Deuteronomy 33
OGCSUMMARY OF CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Moses delivers a prophetical blessing to the children of Israel, 1. The introduction, 2-5. Prophetic declarations concerning Reuben, 6; concerning Judah, 7; concerning Levi, 8-11; concerning Benjamin, 12; concerning Joseph, 13-17; concerning Zebulun, 18, 19; concerning Gad, 20, 21; concerning Dan. 22; concerning Naphtali, 23; concerning Asher, 23, 35. The glory of the God of Jeshurun, and the glorious privileges of his true followers, 26-29.
QUESTIONS, LESSON TWENTY-FOUR (Deuteronomy 32:48 to Deuteronomy 34:12)
From what vantage point is Moses told to view the Promised Land? How much of it could he see?
What reason is given in* this lesson* for Moses not entering into Canaan? How does this correspond to previous statements about this matter (as in Numbers 20, Deuteronomy 1:37; Deuteronomy 3:23 ff.)?
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Jehovah’s presence is said to have been seen in Sinai, Seir, and Paran (Deuteronomy 33:2). Give at least one incident in each area which would show this.
Where are all his saints (Deuteronomy 33:3)? What did Jesus teach about this?
Who or what is Jeshurun? Who is his (its) king?
What was to happen to Reuben’s population? Any reason for this?
How would Judah rank as a political and military power in Israel?
What tribe had the Thummim and Urim? What purpose did it serve?
How is this tribe’s fidelity toward God described and what incident is alluded to in the description?
Joseph (Manasseh and Ephraim) are likened to what animal’s horns? What is he doing with them?
Population-wise, Manasseh was to have __________, while Ephraim was to have ____________.
What does Zebulun’s going out indicate? How is this confirmed by geography and history?
Seas and sand would be valuable to Zebulun and Issachar, How?
(Give one possible answer) On what mountain were they to call the people to sacrifice?
How did Gad provide (choose) the first part for himself?
From where would Dan (the lion’s whelp) leap forth? How is this to be understood?
How would Naphtali possess the west and the south?
Asher would dip his foot in oil, and have doorbolts of iron and brass. Explain the implications of this prophecy,
Upon what other nation(s) would an obedient Israel be dependent?
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
In view of the fact that no one can see God, who is invisible, how do you explain the declaration that Moses spoke with God face to face? What does this phrase mean?
Deuteronomy 33:1-5
E. THE BLESSING OF MOSES (Deuteronomy 33:1-29)
Having spoken his song in the previous chapter, Moses now pronounces his blessing upon the people. Both were probably spoken on the same day, just prior to his ascension into mount Nebo and his death. In both he is bidding farewell to Israel; both are poetic in nature, and both look to the future of God’s chosen people. The one may be regarded as the counterpart of the other. In his song, however, Moses has dwelt especially on the calamities and chastizements that shall come upon Israel; in his blessing, he reveals the blessings of the future through the favor, generosity, and love of God. The tone of the one is sombre and minatory; the tone of the other is serene and cheering. The one presents the darker side, the other the brighter side, of Israel’s fortunes. (Pulpit)
This chapter falls into a rather natural three-fold division: (1) An introduction (Deuteronomy 33:1-5), (2) a series of benedictions on the twelve tribes (Deuteronomy 33:6-25), and (3) a conclusion (Deuteronomy 33:26-29).
- INTRODUCTION (Deuteronomy 33:1-5)
And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death. 2 And he said, Jehovah came from Sinai, He rose from Seir unto them; He shined forth from mount Paran, And he came from the ten thousands of holy ones: At his right hand was a fiery law for them.
3
Yea, he loved the people;
All his saints are in thy hand: And they sat down at thy feet;
Every one shall receive of thy words.
4
Moses commanded us a law,
An inheritance for the assembly of Jacob.
5
And he was king in Jeshurun,
When the heads of the people were gathered, All the tribes of Israel together.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 33:1-5
Compare and contrast Chapter s 32 and 33.
In what sense was it true that Jehovah came from Sinai?
Jehovah came to them from Mt. Sinai but in a greater sensehe came from ten thousand of holy ones!who were the holy ones? Where were they?
Compare John 10:27-30 with Deuteronomy 33:3.
Who is the King of Deu 33:5?
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 33:1-5
This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the Israelites before his death. 2 He said, The Lord came from Sinai and beamed upon us from Seir; He flashed forth from Mount Paran, from among ten thousands of holy ones, a flaming fire, a law, at His right hand. 3 Yes, He loves [the tribes] His people; all those consecrated to Him are in Your Hand. They followed in Your steps; they [accepted Your word and] received direction from You, 4 When Moses commanded us a law, as a possession for the assembly of Jacob. 5 [The Lord] was King in Jeshurun (Israel) when the heads of the people were gathered, all the tribes of Israel together.
