesis 22 align with later scriptures condemning human sacrifice (e.g., Deuteronomy 12:31)?What Does Deuteronomy 33:12 Mean
Concerning Benjamin- Moses, nearing the end of his life, blesses each tribe (cf.Deuteronomy 33:1–5). In verse 12 he turns to Benjamin, Jacob’s youngest son and the tribe that would later host Jerusalem’s temple precincts (Joshua 18:11, 28).
- The tribal inheritance lay “between the shoulders” of Ephraim and Judah (Joshua 15:8; 18:16), a place of strategic safety. God’s sovereignty in choosing that location anticipates the security promised in the rest of the blessing.
“May the beloved of the LORD”- Benjamin is called “the beloved,” echoingGenesis 35:18 where Rachel named her dying son Ben-oni but Jacob renamed him Benjamin, “son of my right hand,” a term of affection and favor.
- Scripture uses “beloved” for those God sets apart in covenant love: Solomon (2 Samuel 12:24–25), the Church (Colossians 3:12), and ultimately Christ (Matthew 3:17).
- The title underscores grace: God loves first, then blesses (1 John 4:19).
“rest secure in Him; God shields him all day long”- Security is not merely physical but relational—“in Him.”Psalm 91:1–2 speaks the same language: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”
- “All day long” highlights constant protection, mirrored inIsaiah 27:3, “I, the LORD, guard it; every moment I water it.”
- For Benjamin this was literally seen when the temple, God’s dwelling, stood within its territory; for believers today, Christ Himself is our sanctuary (Hebrews 6:18–20).
“and upon His shoulders he rests.”- Picture a shepherd carrying a lamb (Isaiah 40:11;Luke 15:5). The tribe rested on God’s shoulders, just as the high priest bore Israel’s names on onyx stones “on his shoulders” before the LORD (Exodus 28:12).
- Shoulders signify strength and nearness. Jesus carries His government “upon His shoulder” (Isaiah 9:6) and invites the weary to lean on Him (Matthew 11:28–30).
- Resting here means ceasing from striving, trusting divine power rather than tribal might—fulfilled supremely in the believer’s union with Christ (John 10:27–30).
summaryDeuteronomy 33:12 promises Benjamin, the dearly loved tribe, unbroken security in God’s presence, continuous shielding, and tender uplift upon His powerful shoulders. Literally fulfilled in the tribe’s protected land and the placement of the temple, the blessing also previews the permanent refuge every believer enjoys in Christ—loved by the Father, guarded without pause, and carried close to His heart.
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And of Benjamin.--It is generally agreed that this blessing points to the site of the place which Jehovah chose out of all the tribes of Israel,
Jerusalem, in the tribe of Benjamin.The Hebrew is divided thus:--
"Unto Benjamin he said. Beloved of Jehovah!
He (Jehovah) will dwell in security upon him,
Covering him over all the day.
And between his shoulders (mountain slopes) He
hath taken up His abode."
Verse 12. - Benjamin, the beloved of his father, is also the beloved of the Lord, and would be cared for and protected by him.
Shall dwell in safety by him;
shall dwell securely upon him,
i.
e. resting on him.
Shall cover him. The word rendered "cover" (
חַפַפ) occurs only here; construed with
עַל, upon, it conveys the idea of sheltering: he continually is sheltering him.
And he shall dwell between his shoulders. "To be between the shoulders" is to be carried on the back (cf.
1 Samuel 17:6); and as a father might thus bear his child, so should Benjamin be borne of the Lord. There can be no doubt that Benjamin is the subject of this clause; to understand it of Jehovah dwelling on the shoulders of Benjamin, in the sense of having the temple, the place of his rest, within the territory of Benjamin, is too violent and far-fetched an interpretation to be admitted. In the change of subject in the three clauses of this verse, there is nothing strange, since such a change repeatedly occurs, and is found even in prose, as
e.g.,
2 Samuel 11:13. "To dwell upon God, and between his shoulders, means as much as to lean upon him; the similitude being taken from fathers who carry their sons while yet small and tender" (Calvin).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Concerning Benjaminלְבִנְיָמִ֣ן(lə·ḇin·yā·min)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1144:Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israeliteshe said:אָמַ֔ר(’ā·mar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“May the belovedיְדִ֣יד(yə·ḏîḏ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3039:Belovedof the LORDיְהֹוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelrestיִשְׁכֹּ֥ן(yiš·kōn)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7931:To settle down, abide, dwellsecureלָבֶ֖טַח(lā·ḇe·ṭaḥ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 983:A place of refuge, safety, safelyin Him;עָלָ֑יו(‘ā·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against[God] shieldsחֹפֵ֤ף(ḥō·p̄êp̄)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2653:To enclose, surround, coverhimעָלָיו֙(‘ā·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyday long,הַיּ֔וֹם(hay·yō·wm)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayand upon His shouldersכְּתֵיפָ֖יו(kə·ṯê·p̄āw)Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3802:The shoulder, side-piece, lateral projection of anythinghe rests.”שָׁכֵֽן׃(šā·ḵên)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7931:To settle down, abide, dwell
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 33:12 Of Benjamin he said The beloved (Deut. De Du) 
