A reading from the Book of Deuteronomy.

This is the blessing with which Moses, the man of God, blessed the people of Israel before

his death.

He said, The Lord came from Sinai and dawned from Sa'er upon us.

He shone forth from Mount Paran.

He came from the ten thousands of holy ones with

flaming fire at his right hand. Yes, he loved his people. All his holy ones were in his hand.

So they followed in your steps receiving direction from you when Moses commanded us a law

as a possession for the assembly of Jacob.

Thus the Lord became king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people were gathered,

all the tribes of Israel together. Let Rubin live and not die, but let his men be few.

And this he said of Judah.

Hear O Lord the voice of Judah, and bring him into his people, with your hands contend

for him and be a help against his adversaries. And of Levi, he said,

Give to Levi your thamim, and your urim to your godly one,

whom you tested at Masa, with whom you quarrelled at the waters of Meribah,

who said of his father and mother, I regard them not.

He disowned his brothers and ignored his children,

for they observed your word and kept your covenant. They shall teach Jacob your rules and Israel

your law. They shall put incense before you and whole burnt offerings on your altar. Bless, O Lord, his substance,

and accept the work of his hands, crush the loins of his adressaries, of those who hate him,

that they rise not again. Of Benjamin, he said, the beloved of the Lord dwells in safety.

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