COMMENT 33:1-5
Some of the outstanding manifestations of God’s power or goodness toward Israel are reviewed here, as a proper introduction to the blessings to be described in the immediate verses following. It is poetry appropriate for the past forty years of Jehovah’s guardianship!
JEHOVAH CAME FROM SINAI (Deuteronomy 33:2)See also Psalms 68:8. And mount Sinai, the whole of it, smoked, because Jehovah descended upon it in fire.. And Jehovah came down upon mount Sinai, to the top of the mount: and Jehovah called Moses to the top of the mount (Exodus 19:18; Exodus 19:20) all, of course, in preparation for the giving of the law (Deuteronomy 33:4). This was well known, but its mention emphasized at once the power of God, and his desire to use his power for Israel’s good, The next phrase again demonstrates these characteristics of the Father.
AND ROSE FROM SEIR UNTO THEM (Deuteronomy 33:2)Mount Seir, the land of Seir, and the field of Edom, are, for most practical purposes, synonymous. This is the mountainous tract which runs along the eastern side of the Arabah, and was occupied by the descendants of Esau. It was through the divine intervention of God that Israel was enabled to pass through their land. See Deuteronomy 2:1-8, especially the comments on Deuteronomy 33:4.
HE SHINED FORTH FROM MOUNT PARAN (Deuteronomy 33:2)perhaps a peak in the wilderness of Paran (Jebel Makrah?). If so, it is most likely used here by metonymy for that high limestone plateau containing the very important station of Kadesh Barnea. As in Deuteronomy 1:1, it is difficult to restrict Paran to a small area. But as we saw in Chapter s one and two, Kadesh, more than any other place, was the hub of Israel’s activity in the wilderness.
HE CAME FROM THE TEN THOUSANDS OF HOLY ONES (Deuteronomy 33:2)Translators have had great difficulty with the last half of this verse. Perhaps no other passage in Deuteronomy has been so variously rendered. Rotherham has:
He shone forth out of Mount Paran, Yea he came out of holy myriads, Out of his right hand [proceeded] fire to guide them.
What fire? At the hazard of being very obvious, could this refer to the pillar of fire that (along with the cloud by day) abode in the wilderness of Paran (Numbers 10:12)? Israel, after all, abode in Kadesh many days (Deuteronomy 1:46), which necessarily meant a prolonged stay by night of the pillar of firea token both of God’s nearness and leading. See Exodus 13:21-22.
Whatever the interpretation of the above phrase, the purpose of all these acts of God is made clear in the next verse:
YEA, HE LOVETH THE PEOPLE; ALL HIS SAINTS ARE IN THY HAND (Deuteronomy 33:3)And this is why he has protected and cared for Israeland why he will do so. He loves his children, and he could say with his son, no one shall snatch them out of my hand (See John 10:27-30).
MOSES COMMANDED US A LAW, etc. (Deuteronomy 33:4-5)Ferrar Fenton renders these verses (beginning with Deuteronomy 33:3),
On your hand let them trust, At your word rise and march, Let Moses give them Laws As Prince of Jacob’s Host And be Yeshurun’s Leader Controlling the Nation’s Chiefs, Uniting Israel’s Tribes.
But the overwhelming majority of translators (as well as the lexicons of Baumgartner and Gesenius), refer this kingship to God. Compare Psalms 84:3; Psalms 149:2, etc. Thus
the Lord
became king in Jeshurun. (R.S.V.).
Deuteronomy 33:6-25
- BLESSINGS PRONOUNCED UPON THE TWELVE TRIBES (Deuteronomy 33:6-25)
It will be noticed that the tribe of Simeon is not mentioned in this list. This was because of their father’s anger, cruelty, and disobedience (see especially Genesis 34:24-31). Referring to both Simeon and Levi, Jacob said,
I will divide them in Jacob, And scatter them in Israel.
In the case of Simeon, this meant being absorbed in the tribe of Judah (Joshua 19:1, Jude 1:3). In the case of Levi, it meant no inheritance in Israel as a tribeonly scattered cities. Thus, although there are a few exceptions, we can usually say that the history of Judah is the history of Simeon.
a. REUBEN (Deuteronomy 33:6)
6
Let Reuben live, and not die;
Nor let his men be few.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 33:6
Read the Amplified Translation and notice the difference in this versewhy is there such a difference?
