Deuteronomy 33
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Deu 33:1-5 1 Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the sons of Israel before his death.
2He said, “The Lord came from Sinai,
And dawned on them from Seir;
He shone forth from Mount Paran,
And He came from the midst of ten thousand holy ones;
At His right hand there was flashing lightning for them.
3Indeed, He loves the people;
All Your holy ones are in Your hand,
And they followed in Your steps;
Everyone receives of Your words.
4Moses charged us with a law,
A possession for the assembly of Jacob.
5And He was king in Jeshurun,
When the heads of the people were gathered,
The tribes of Israel together.”
Deu 33:1 “the blessing. . .blessed” The VERB (BDB 13:8 , KB 15:9 , Piel PERFECT) and the NOUN occur in Deu 33:1 .
SPECIAL TOPIC: BLESSING <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/blessing.html>
▣ “the man of God” This phrase (BDB 3:5 CONSTRUCT 4:3 ) was used to describe prophets (cf. Jos 14:6 ; 1Sa 2:27 ; 1Sa 9:6-7 ; 1Ki 9:6 ; 1Ki 12:22 ; 1Ki 13:1 ; 1Ki 13:30 ; 2Ki 1:9-13 ; 2Ki 5:8 ; 2Ki 23:17 ; Jer 35:4 ).
Deu 33:2 This describes a revelatory appearance of YHWH to Israel (i.e., theophany). This awesome encounter between the divine and humans was terrifying (cf. Exodus 1:9 ; Psa 50:2-3 ). YHWH's presence was continued in the form of the special cloud (i.e, Shekinah cloud of glory). YHWH came and stayed with His people from Mt. Sinai/Horeb until they crossed the Jordan. Even then, His special presence was with the Ark, above the wings of the cherubim.
It is obvious from this verse that YHWH is seen as associated with mountains (cf. 1Ki 20:23 ; 1Ki 20:28 ).
1. Moriah (Gen 22:2 ; 2Ch 3:1 , site of the temple)
2. Mt. Sinai/Horeb (Exodus 1:9-20 )
3. Mt. Seir (here, Jdg 5:4 )
4. Mt. Paran (here, Hab 3:3 )
5. Ebal/Gerizim (Deu 27:4 ; Jos 8:30-33 )
6. Tabor (Jdg 4:6 )
7. Carmel (1Ki 18:20-39 ; 2Ki 4:25-27 )
8. Perazim (2Sa 5:20 ; Isa 28:21 )
9. Mt. Zion (Isa 2:1-4 ; Mic 4:1-4 ; Psa 68:16 , name for Jerusalem)
10. Mt. Nebo (Deuteronomy 3:4 , to Moses only)
▣ “Sinai” This is the place of the giving of the Law. It is called Sinai (BDB 69:6 ) only here in Deuteronomy. It is usually called Horeb (BDB 35:2 ). See Special Topic: The Location of Mt. Sinai <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/mount_sinai_location.html>.
▣ “Seir” This name (BDB 97:3 ) has several different referents in the OT:
1. It can refer to the land of Edom - Gen 32:3 ; Gen 36:30 ; Num 24:18 ; Deu 1:44 ; Deu 2:8 ; Deu 2:12 ; Deu 2:22 ; Deu 2:29 ; Deu 33:1 ; Jos 11:17 ; Jdg 5:4 .
2. It can refer to a mountain/hill in Edom - Gen 36:8-9 ; Deu 1:2 ; Deu 2:14 ; Jos 24:4 .
3. It can refer to a people - Gen 36:20-30 ; 2Ch 25:11 ; 2Ch 25:14 ; Eze 25:8 (of Edom)
4. It can refer to a mountain/hill in Judah - Jos 15:10 (?).
▣ “Mount Paran” This is the mountain range (BDB 80:3 ) close to the plains of Moab (cf. Deu 1:1 ) on the west side of Arabah, down the west side of the Gulf of Aqaba.
