(The Lord speaking is red text)
They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck [of] the abundance of the seas, and [of] treasures hid in the sand.
They will summon peoples to the mountain and there offer righteous sacrifices; for they will draw from the abundance of the seas and from the hidden treasures of the sand."
They will call the peoples to a mountain; there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.”
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.
They shall call{H7121} the people{H5971} unto the mountain{H2022}; there they shall offer{H2076} sacrifices{H2077} of righteousness{H6664}: for they shall suck{H3243} of the abundance{H8228} of the seas{H3220}, and of treasures{H8226} hid{H2934} in the sand{H2344}.
Deuteronomy 33:19 is part of the blessing that Moses pronounces upon the tribe of Levi, the priestly tribe of Israel, as he prepares to die and leave the leadership of the Israelites to Joshua. This verse encapsulates several themes:
1. **Role of the Levites**: The Levites are called to summon or invite the people to the mountain, which is likely a reference to Mount Zion or the mountain where God revealed His law, symbolizing a place of worship and divine encounter. This underscores their role as religious leaders and intercessors for the people.
2. **Offering of Sacrifices**: The verse speaks of the Levites offering "sacrifices of righteousness," which suggests that their worship and priestly duties are to be conducted with integrity and in accordance with God's commandments. This reflects the importance of righteous conduct in worship and the Levites' responsibility to maintain the sanctity of religious practices.
3. **Prosperity and Provision**: The latter part of the verse promises that the Levites will benefit from the "abundance of the seas" and "treasures hid in the sand." Since the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, they relied on the offerings and tithes of the people. This promise can be seen as a metaphor for the rich blessings that would come to them through their service to God and the generosity of the faithful.
4. **Historical Context**: Historically, this blessing was given during the time when the Israelites were on the brink of entering the Promised Land. It was a period of transition and anticipation. Moses, as the lawgiver, was affirming the Levites' role in the religious and social structure of Israel, ensuring that the next generation would remember and honor the Levites' unique position and responsibilities.
In summary, Deuteronomy 33:19 emphasizes the sacred duties of the Levites, their role in leading the people in worship, the righteousness that should characterize their offerings, and the divine promise of provision for their faithful service. It serves as both a blessing and a charge to the Levites as they were to continue guiding the spiritual life of the nation of Israel.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)