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 33:6
6 Let [the tribe of] Reuben live, and not die out, but [58]let his men be few.
[58] The earlier Bible translators could not believe that Moses meant to say of Reuben, let his men be few, so they put not in it in italics: let not his men be few. But Reuben had committed a grave offense (Genesis 49:3-4), which canceled his birthright, and God meant exactly what He directed Moses to say, as continuous fulfillment of the prophecy proves. In Judges 5:16 the tribe [of Reuben] is scorned for its failure to join the others against the Canaanites, and except for 1 Chronicles 5:3-20 it does not again appear in Israel’s history, Nor does Misha of Moab, ninth century, B.C. name it (Cambridge Bible), Furthermore, by 1951 A.D. no Jew was permitted to enter the territory once allotted to the tribe of Reuben, The whole territory, which is. quite capable of cultivation, is now deserted by its settled inhabitants (Davis-’ Bible Dictionary), It was then being restored, not by Israelites, but by Arabs.
COMMENT 33:6
Compare the pronouncement of Gen 49:3-4. Though he would not have the preeminence, his numbers or power would not be lost.
NOR LET HIS MEN BE FEWOr, But let etc. The latter rendering is preferred by many modern translators.
May Reuben live and not die,
Though few be his number.
The Torah.
The latter rendering is more in accord with history. There is only a slight decline in Reuben’s population between the first and second numberings46,500 to 43,730 (Numbers 1:21; Numbers 26:7). But Reuben’s later history is a tragic one. His numbers did indeed become few. The Amplified Bible states:
The earlier Bible translators could not believe that Moses meant to say of Reuben, let his, men be few, so they put not in it in italics: let not his men be few. But Reuben had committed a grave offense (Genesis 49:3-4), which canceled his birthright, and God meant exactly what he directed Moses to say, as continuous fulfillment of the prophecy proves. -In Judges 5:16 the tribe of Reuben is scorned for its failure to join the others against the Canaanites, and except for 1 Chronicles 5:3-20 it does not again appear in Israel’s history. Nor does Misha of Moab, ninth century, B.C. name it-’ (Cambridge Bible). Furthermore, by 1951 A.D. no Jew was permitted to enter the territory, once allotted to the tribe of Reuben. The whole territory, which is. quite capable of cultivation, is now deserted by its settled inhabitants-’ (Davis-’ Bible Dictionary). It was then being restored, not by Israelites, but by Arabs.
b. JUDAH (Deuteronomy 33:7)
7
And this the blessing of Judah: and he said,
Hear, Jehovah, the voice of Judah, And bring him in unto his people: With his hands he contended for himself; And thou shalt be a. help against his adversaries.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 33:7
Why is the tribe of Judah considered especially worthy? Cf. Genesis 49:8-12. When was this prophesy fulfilled?
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 33:7
7 And this [Moses] said to Judah: Hear, O Lord, the voice of Judah, and bring him to his people! With his hands he contended for himself, but You be a help to him against his enemies.
COMMENT 33:7 WITH HIS HANDS HE CONTENDED FOR HIMSELF
Or, Though his own hands strive for him, etc. Or, Make his hands strong for him. Or, With thy hands contend for him.
God promises his aid to this worthy tribe. Compare Genesis 49:8-12. And, as in that passage, one can point to relatively immediate fulfillments in Israel’s history. The glorious reigns of Solomon and David are obvious literal fulfillments. Surely at that time God was a help against Judah’s adversaries. But the prophecies are more completely fulfilled in the Meslah:the Lion of the tribe of Judah, In all things he will become the preeminent One.
c. LEVI (Deuteronomy 33:8-11)
8
And of Levi he said,
Thy Thummim and thy Urim are with thy godly one, Whom thou didst prove at Massah, With whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;
9
Who said of his father, and of his mother, I have not seen him;
Neither did he acknowledge his brethren, Nor knew he his own children: For they have observed thy word, And keep thy covenant.
10
They shall teach Jacob thine ordinances,
And Israel thy law: They shall put incense before thee, And whole burnt-offering upon thine altar.
11
Bless, Jehovah, his substance, And accept the work of his hands:
Smite through the loins of them that rise up against him, And of them that hate him, that they rise not again.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 33:8-11
What were the Thummim and the Urim? Where were they? For what purposes were they used? Cf. Exodus 28:30, Leviticus 8:8.
Read Exodus 17:3-7 and the twentieth chapter of Numbers for and understanding of Exo 17:8 b,
When was verse nine fulfilled? Read Exodus 32 for an answer.
Levi had no tribal allotmenthis priviledges were greaterin what way?
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 33:8-11
8 And of Levi he said, Your Thummim and Your Urim [by which the priest sought God’s will for the nation] are for your pious one [Aaron for the tribe], whom You tried and proved at Massah, with whom You contended at the waters of Meribah; [Numbers 20:1-13.]