Perhaps this listing is of the travel of the children of Israel as they left Sinai going into the Promised Land (also can be a wilderness, cf. Num 10:12 ; Num 12:16 ; Num 13:3 ; Num 13:26 ). God was saying that He had been with them throughout the wanderings and He was still with them.
NASB “the midst of ten thousand holy ones”
NKJV “with ten thousands of saints”
NRSV “myriads of holy ones”
TEV “ten thousand angels were with him”
NJB ----------
The MT here has “Ribeboth-Kodesh.” Deu 32:51 translates similar consonants as “Meribah-Kadesh. This could refer to (1) a place name or (2) “angels” (cf. Dan 7:10 ; Rev 5:11 ) or “saints” (cf. Deu 33:3 ; Deu 7:6 ; Deu 14:2 ; Deu 26:19 ; Deu 28:9 ). Rabbis use this as text to assert the intermediary role of angels (cf. Act 7:53 ; Gal 3:19 ; Heb 2:2 ).
NASB “flashing lightning”
NKJV “a fiery law”
NRSV “a host of his own”
TEV “a flaming fire”
NJB “blazed forth”
Literally this is “fiery law” (BDB 7:7 and 20:6 ). However, in this context it refers to the coming glory of the brilliance of YHWH's glory (cf. Isa 60:1-3 ).
Deu 33:3 “He loves the people” The VERB (BDB 28:5 , KB 28:4 , Qal PARTICIPLE) seems to reflect Deu 4:37 ; Deu 7:7-8 ; Deu 10:15 .
The OBJECT “people” is PLURAL and refers to the descendants of the Patriarchs.
NASB “All Your holy ones are in Your hand”
NKJV “All His saints are in your hand”
NRSV “All his holy ones were in your charge”
TEV “protects those who belong to him”
NJB “Your holy ones are all at your command”
The term “holy ones” (BDB 48:1 CONSTRUCT 87:2 ) refers to the covenant people. This could be translated “saints” (e.g., Deu 7:6 ; Deu 14:2 ; Deu 14:21 ; “holy people”).
NASB “followed”
NKJV “sit down”
NRSV “marched”
TEV “bow”
NJB “fell”
This is literally “lie down at” (BDB 106:7 , KB 173:0 , Pual PERFECT, unusual VERB only here). It could also refer to the position of a learner (i.e., bowed low, cf. TEV, sit at your feet , cf. NET Bible). “They” refers to the people of Israel.
▣ “Everyone receives of Your words” This refers to the giving of the law at Mt. Sinai/Horeb in Exodus 2:0 and following. God's people knew God's will and law. The covenant people have a special responsibility to reflect God's character.
All of them affirmed their willingness to follow God's law.
Deu 33:4 “Moses charged us with a law” This seems to confirm the idea in the preceding verses that the reference in Deu 33:3 is to a place name and that these verses are talking about God's people, not angels.
▣ “A possession for the assembly of Jacob” The term “possession” (BDB 44:0 ) refers to an inheritance (BDB 43:9 ). It was used first of the tribe of Israel (Jacob, BDB 78:4 ) in Exo 6:8 and is mentioned often in Ezekiel (cf. Eze 11:15 ; Eze 33:24 ; Eze 36:2-3 ; Eze 36:5 ).
The term “assembly” (BDB 87:5 ) means “congregation” (cf. same root in Deu 23:2-4 ; Deu 23:8 ; Deu 31:30 ).
Because of the parallelism in Deu 33:4 , this particular usage of “possession” may be a metaphor for the covenant (i.e., law). God's people possess a revelation as well as a land!
Deu 33:5 “He was king” This may be a reference to YHWH as King (BDB 57:2 I, cf. Exo 15:18 ; Num 23:21 ; Num 24:7 ; 1Sa 8:4-9 ).
▣ The last two lines parallel “heads of the people” and “the tribes of Israel.” It refers to the inauguration of the covenant with the new people of God at Mt. Sinai/Horeb (cf. Exodus 1:9-20 ).
