Deuteronomy 33:3-6

( 4 7). Nor shall Ammonites, nor Moabites, nor their Descendants Enter the Congregation (3), for these nations gave no provision to Israel on the way from Egypt (4 a), but he (?) hired Balaam to curse Israel (4 b, 5); Israel must never seek their welfare (6). Deuteronomy 33:3 is quoted in Lamentations 1:10: evidence in favour, but not conclusive, of its being an original part of D's code. The originality of Deuteronomy 33:4 is more doubtful.

They make the law longer than the others of this group, cp. the deuteronomic additions to the -Ten Words." Deuteronomy 33:3 is sufficiently accounted for, through its connection with the previous law, by the incestuous origin of Ammon and Moab (J, Genesis 19:30-38); but Deuteronomy 33:4 besides being quotations (see below) give other reasons for the law. The question is further complicated by the introduction of Balaam, not mentioned in chs. 1 3, and the difference between Deuteronomy 33:4 aand Deuteronomy 2:29. But whether Deuteronomy 33:3 is an earlier law to which D or editors have added (at different times) the two quotations, Deuteronomy 33:4; or whether Deuteronomy 33:3 is D's own law, to which editors have added the rest it is impossible to say. On Ammon and Moab see ch. 2.