9 [Aaron], who [59]said of his father and mother, I do not regard them, nor did he acknowledge his brothers, or openly recognize his own children. For the priests observed Your word and kept Your covenant [as to their limitations].
[59] The law required that the high priest act as impartially when one of his immediate family died as if the departed were no kin to him (Leviticus 21:10-12). This throws light on Christ’s attitude toward His mother and brethren in Matthew 12:46-50. Cp. Hebrews 8:1-6; Hebrews 3:1-3.
10 [The priests] shall teach Jacob Your ordinances, and Israel Your law; they shall put incense before You, and whole burnt offering upon Your altar. 11 Bless, O Lord, [Levi’S] substance, and accept the work of his hands; crush the loins of his adversaries, and of those who hate him, that they arise no more.
COMMENT 33:8-11
THUMMIM AND URIM (Deuteronomy 33:8)These words mean literally perfection and light, indicating the clearness with which God would impart to the High Priest the knowledge of his will, when that knowledge was sought by means which He had appointed (Nichols). These were items (never exactly described in scripture) placed on (or in) the breastplate of the high priestthe breastplate of judgment (Exodus 28:30, Leviticus 8:8).
The priests, who so often act as God’s mouthpiece, consulted the Urim and Thummim on matters that were otherwise obscure or unknown, and especially on matters of national import, or a national crisis. See Numbers 27:18-21, 1 Samuel 28:5-6, Ezra 2:63. Obviously, the possession of the Urim and Thummim was a great privilege and honor for the priestly tribe. It was an honor for thy godly one (or as others have it) him whom thou lovest (Deuteronomy 33:8).
WHOM THOU DIDST PROVE AT MASSAH (Deuteronomy 33:8, Deuteronomy 6:16, Deuteronomy 9:22)The reference is to that tempting, or proving (the meaning of massah) recorded in Exodus 17:3-7.
STRIVE AT MERIBAH (Deuteronomy 33:8)Another play on words (meribah means strife). Both the above event and perhaps also that recorded in Num. ch. 20 may be referred to.
Did the tribe of Levi, in some special way, precipitate the strife and turmoil at Massah and/or Meribah? We have no record of such beyond what is said here, except, of course, the well-known part of Moses and Aaron (Levites), See Deuteronomy 1:37, notes. In these trials, even though Moses and Aaron stumbled, the tribe proved itself faithful and godly, rising up in defence and honor of Jehovah and in support of the covenant. Note the next verse.
WHO SAID OF HIS FATHER AND MOTHER, etc, (Deuteronomy 33:9)An obvious reference to the events of Ex. Ch. 32 at the foot of Sinai. When Moses asked Whoso is on Jehovah’s side, let him come unto me, we are told all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. And at Moses-’ request they did not hesitate to take up the sword against their own fellows who, in their revelry, were flagrantly flaunting their allegiance to the Lord. How the disobedient ones were related to them was not a consideration as to who should or should not be slain. Their allegiance had been to God, and now Moses could say they have observed thy word. It would appear from the Exodus account that most of the tribe was, in fact, faithful; and few Levites had to turn upon members of their own tribe to put down the revolt. But in the zeal for God and the cause of right, the Levites absolutely disregarded blood relationship.
The ramifications of the principle endorsed by the Levites are infinite. What comes first, principle or personal friendship considerations? The Levites decided quickly and decisively on the side of Godthen proceeded to take appropriate action. Compare the teaching of Jesus, Matthew 10:34-39.
d. BENJAMIN (Deuteronomy 33:12)
12
Of Benjamin he said,
The beloved of Jehovah shall dwell in safety by him; He covereth him all the day long, And he dwelleth between his shoulders.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 33:12
There is some difference in the prediction here of Benjamin and that given in Genesis 49:27. Why?
Just what specific promise did God make to the tribe of Benjamin?
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 33:12
12 Of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the Lord shall [60]dwell in safety by Him; He covers him all the day long, and makes His dwelling between his shoulders.
[60] The temple in Jerusalem was located almost between the ridges of the territory of Benjamin, suggesting between his shoulders (cp. Joshua 15:8). Moses sees it as a symbol of the Lord’s presence covering Benjamin continually.
COMMENT 33:12
This is a kindlier prediction than Jacob’s (Genesis 49:27)at least the stigma of having a wolf-like character is not depicted here. The word Benjamin means literally son of my right hand and he who was so beloved of his father (see Genesis 42:36-38) was also beloved of God.
The relatively small area occupied by Benjamin north of the tribe of Judah included the plains of Jericho that Lot found so attractive (Genesis 13:10). Josephus, in fact, says that Benjamin’s allotment was small owing to the goodness of the land[61] And though the upland regions are mountainous and stony and have little water, there is much good land on the western slopes. We remember this tribe especially for the two Saulsthe first king of Israel and the Apostle Paul from Tarsus.