▣ “Jeshurun” This is literally “the upright ones” (BDB 44:9 ) and refers to Israel (cf. Deu 33:26 ; Deu 32:15 ; Isa 44:2 ).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Deu 33:6 6”May Reuben live and not die,
Nor his men be few.”
Deu 33:6 “May Reuben live and not die” Deu 33:6 has three Qal JUSSIVE forms:
1. live - BDB 31:0 , KB 309:2 . die - BDB 55:9 , KB 56:2 (negated)
3. be - BDB 22:4 , KB 24:3 (negated)
Reuben was the firstborn of Jacob, but he sinned against his father (cf. Gen 35:22 ) and lost his preeminence (cf. Gen 49:3-4 ).
NASB “Nor his men be few”
NKJV “nor let his men be free”
NRSV “even though his numbers are few”
TEV “although their people are few”
NJB “though his men be few”
If so, this is part of the loss of preeminence (cf. TEV, NJB). This phrase often means “not very many men” (cf. Gen 34:30 ; Deu 4:27 ; Psa 105:12 ; Jer 44:28 ).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Deu 33:7 7And this regarding Judah; so he said,
“Hear, O Lord, the voice of Judah,
And bring him to his people.
With his hands he contended for them,
And may You be a help against his adversaries.”
Deu 33:7 “Hear” This VERB (BDB 103:3 , KB 157:0 ,Qal IMPERATIVE) is used often in Deuteronomy, but usually it is YHWH (or Moses) speaking to Israel.
▣ “O LORD” See Special Topic: Names for Deity <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/names_deity.html>.
▣ “the voice of Judah” In context Moses is asking YHWH to hear Judah's prayer (i.e., the tribe of Judah's prayer). There is nothing in Moses' blessing that hints of Judah's special place as royal tribe, so evident in Jacob's blessing of Gen 49:8-12 .
The fact that the tribe of Simeon is not mentioned has caused some to relate this prophecy to a later period when Simeon was incorporated into Judah (cf. Jos 19:1-9 ; Jdg 1:3-4 ). Simeon's allotment was southwest of Judah, which was adjacent to the five Philistine cities.
NASB “With his hands he contended for them”
NKJV “Let his hands be sufficient for him”
NRSV “strengthen his hands for him”
TEV “Fight for them, LORD”
NJB “that his hands may defend his rights”
This Hebrew phrase is uncertain. It may refer to Judah defending itself against enemies, which may point toward the division of the unified monarchy in 92:2 B.C. into Judah and Israel (only speculation).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Deu 33:8-11 8Of Levi he said,
“Let Your Thummim and Your Urim belong to Your godly man,
Whom You proved at Massah,
With whom You contended at the waters of Meribah;
9Who said of his father and his mother,
'I did not consider them';
And he did not acknowledge his brothers,
Nor did he regard his own sons,
For they observed Your word,
And kept Your covenant.
10They shall teach Your ordinances to Jacob,
And Your law to Israel.
They shall put incense before You,
And whole burnt offerings on Your altar.
11O Lord, bless his substance,
And accept the work of his hands;
Shatter the loins of those who rise up against him,
And those who hate him, so that they will not rise again.”
Deu 33:8-11 In the Qumran literature, scrolls found in caves northwest of the Dead Sea, Deu 18:18 and Num 24:15-17 , which are definite Messianic prophecies, are linked with this passage. They thought that the Messiah was related to the Levites (cf. Psa 110:4-7 ; Zechariah 3-4).
This blessing includes not only the past faithful acts of Aaron (cf. Psa 106:16 ), but also of Moses (cf. last two lines of Deu 33:8 and Exo 17:1-7 ).
Deu 33:8 “Your Thummim and Your Urim” These two items (BDB 107:0 and 2:2 ) were (1) a mechanical way (i.e., lots) or (2) a visible light which denoted a prophecy to know the will of YHWH. Apparently they were kept by the High Priest in a pouch behind the breast plate (cf. Exo 28:30 ; Lev 8:8 ; 1Sa 14:37-42 ; 1Sa 23:9-12 ). Exactly what they were and how they worked has been lost (cf. NIDOTTE, vol. 1, pp. 329-331).
