And of Beniamin he said, The beloued of the Lord shall dwell in safetie by him, and the Lord shall couer him all the day long, and he shall dwell betweene his shoulders. Deuteronomy 33:12 (KJV)
“And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD doth dwell in the south; he shall be a shelter of the LORD by night, and a refuge against the sun.”
Context: The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses. It records Moses’ final speeches to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In chapter 33 Moses delivers blessings upon each of the twelve tribes of Israel, including the tribe of Benjamin.
The Tribe of Benjamin: Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob’s youngest son, Benjamin. His territory lay in central Canaan, between the tribes of Ephraim and Judah, often described as the central part of the land of Canaan, between Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north.
The Beloved of the LORD: The verse describes Benjamin as the beloved of the LORD, signifying a special favour or affection from God toward the tribe. It suggests that God chose to bless and protect Benjamin in a unique way.
Dwelling in Safety: The wording that the beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by Him indicates that God’s presence and protection would be with Benjamin. The tribe could find security and rest in the Lord, knowing that He would watch over them.
The LORD Shall Cover Him: The statement that the LORD shall cover him all the day long conveys the idea of God’s continual care and shelter over the tribe of Benjamin. This covering implies divine protection, guidance, and provision for their needs.
Dwelling Between His Shoulders: The verse concludes that Benjamin would dwell between his shoulders, a metaphor portraying the tribe’s position close to God’s heart. It suggests an intimate and cherished relationship, symbolising the care and love God has for Benjamin.
Overall, Deuteronomy 33:12 emphasizes God’s love, protection, and favour toward the tribe of Benjamin. It highlights the security and blessings that come from a close relationship with God and serves as a reminder to all believers of God’s unwavering care and the importance of seeking refuge in Him.
