8:33 the ark. At the center of the assembly of Israel is the symbol of the covenant that makes them the people of God and according to which they have received the land (3:3; 6:4; 7:6 and notes).

bless the people of Israel. Although blessings and curses will be read (v. 34), blessing has priority in the purpose of God. In Gen. 12:1–3, blessing sums up the good that God promised Abraham (14:13; 22:6).