▣ “Your godly man” This may refer to Aaron or Moses or the descendant of the High Priest, but the historical reference mentioned refers to Moses.
▣ “Massah. . .Meribah” Read Exo 17:7 . However, the rebellion at this location did not mention Levi or the priests in any way. The exact connection is uncertain.
▣ Apparently YHWH tested both Israel and her leadership during the wilderness wandering period to see if they really trusted Him and His care and guidance (cf. Exo 17:7 ).
1. proved/test - BDB 65:0 , KB 70:2 , Piel PERFECT
2. strive/contend - BDB 93:6 , KB 122:4 , Qal IMPERFECT
Notice that YHWH regularly tests (BDB 65:0 ) the motives and commitment of those who claim to know and trust Him:
1. Abraham - Genesis 22:2 . Israel - Exo 15:25 ; Exo 16:4 ; Exo 20:20 ; Deu 8:2 ; Deu 8:16 ; Deu 13:3 Jdg 2:22 ; Jdg 3:1 ; Jdg 3:4 3. Moses - Deu 33:8 4. Hezekiah - 2Ch 32:31 5. Jesus was also tested - Matthew 4; Luke 4
This same word is used often for humans “testing” God, which is always seen in a negative light!
Deu 33:9 This refers to the passage in Exodus 3:2 , where Israel became involved in idolatry in the making and worshiping (i.e., sexual orgy) of the golden calf. At this point Moses ordered the faithful Levites (his own tribe) to kill many of their fellow Israelites in judgment (cf. Deu 32:25-29 ).
By this action, even against their own family, they are honored for:
1. they observed Your word - BDB 103:6 , KB 158:1 , Qal PERFECT, cf. Deu 29:9 2. they kept Your covenant - BDB 66:5 , KB 71:8 , Qal IMPERFECT, cf. Psa 25:10 ; Psa 78:7 ; Psa 119:2 ; Psa 119:22 ; Psa 119:33-34 ; Psa 119:56 ; Psa 119:69 ; Psa 119:100 ; Psa 119:115 ; Psa 119:129 ; Psa 119:145 Deu 33:10 “teach. . .put incense. . .and whole burnt offerings” These are the duties of the Levitical priests:
1. teaching - BDB 43:4 , KB 43:6 , Hiphil IMPERFECT, cf. Deu 31:9-13 , which includes judging, cf. Deu 17:9-10 2. duties at the tabernacle/temple
Deu 33:11 This short verse has four VERBS and two PARTICIPLES:
1. “bless” - BDB 13:8 , KB 15:9 , Piel IMPERATIVE, cf. Deu 33:1 ; Deu 33:13 ; Deu 33:20 ; Deu 33:24 ; Deu 28:3 (twice),4,5,6(twice),8,12,19; Deu 30:16 . This is what YHWH wants to do!
2. “accept” - BDB 95:3 , KB 128:0 , Qal IMPERFECT. This is a sacrificial term, cf. Lev 1:4 ; Lev 7:18 ; Lev 19:7 ; Lev 22:23 ; Lev 22:25 ; Lev 22:27 , which can also mean “enjoy,” Lev 26:34 (twice)
3. “shatter” - BDB 56:3 , KB 57:1 , Qal IMPERATIVE, used of YHWH in Deu 32:39 , here of their enemies (cf. #4, #5, and #6)
4. “those who rise up” - BDB 87:7 , KB 108:6 , Qal ACTIVE PARTICIPLE, used of adversaries
a. to God, Exo 15:7 b. to Israel, Exo 32:25 ; Psa 109:28 c. to one's neighbor, Deu 19:11 5. “those who hate him” - BDB 97:1 , KB 133:8 , Piel PARTICIPLE, often in the Psalms for enemies, cf. Psa 18:40 ; Psa 44:7 ; Psa 44:10 ; Psa 55:12 ; Psa 68:1 ; Psa 89:23 6. “rise again” (negated) - same root as #4, but here a Qal IMPERFECT. This could refer to the other Israelites who attacked Moses' and Aaron's leadership during the wilderness wandering period.