[61] Antiquities of the Jews, V, i. 22.
As is shown particularly in the book of Judges, the tribe became an efficient war machineparticularly as archers and slingers. This ability is a partial fulfillment of God’s promise that Benjamin shall dwell in safety by him.
e. JOSEPHEPHRIAM AND MANASSEH (Deuteronomy 33:13-17)
13
And of Joseph he said,
Blessed of Jehovah be his land, For the precious things of heaven, for the dew, And for the deep that coucheth beneath.
14
And for the precious things of the fruits of the sun,
And for the precious things of the growth of the moons,
15
And for the chief things of the ancient mountains,
And for the precious things of the everlasting hills,
16
And for the precious things of the earth and the fulness thereof,
And the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: Let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph,
And upon the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.
17
The firstling of his herd, majesty is his;
And his horns are the horns of the wild-ox; With them he shall push the peoples all of them,
even the ends of the earth:
And they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, And they are the thousands of Manasseh,
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 33:13-17
By reading Deuteronomy 33:13 thru Deuteronomy 33:16 what particular benefits are promised by God to the sons of Joseph?
Read Genesis 49:22-26 and mark the parallels to this passage.
Manasseh was the eldest but Ephraim is treated as the first-bornexplain Cf. Genesis 48:8.
In what respect was Ephraim and Manasseh like oxen?
The name Ephraim took on larger meaning than one tribe. Read Psalms 78:67-68. What was the larger meaning?
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 33:13-17
13 And of Joseph he said, Blessed by the Lord be his hand, with the precious gifts of Heaven, from the dew, and from the deep that couches beneath, 14 From the precious things of the fruits of the sun, and from the precious yield of the months, 15 From the chief products of the ancient mountains, and from the precious things of the everlasting hills,
16 With the precious things of the earth and its fullness, and the favor and good will of Him Who dwelt in the bush. Let these blessings come upon the head of Joseph, upon the crown of the head of him who was separate and prince among his brothers. [Exodus 3:4.]
17 Like a firstling young bull his majesty is, and his horns like the horns of the wild ox; with them he shall push the peoples, all of them, to the end of the earth; and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.
COMMENT 33:13-17
Joseph’s name, of course, is not left on the land of his posterity, but that of his sonsEphraim and Manasseh.
Deuteronomy 33:13-16 depicts the general prosperity and blessings to come upon Joseph’s offspring. As we saw in Deuteronomy 3:12-17 (notes), Manasseh inherited a much larger total land mass than his brother. Yet prosperity and increase were especially to attend Ephraim (fruitful). See Genesis 48:17-20. And the blessing on all of Joseph, Genesis 49:22-26, has some striking parallels in the present passage. Jacob described the growth of Joseph under the figure of a luxuriant branch of a fruit tree planted by the water; whilst Moses fixes his eye primarily upon the land of Joseph, and desires for him the richest productions (Keil).
The I.S.B.E. states of Ephraim’s land, It is torn by many gorges, and is rocky and unfruitful. The long slopes to the westward, however, furnish much of the finest land in Palestine. Well watered as it is, the valleys are beautiful in season with cornfields, vineyards, olives and other fruit trees.
THE GOOD WILL OF HIM THAT DWELT IN THE BUSH (Deuteronomy 33:16)i.e. God, who spoke from the burning bush, Exodus 3:4. Our omnipresent God is not limited by space or time.
Deuteronomy 33:17 depicts more specific blessings to be conferred upon Joseph.
Like a firstling bull in his majesty, He has horns like the horns of the wild-ox; With them he gores the people The ends of the earth one and all. These are the myriads of Ephriam, Those are the thousands of Manasseh.
The Torah
The oxen are Joseph’s sons, all of whom were strong, but the firstborn excelled the rest, and was endowed with majesty. It is Ephraim that is referred to, whom Jacob raised to the position of the firstborn (Genesis 48:8, etc.).Pulpit. With his great power and might he would gore even distant peoples. (Horns depict strength, might, power).
By such representatives as Joshua and Samuel, this tribe became, in many ways, the leading tribe in the early days of Israel in Canaan. Shechem and Shiloh were early centers of worship. Later, after the separation of the ten northern tribes, Ephraim was often used by metonymy for Israel (Isaiah 7:2; Isaiah 7:5; Isaiah 7:17), Thus the northern tribes are depicted by their most powerful element. Indeed, it may be said that the tribes of Ephraim and Judah played the most important part in the history of the whole nation, and there was a constant duel for political power (hegemony) between the two,
Note how Deuteronomy 33:17 corresponds to the prophecy of Jacob (Genesis 48:19), Ephraim (the younger) is to have his ten thousands (Heb. rebabah, myriads, a large unlimited number) while Manasseh was to have his thousands (though possessing more territory).
