Deuteronomy 33

Jehovah comes from Sinai

Jehovah (LORD) — the covenant God of Israel

And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them. Deuteronomy 33:2–3

Moses describes the LORD shining forth at Sinai with countless holy ones and giving the fiery law because He loved His people. The One who came at Sinai is Jehovah, the premortal Jesus Christ.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · another scripture interprets it of Him

• alluded to by Habakkuk 3:3 — 'God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran' — the same theophany, the Church footnote on verse 2.

Joseph as a type of Christ

And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren. Deuteronomy 33:16

Joseph was separated from and rejected by his brothers, yet became the one who saved them. His life is a long-taught type of Christ, who was rejected by His own and became their Savior.

How we know: a traditional type, cited · a footnote points to Him

• quotes Genesis 49:26 — Moses repeats Jacob's wording: 'on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren' (the Church footnote on verse 15 points to Gen. 49:26).

Him that dwelt in the bush

Him that dwelt in the bush — Jehovah, who appeared to Moses in the burning bush

And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren. Deuteronomy 33:16

Joseph's blessing flows from 'the good will of him that dwelt in the bush' — a hidden title for Jehovah, who appeared in the flaming bush and declared 'I AM THAT I AM.' That One is the premortal Jesus Christ.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · another scripture interprets it of Him

• alludes to Exodus 3:2-6 — 'the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush'; the voice then says 'I am the God of thy father' (the Church footnote on this verse).
• the same title in Mark 12:26 — Jesus cites 'how in the bush God spake unto him' — the same designation of the God of the bush.

The Everlasting Arms

There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky. Deuteronomy 33:26–27

Israel's God is their refuge, and beneath His people are 'the everlasting arms' that hold them up. Book of Mormon prophets describe Christ encircling His people in the arms of His love and stretching out arms of mercy.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · another scripture interprets it of Him

Israel dwelling safely — the days of the Branch

Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew. Deuteronomy 33:28

Moses' last promise is that Israel will finally dwell in safety. The Church footnote sends that promise to Jeremiah, who says when it comes true — in the days of the righteous Branch raised to David, 'and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.'

How we know: a footnote points to Him

• alluded to by Jeremiah 23:6 — 'In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS' — the Church footnote on this verse.

Savior

Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places. Deuteronomy 33:29

Moses' last words of blessing call Israel a people 'saved by the LORD.' Jehovah is the Savior of Israel — the same Jesus Christ who saves all who come to Him.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · the verse itself names Him · another scripture interprets it of Him

• the same title in Isaiah 43:11 — 'I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.'