NASB, NKJV
NRSV “bless his substance”
TEV “help their tribe to grow strong”
NJB “bless his worthiness”
This term (BDB 29:8 ) can have several connotations:
1. its basic meaning is “capacity” or “power”
2. “strength”
3. “ability,” “skills”
4. “worthiness”
5. “accomplishments”
6. “possessions”
▣ “Shatter the loins” This is literally “break the thigh” (i.e., the largest muscle in the body used as a symbol for the whole person). This is a Hebrew metaphor for making someone powerless. It is even possible that it has the connotation of stopping procreation, thereby, no future generations.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Deu 33:12 12Of Benjamin he said,
“May the beloved of the Lord dwell in security by Him,
Who shields him all the day,
And he dwells between His shoulders.”
Deu 33:12 “Of Benjamin. . .beloved of the LORD” He (BDB 12:2 ) may be called beloved of the Lord because he was the favorite of his father, Jacob (cf. Gen 44:20 ).
▣ “dwell in security by Him” The VERB (BDB 101:4 , KB 149:6 , is a Qal IMPERFECT, but in a JUSSIVE sense, cf. Deu 33:12 [twice],16,20,28; Exo 25:8 ; Exo 29:45-46 ). YHWH is his close companion in Deu 33:12 .
NASB “Who shields him all the day”
NKJV “who shelters him all the day long”
NRSV “surrounds him all day long”
TEV “He guards them all the day long”
NJB “protects him day after day”
The VERB (BDB 34:2 , KB 33:9 , Qal ACTIVE PARTICIPLE) is used only here and can mean “to enclose” or “to surround” or “to cover.”
NASB, NKJV “dwells between His shoulders”
NRSV “rest between his shoulders”
TEV “he dwells in their midst”
NJB “dwells between his hillsides”
This is a metaphor for (1) a place of peace and security (Deu 33:20 ; Deu 33:28 ) or (2) living in a sheltered place (i.e., Shiloh, Bethel, or Jerusalem [a suggestion of S. R. Driver]).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Deu 33:13-17 13Of Joseph he said,
“Blessed of the Lord be his land,
With the choice things of heaven, with the dew,
And from the deep lying beneath,
14And with the choice yield of the sun,
And with the choice produce of the months.
15And with the best things of the ancient mountains,
And with the choice things of the everlasting hills,
16And with the choice things of the earth and its fullness,
And the favor of Him who dwelt in the bush.
Let it come to the head of Joseph,
And to the crown of the head of the one distinguished among his brothers.
17As the firstborn of his ox, majesty is his,
And his horns are the horns of the wild ox;
With them he will push the peoples,
All at once, to the ends of the earth.
And those are the ten thousands of Ephraim,
And those are the thousands of Manasseh.”
Deu 33:13-17 The longest of the blessings, except for Levi, goes to the sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh (cf. Deu 33:17 , his two sons in Egypt). These were the most powerful of the northern tribes.
In Deu 33:13-16 b Moses enumerates agricultural blessings on these two tribes. In Deu 33:16 c and d Joseph's status in Egypt is acknowledged. In Deu 33:17 the power of these two tribes is expressed in animal metaphors.
Deu 33:13 This verse refers to the abundance of moisture from dew and underground sources (cf. Gen 49:25 ). Water meant agricultural abundance!
Deu 33:15 “the best things of the ancient mountains. . .And... of the everlasting hills” This may refer to trees, both for food and construction.
Deu 33:16 “And the favor of Him who dwelt in the bush” This may refer to the burning bush (cf. Exo 3:2-4 ). This word for bush (BDB 70:2 ) is used only five times in the OT, four of them in Exo 3:2-4 .
