After reading chapter 33:
*This chapter is also written in poetic style. It is Moses's blessing on the Israelites, in contrast with the last chapter which could be classified as a cursing. He touches on the history of the Israelites and the exodus, and each of the Israelite tribes is blessed.
* There is a special commendation for the Levites, who care more for serving Yahweh and being safeguards of the covenant than they care for their own blood relatives. This seems to be an oblique reference to the events of Exodus 32:25-29 when the Levites coldbloodedly slaughtered 3,000 people indiscriminately, without regard to relationship. Verse 11 of today's chapter has a curse for those who rise up against the Levites. This is significant because the Levites already have tremendous power as the purveyors of knowledge about the laws and the covenant, the authorized users of the Urim and Thummim (tools for divining the will of Yahweh), the performers of ritual and sacrifice, the caretakers of the religious paraphernalia, and the final authority when it comes to religious "cleanness." Israel is a theocracy, and as in all theocracies, the priests are in control. Which means they are also the ones saying which texts are official scripture, probably that which was originally written by them.
*In marked contrast to the last chapter, the Israelites are told that God is their refuge and help. He will drive out their enemies and cause them to live in peace, comfort, and security. They will trample on the gods of their enemies and show them Yahweh is boss.
Edited.
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