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Let Reuben live, and not die; Nor let his men be few.

Verse Takeaways

1

A Blessing Despite Sin

Commentators note that Reuben had lost his birthright due to a great sin (Genesis 35:22). Moses' blessing, "Let Reuben live," is a powerful prayer of grace. It shows that even after failure and judgment, God's plan can include preservation and a future for His people. It's a plea for the tribe's survival, not its exaltation, demonstrating God's mercy.

See 3 Verse Takeaways

Book Overview

Deuteronomy

Author

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Commentaries

5

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Deuteronomy 33:6

18th Century

Theologian

Let not his men be few - literally, "a number," that is, "a small number," such as could be easily counted (compare Genesis 34:30 note). Whi…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Deuteronomy 33:6

19th Century

Bishop

Let Reuben live, and not die. —“‘Live’ in this world,” says Rashi, “and ‘not die’ in the world to come.” The prayer meant…

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On Deuteronomy 33:4–6

19th Century

Preacher

Here is his blessing, Let Reuben live. Reuben's great sin had lost him his birthright, yet Moses gives him as much of his blessing as he c…

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John Gill

John Gill

On Deuteronomy 33:6

17th Century

Pastor

Let Reuben live, and not die As a tribe, continue and not be extinct, though they should not excel, because of the sin of…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Deuteronomy 33:6–23

17th Century

Minister

The order in which the tribes are blessed here is not the same as is observed elsewhere. The blessing of Judah may refer to the whole tribe in gene…