At the time Moses wrote these lines Manasseh, however, far outnumbered Ephraim. Ephraim lost great numbers in the wilderness trek.
Ephraim
40,500
32,500
Manasseh
32,200
52,700
Thus Moses-’ words surely were not based on recent history! Later, we have the population of Joseph growing (as shown in the book of Joshua), but we have no statistics on the numerical dominance of Ephraim. For many years the descendants of Joseph played a leading role in Israel’s history. But with their corruption went the corruption of the ten northern tribes. Thus their fate is bewailed in the Psalms:
Moreover he [God] refused the tent of Joseph, And chose not the tribe of Ephraim, But chose the tribe of Judah, The mount Zion which he loved.
f. ZEBULUN AND ISSACHAR (Deuteronomy 33:18-19)
18
And of Zebulun he said,
Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; And, Issachar, in thy tents.
19
They shall call the peoples unto the mountain;
There shall they offer sacrifices of righteousness: For they shall suck the abundance of the seas, And the hidden treasures of the sand.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 33:18, 19
In what sense would Zebulun be going out?
What mountain is meant in Deuteronomy 33:19?
What is involved in the phrase they shall suck the abundance of the seas?
What are the hidden treasures of the sand?
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 33:18, 19
18 And of Zebulun he said, [62]Rejoice, Zebulun, in your interests abroad; and you, Issachar, in your tents [at home].
[62] Not until 1934 was this prophecy notably in process of fulfillment, when Haifa’s bay became one of the great harbors of the Mediterranean, with commerce affecting the whole world.
19 They shall call the people unto Mount [Carmel]; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness for [63]they shall suck the abundance of the seas, and the treasures hid in the sand.
[63] The great oil pipeline path across Palestine was first opened in 1935. Until then this prophecy fell far short of fulfillment. But 3400 years before, Moses sent out the inspired headlines, Zebulun. Issachar. shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of the treasures hid in the sand, Our omnipotent God was declaring the end and the result from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying. My counsel shall stand (Isaiah 46:10).
COMMENT 33:18, 19
As adjacent tribes (whose founders were both sons of Leah) soon to occupy the corridor running Northwest and southwest and including the Kishon river, the Great Plain of Esdraelon and the Valley of Jezreel, these tribes are treated together. And historically, many of their activities were jointly accomplished.
IN THY GOING OUT (Deuteronomy 33:18)A phrase usually depicting commerce, trade, business.
THEY SHALL CALL THE PEOPLES UNTO THE MOUNTAIN; THERE SHALL THEY OFFER SACRIFICES (Deuteronomy 33:19)What mountain? Or is a specific one meant? Some would refer us to Mount Carmel, that prominent mountain of Elijah’s contest and sacrifice (1 Kings 18). But there is no evidence that it became a specific mountain designated for sacrifices, though it lies on the southwest border of Zebulun. In Exodus 15:17 the land of Israel is termed the mountain of thine inheritance. The sanctuary. It seems that this general sense is retained here (though we may have a specific reference to Zion, where the temple was later erected). The mountain-country of Canaan would be the place of Jehovah’s worship and praise, thus his sanctuary. In that worship Zebulun and Issachar would wholeheartedly join.
THE ABUNDANCE OF THE SEAS (Deuteronomy 33:19)Zebulun, bordering the Mediterranean, would utilize her resources. The boundaries (Joshua 19:10-16) are difficult to exactly define, But that she would make use of her seashore position is also foretold in Jacob’s prophecy (Genesis 49:13). Her position not only enabled her to carry on fishing, but she was literally able to suck the abundance of the seas by means of her strategic position for maritime trade. The great caravan route, via maris, passed directly through this territory. In modern times, Haifa, with its beautiful harbor, has become a world port.
THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF THE SAND (Deuteronomy 33:19)The riches of the sea in general. It is however noteworthy that the sand of these coasts was especially valuable in the manufacture of glass; and glass was a precious thing in ancient times (cp. Job 28:17), The mure from which the highly-prized purple dye was extracted, was also found here. (F. C. Cook)
g. GAD (Deuteronomy 33:20-21)
20
And of Gad he said,
Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: He dwelleth as a lioness, And teareth the arm, yea, the crown of the head.
21
And he provided the first part for himself,
For there was the lawgiver’s portion reserved; And he came with the heads of the people;
He executed the righteousness of Jehovah, And his ordinances with Israel,
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 33:20, 21
Gad had a reputationfor what?