NASB “And to the crown of the head of the one distinguished among his brothers”
NKJV “And on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers”
NRSV “on the brow of the prince among his brothers”
TEV “because he was the leader among his brothers”
NJB “on the brow of the consecrated one among his brothers”
This reflects Jacob's blessing in Gen 49:26 . The leadership and preeminence of Joseph continues in his sons' descendants.
Deu 33:17 “And his horns are the horns of the wild ox” In Hebrew the word “horn”(BDB 90:1 ) is a symbol of power.
▣ “to the ends of the earth” This is a CONSTRUCT of BDB 6:7 and 7:5 . It has such powerful theological significance.
1. uniqueness of YHWH (and thereby monotheism)
a. Isa 45:6 ; Isa 45:14 ; Isa 46:9 ; Isa 47:8 ; Isa 47:10 b. Zep 2:15 2. the power and glory of YHWH
a. Pro 30:4 b. many of those under #3
3. the extension of YHWH's worship and rule to all the earth
a. Deu 33:17 b. 1Sa 2:10 c. Psa 22:25-31 ; Psa 59:13 ; Psa 67:1-7 ; Psa 98:2-9 d. Isa 45:22 ; Isa 52:10 e. Jer 16:19 4. Messianic
a. 1Sa 2:10 b. Psa 2:8 c. Mic 5:4-5 ▣ “the ten thousands of Ephraim. . .and the thousands of Manasseh” This phrase shows the priority of Ephraim in size and power. See Special Topic: Thousand <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/thousand.html>.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Deu 33:18-19 18Of Zebulun he said,
“Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going forth,
And, Issachar, in your tents.
19They will call peoples to the mountain;
There they will offer righteous sacrifices;
For they will draw out the abundance of the seas,
And the hidden treasures of the sand.”
Deu 33:18 “Of Zebulun. . .And, Issachar” These two tribes are also listed together as in Gen 49:13-15 .
▣ “Rejoice” This VERB (BDB 97:0 , KB 133:3 , Qal IMPERATIVE) is used in the sense of “enjoy the good, safe abundance of life.”
▣ “going forth” This (BDB 42:2 , KB 42:5 , Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT) seems to be used in the sense of a free life (cf. Deu 28:6 ; Deu 28:19 ; Deu 31:2 ).
▣ “in your tents” This (BDB 1:3 ) refers to their home during the wilderness wandering period, but became a metaphor for one's house.
These two parallel lines imply a happy, settled life.
Deu 33:19 The parallelism between “mountain” (BDB 24:9 ) and “offer righteous sacrifices” (cf. Psa 4:5 ; Psa 51:19 ) implies a worship setting (cf. Exo 15:17 ).
The next interpretive question is, do the next two lines of poetry continue this thought or change to another topic? Zebulun's involvement in the sea is mentioned in Gen 49:13 .
▣ “abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand” These two lines are parallel. They are both OBJECTS of one VERB, “suck” or “draw out” (BDB 41:3 , KB 41:6 , Qal IMPERFECT). This is a metaphor for abundance (cf. Deu 32:13 ).
1. The first one refers to:
a. food (i.e., sacrifices or good living)
b. merchandise (i.e., coral, shells, sponges or dye)
2. The second is made up of two Qal PASSIVE PARTICIPLES:
a. “to cover,” but only here it means “reserved” or “laid up” (BDB 70:6 )
b. “to hide” (BDB 38:0 )
They seem to refer to the shipping trade (cf. Gen 49:13-14 ).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Deu 33:20-21 20Of Gad he said,
“Blessed is the one who enlarges Gad;
He lies down as a lion,
And tears the arm, also the crown of the head.
21Then he provided the first part for himself,
For there the ruler's portion was reserved;
And he came with the leaders of the people;
He executed the justice of the Lord,
And His ordinances with Israel.”
Deu 33:20 “Blessed is the one who enlarges Gad” This seems to be a reference to YHWH.
