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Deuteronomy 33:21

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.

Deuteronomy 33:21 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse you are referring to is from the Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 33, Verse 21. This verse speaks about the tribe of Gad and the leadership qualities of their leader. The first part of the verse, "And he provided the first part for himself," implies that the leader was self-sufficient and took care of his tribe's needs. The phrase "in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated" suggests that he was chosen by God to lead his people and uphold the laws given to them. The next part of the verse discusses how the leader executed justice and the judgments of the Lord among the people of Israel. This signifies that the leader was fair and righteous in his governance, following God's commandments and ensuring justice prevailed. Overall, this verse highlights the important qualities of leadership, self-reliance, adherence to divine law, and integrity in executing justice.

Theological Overview

In this verse, there is a theological interpretation that highlights the role of leaders in executing justice on behalf of the Lord. The phrase "he executed the justice of the LORD" emphasizes the importance of leaders upholding God's standards of justice in their governance. It underscores the notion that leaders are called to administer justice in accordance with God's principles and laws. Additionally, the mention of being "seated in a portion of the lawgiver" signifies a position of authority and responsibility in implementing God's laws among the people. This verse serves as a reminder of the divine mandate for leaders to act justly and execute judgments in alignment with the will of God. Through a word study, one could delve into the Hebrew meanings of terms like "justice" and "judgments" to gain a deeper understanding of the specific attributes of God's justice being carried out by the leaders among the Israelites. Overall, this verse provides theological insight into the role of leaders in upholding God's justice and administering judgments in accordance with His divine standards.

Deuteronomy 33:21 in other translations

American Standard Version

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.

World English Bible

He provided the first part for himself, for the lawgiver’s portion reserved was reserved for him. He came with the heads of the people. He executed the righteousness of Yahweh, His ordinances with Israel.”

Douay-Rheims

And he saw his pre-eminence, that in his portion the teacher was laid up: who was with the princes of the people, and did the justices of the Lord, and his judgment with Israel.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And hee looked to himselfe at the beginning, because there was a portion of the Lawe-giuer hid: yet hee shall come with the heades of the people, to execute the iustice of the Lord, and his iudgements with Israel.