Reuben, Gad and the half of Manasseh had some prioritywhy? Does Deuteronomy 33:21 have reference to this priority?
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 33:20, 21
And of Gad he said, Blessed be He Who enlarges Gad! Gad lurks like a lioness, and tears the arm, yes, the crown of the head.
He selected the best land for himself, for there was the leader’s portion reserved; yet he came with the chiefs of the nation, and the righteous will of the Lord he performed, and His ordinances with Israel, [Numbers 32:29-33,]
COMMENT 33:20, 21
BLESSED BE HE THAT ENLARGETH GAD (Deuteronomy 33:20)Gad was strong in war and gave great help to the other tribes, particularly in the conquest of Canaan. In return, he would receive God’s blessing. See Genesis 49:19. His area, (nearly synonomous with Gilead) to the east of the Jordan, became the chief theater of war in the long struggle between Israel and the Syrians (1Kings ch. 22). These verses appear to anticipate this and other struggles in the territoryand the fierce way in which God would fight to protect it.
THE LAWGIVER’S PORTION RESERVED (Deuteronomy 33:21)for that was the commander’s portion (Berkeley. Similarly, R.S.V., Rotherham). i.e., Gad, as a leader and aggressive fighter for Israel, was given an appropriate first part for himself. Gad chose for himself a tract of land east of the Jordan, and the portion he had chosen was sacredly kept for him, though he also went with his brethren in the conquest of Canaan proper.
h. DAN (Deuteronomy 33:22)
22
And of Dan he said,
Dan is a lion’s whelp, That leapeth forth from Bashan.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 33:22
The territory of Dan is not in Bashanhow then could this prophesy be fulfilled? Cf. Judges 18.
Samson was a Danitehow does he relate to this verse?
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 33:22
22 Of Dan he said, Dan is a lion’s whelp that leaps forth from Bashan.
COMMENT 33:22
This passage appears to look ahead to that time when Dan would conquer Laish (Judges 18) in northern Bashan near mount Herman, and from there leap forth in other exploits.
Perhaps no one so embodied the tribal characteristics as well as Samson. They were to be unsteady, unscrupulous, violent, possessed of a certain grim humor, and stealthy in tactics (a serpent in the way, Genesis 49:17). Dan is a lion’s whelp, a phrase describing one who was swift and strong in striking.
i. NAPHTALI (Deuteronomy 33:23)
23
And of Naphtali he said,
O Naphtali, satisfied with favor, And full with the blessing of Jehovah, Possess thou the west and the south.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 33:23
The physical, geographical location of Napthali made the words of this verse easy of fulfillmentwhy?
Just how was Naphtali to possess. the west and the southread the Amplified Translation for one answer.
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 33:23
23 Of Naphtali he said, O Naphtali, [64]satisfied with favor, and full of the blessing of the Lord, possess the sea [of Galilee] and [its warm, sunny climate like] the south.
[64] For many centuries much of the territory of upper Naphtali was little more than a miasmic swamp, unfit for man or beast. But when the Jews last returned to Palestine they drained and redeemed the area, and by 1940 it was dotted over with thriving colonies, as Moses had foretold, satisfied with favor, and full of the blessing of the Lord,
COMMENT 33:23
Both Moses-’ and Jacob’s prophecies (Cf. Genesis 49:21) are very favorable toward this tribe. Occupying the territory to the west and north of the Sea of Galilee and the upper Jordan, Naphtali enjoyed a free life in his spacious uplands.
POSSESS THOU THE WEST AND THE SOUTH (Deuteronomy 33:23)This phrase has been variously translated and interpreted. As it stands it would appear to describe what their position was to be in relation to the sea of Galilee (Chinnereth). Their territory spread to the west and around to the north and south to the Jordan river. Take possension on the west and south (R.S.V.). The conjecture of the Amplified Bible is a little ingenius: Possess the sea [of Galilee] and [its warm, sunny climate like] the south.
j. ASHER (Deuteronomy 33:24-25)
24
And of Asher he said,
Blessed be Asher with children; Let him be acceptable unto his brethren, And let him dip his foot in oil.
25
Thy bars shall be iron and brass;
And as thy days, so shall thy strength be.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 33:24, 25
The expression let him dip his foot in oil is interpreted in two ways. Read the Comment and the Amplified Translationwhat is your opinion?
Asher was promised great prosperitybut was this fulfilled? How? Cf. Judges 5:17.
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 33:24, 25
24 Of Asher he said, Blessed above sons be Asher; let him be acceptable to his brothers, and [65]let him dip his foot in oil.