▣ “He lies down as a lion” The word is “lioness” (BDB 52:2 , cf. Gen 49:9 ; Num 24:9 ; Job 4:11 ). The lioness was the one who hunted and provided food for the male lion and cubs. Gad was referred to as the lioness. The tribe of Gad was blessed because of their faithfulness in battle (cf. Gen 49:19 ).
Deu 33:21 This verse is a play on Gad or a valiant warrior (in the metaphor of a lion). He chose part of the land on the eastern side of Jordan to inherit, but he and the Reubenites and the half-tribe of Manasseh were the first military group to go into battle in the Promised Land (cf. Jos 4:12-13 ; Jos 22:1-3 ).
▣ “For there the ruler's portion was reserved” The Hebrew meaning is uncertain!
▣ “And he came with the leaders of the people” This may refer to these three tribes asking Moses and the elders for permission to settle on the eastern side of Jordan.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Deu 33:22 22Of Dan he said,
“Dan is a lion's whelp,
That leaps forth from Bashan.”
Deu 33:22 “Dan is a lion's whelp, that leaps from Bashan” The mention of Dan as somehow connected to Bashan (cf. Deu 1:4 ; Deu 3:1 ; Deu 3:3-4 ; Deu 3:10-11 ; Deu 3:13-14 ) is surprising. Originally Dan's tribal allocation by lot was in the southwest (i.e., the Philistine area) and later they moved to the far north (cf. Judges 1:8 ). This may be a prophecy connected to this unauthorized relocation.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Deu 33:23 23Of Naphtali he said,
“O Naphtali, satisfied with favor,
And full of the blessing of the Lord,
Take possession of the sea and the south.”
Deu 33:23 “Take possession of the sea and the south” The VERB (BDB 43:9 , KB 44:1 , Qal IMPERATIVE) is used several times in Deuteronomy for Israel to possess the land (cf. Deu 1:8 ; Deu 1:21 ; Deu 1:39 ; Deu 2:24 ; Deu 2:31 ; Deu 9:23 ; Deu 11:31 ; Deu 17:14 ; Deu 26:1 ). It implies a taking by force and securing it as a permanent inheritance.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Deu 33:24-25 24Of Asher he said,
“More blessed than sons is Asher;
May he be favored by his brothers,
And may he dip his foot in oil.
25Your locks will be iron and bronze,
And according to your days, so will your leisurely walk be.”
Deu 33:24 “Of Asher he said
'More blessed than sons is Asher;
May he be favored by his brothers” This verb (BDB 22:4 , KB 24:3 , “be”) is a Qal jussive. This shows the working of the Hebrew mind. To a Jew, a son was the greatest blessing possible.
The rabbis interpret this verse to mean that because of the extreme beauty of Asher's daughters they were more sought after than sons. The meaning is uncertain.
▣ “And may he dip his foot in oil” The location of Asher, on the northern seacoast, is the best area for olives. This phrase possibly refers to the act of treading oil out of the olives by foot.
Deu 33:25 “Your locks will be iron and bronze” The Hebrew root for “locks” (BDB 65:3 ) or “bars” (BDB 65:3 ) can also be translated “shoes” (BDB 65:3 ). The form used here is found only here. Because of Asher's geographical position, on the major highway route from the Fertile Crescent down to Egypt, if Asher fell, the whole land fell (from a southerly invasion). She was considered the door and lock to the Promised Land.
NASB “according to your days, so shall your leisurely walk be”
NKJV, NJB “refuge”
NRSV “He subdues the ancient gods”
TEV “defense”
The interpretive question is what does the last NOUN mean (BDB 17:9 )?
1. strength (i.e., vital life)
2. security (i.e., no invasion)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Deu 33:26-29 26”There is none like the God of Jeshurun,
Who rides the heavens to your help,
And through the skies in His majesty.
27The eternal God is a dwelling place,
And underneath are the everlasting arms;
And He drove out the enemy from before you,
And said, 'Destroy!'
28So Israel dwells in security,
The fountain of Jacob secluded,
In a land of grain and new wine;
His heavens also drop down dew.
29Blessed are you, O Israel;
Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord,
Who is the shield of your help
And the sword of your majesty!
So your enemies will cringe before you,
And you will tread upon their high places.”
Deu 33:26-29 These verses are a transition section which praises YHWH's uniqueness and power! Jeshurun is used as a designation for Israel (cf. Deu 32:15 ). These verses (i.e., Deu 33:26 line b & c; Deu 33:28 line c &d; Deu 33:29 :line f) use phrases that commonly referred to the fertility god, Ba'al, implying that all the things that had been said about Ba'al were not true about him, but were true of YHWH. YHWH is the only God.
Deu 33:26 “There is none like the God” Sees note at Deu 4:35 . See Special Topic: Monotheism <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/monotheism.html>.
Deu 33:27 “The eternal God” Elohim is often combined with attributes:
1. the eternal Elohim, here
2. the everlasting Elohim, Isaiah 26:3 . the true Elohim, 2Ch 15:3 ; Isa 65:16 4. the Elohim of all flesh, Jer 32:27 (similar to Num 16:22 ; Num 27:16 )
5. the Elohim of heaven, Gen 24:3 ; Gen 24:7 ; 2Ch 36:23 ; Ezr 1:2 ; Neh 1:4-5 ; Neh 2:4 ; Neh 2:20 6. a Elohim at hand (or near), Jer 23:23 7. Elohim of my (or our) salvation, Psa 18:46 ; Psa 24:5 ; Psa 25:5 ; Psa 27:9 ; Psa 65:5 ; Psa 79:9 ; Psa 85:4 ; Isa 17:10 8. Elohim of my righteousness, Psa 4:1 9. Elohim who is my rock, 2Sa 22:3 ; Psa 18:2 10. Elohim who is my stronghold, Psa 43:2 11. Elohim who is my praise, Psa 109:1 (This list is from BDB p. 44, #4, b.)
NASB “dwelling place”
NKJV “your refuge”
NRSV “your dwelling place”
TEV --------
NJB “the well-spring of Jacob is chosen out”
This term (BDB 73:3 ) can refer to an animal's lair (cf. Job 37:8 ; Job 38:40 ; Amo 3:4 ) or a metaphor for the refuge offered by God for His people (only here). A similar concept is found in Psa 71:3 ; Psa 91:9 .
▣ “And underneath are the everlasting arms” This is a metaphor for:
1. YHWH's fighting on their behalf (cf. line c, Deu 33:29 )
2. YHWH's perpetual care and attention
YHWH is the God who acts! It is possible that this is an allusion to Gen 49:24 (lines b & c).
▣ “Destroy” This VERB (BDB 102:9 , KB 155:2 , Hiphil IMPERATIVE) means “to exterminate.” It is part of the terminology of “holy war,” cf. Deu 1:27 ; Deu 2:22 ; Deu 6:15 ; Deu 9:20 ; Jos 7:12 ; Jos 9:24 . If Israel is obedient to the covenant He will fight for them, but if not, He will fight against them!
The Israelites were expected to dress for battle and take the field against her enemies, but it was YHWH who won the battle!
Deu 33:28 NASB “The fountain of Jacob secluded”
NKJV “the fountain of Jacob alone”
NRSV “untroubled in Jacob's abode”
TEV-----------
NJB “the well-spring of Jacob is chosen out”
“Fountain” (BDB 74:5 II) means “spring” and refers to descendants. The term “secluded” (BDB 9:4 , “alone”) is a metaphor for security.
Deu 33:29 This verse uses “holy war” terminology to describe YHWH's deliverance from Egypt, from the desert, and from the Canaanites!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Why could Moses not enter the Promised Land?
2. Why are there so many translations of Deu 33:2-3 ?
3. Why is Simeon not listed in blessings?
4. Is there a Messianic reference in these blessings?