[65] The maps of the territory of Asher suggest sometimes the sole of a foot, sometimes the shape of a leg and foot; but in either case the Great International Iraq-Petroleum Enterprise, opened in 1935, crossed the area just at the toe of Asher’s foot. Oil brought nearly 1,000 miles across the sands from Mesopotamia began pouring through pipes into the Haifa harbor a million gallons of oil a day. Jacob had said, In the latter days. Asher, his bread shall be fat (Genesis 49:1; Genesis 49:20), and here Moses says of Asher, Let him dip his foot in oil!
25 Your castles and strongholds shall have bars of iron and bronze; and as your day so shall your strength, your rest and security, be.
COMMENT 33:24, 25
LET HIM DIP HIS FOOT IN OIL (Deuteronomy 33:24)The tribe of Asher was not a warlike tribe, and raised no military hero in all of Israel’s history. But it was a different matter in the case of agriculture and the commerce connected with it.
Asher received the strip of coastland north of mount Carmel (Joshua 19:24-31). Much of her commerce and business is blended with that of her neighbors, the Phoenicians. Indeed, such a town as Tyre, though within her borders, ever remained in Phoenician hands. And Asher may have blended his business enterprise with those of Phoenicia, Compare Judges 1:31-32. But the valleys breaking down westward and opening on the plains have always yielded fine crops of grain. Remains of an ancient oak forest still stand to the N. of Carmel. The vine, the fig, the lemon and the orange flourish. Olive trees abound, and the supplies of olive oil which to this day are exported from the district recall the word of the old-time blessing, -Let him dip his foot in oil.-’(I.S.B.E.). Compare the prophecy of Jacob, Genesis 49:20.
THY BARS SHALL BE IRON AND BRASS (Deuteronomy 33:25)May your door-bolts be iron and copper, And your security last all your days (The Torah). Iron and brass shall be thy fortress; i.e. his dwelling should be strong and impregnable (Pulpit). Asher would fulfill his name, happy.
AS THY DAYS, SO SHALL THY STRENGTH [or Security, Of rest]BE (Deuteronomy 33:25)May. your strength be equal to your days (Berkeley). The whole tenor of Asher’s blessing points toward a peaceful, prosperous, and secure situation. But from all we can learn about this tribe, it was a peace bought at the price of blending, accommodating, and adjusting with his heathen neighbors. When he should have joined his brethren to throw off the yoke of Sisera,
Asher sat still at the haven of the sea, And abode by his creeks.
Deuteronomy 33:26-29
k. BLESSINGS UPON ALL ISRAEL (Deuteronomy 33:26-29)
26
There is none like unto God, I Jeshurun
Who rideth upon the heavens for thy help, And in his excellency on the skies.
27
The eternal God is thy dwelling-place,
And underneath are the everlasting arms: And he thrust out the enemy from before thee, And said, Destroy.
28
And Israel dwelleth in safety
The fountain of Jacob alone, In a land ofgrain and new wine;
Yea, his heavens drop down dew,
29
Happy art thou, O Israel:
Who is like unto thee, a people saved by Jehovah, The shield of thy help, And the sword of thy excellency! And thine enemies shall submit themselves unto thee; And thou shalt tread upon their high places.
THOUGHT QUESTIONS 33:26-29
What a promise of assurance and protection!: The eternal God is thy dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms:why was Israel ever defeated with such a One for their God?
From victory to victory God promised to lead Israelhow sad that it was not trueis there meaning in this for us?
AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 33:26-29
26 There is none like God, O Jeshurun [Israel], Who rides through the heavens to your help, and in His majestic glory through the sky. 27 The eternal God is your refuge and dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He drove the enemy before you and thrust them out, saying, Destroy! 28 And Israel dwells in safety, the fountain of Jacob alone in a land of grain and new wine; yest His heavens drop dew. 29 Happy are you, O Israel, and blessing is yours! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help, the sword that exalts you! Your enemies shall come fawning and cringing, and submit feigned obedience to you, and you shall march on their high places.
COMMENT 33:26-29
This passage comprises a beautiful song of praise to God as well as the assurance of his blessing. As we have seen again and again in Deuteronomy, the continuence of such promises are contingent upon Israel’s faithfulness. We see no reason to discard this principle in the present instance.
JESHURUN (Deuteronomy 33:26)Israel. See Deuteronomy 32:15, note.
THE FOUNTAIN OF JACOB ALONE (Deuteronomy 33:28)That is, the issue or offspring of Jacob (Israel), as the special recipient of God’s favor, rested solely upon his might. He would fight for them (Deuteronomy 1:30) and he would not fail them or forsake them (Deuteronomy 31:6-8, Joshua 1:5-9). They were therefore in a happy and blessed condition (Deuteronomy 33:29), saved by Jehovah, their shield.