Deuteronomy 33:19

King James Version:

(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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

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."

Berean Standard Bible:

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.”

American Standard Version:

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.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

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}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Isaiah 60:5

  • Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

Psalms 4:5

  • Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

Isaiah 2:3

  • And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Psalms 51:16

  • For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

Psalms 51:17

  • The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Psalms 50:13

  • Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?

Psalms 50:15

  • And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

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Commentary for Deuteronomy 33:19

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

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H7121
    There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: קָרָא
    Transliteration: qârâʼ
    Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
    Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
  2. Strong's Number: H5971
    There are 1654 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עַם
    Transliteration: ʻam
    Pronunciation: am
    Description: from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people.
  3. Strong's Number: H2022
    There are 485 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: הַר
    Transliteration: har
    Pronunciation: har
    Description: a shortened form of הָרָר; a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively); hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion.
  4. Strong's Number: H2076
    There are 127 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: זָבַח
    Transliteration: zâbach
    Pronunciation: zaw-bakh'
    Description: a primitive root; to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice); kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay.
  5. Strong's Number: H2077
    There are 153 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: זֶבַח
    Transliteration: zebach
    Pronunciation: zeh'-bakh
    Description: from זָבַח; properly, a slaughter, i.e. the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act); offer(-ing), sacrifice.
  6. Strong's Number: H6664
    There are 109 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: צֶדֶק
    Transliteration: tsedeq
    Pronunciation: tseh'-dek
    Description: from צָדַק; the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity; [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness).
  7. Strong's Number: H3243
    There are 30 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יָנַק
    Transliteration: yânaq
    Pronunciation: yaw-nak'
    Description: a primitive root; to suck; causatively, to give milk; milch, nurse(-ing mother), (give, make to) suck(-ing child, -ling).
  8. Strong's Number: H8228
    There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שֶׁפַע
    Transliteration: shephaʻ
    Pronunciation: sheh'-fah
    Description: from an unused root meaning to abound; resources; abundance.
  9. Strong's Number: H3220
    There are 339 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יָם
    Transliteration: yâm
    Pronunciation: yawm
    Description: from an unused root meaning to roar; a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river, or an artifical basin; locally, the west, or (rarely) the south; sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward).
  10. Strong's Number: H8226
    There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שָׂפַן
    Transliteration: sâphan
    Pronunciation: saw-fan'
    Description: a primitive root; to conceal (as a valuable); treasure.
  11. Strong's Number: H2934
    There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: טָמַן
    Transliteration: ṭâman
    Pronunciation: taw-man'
    Description: a primitive root; to hide (by covering over); hide, lay privily, in secret.
  12. Strong's Number: H2344
    There are 23 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חוֹל
    Transliteration: chôwl
    Pronunciation: khole
    Description: from חוּל; sand (as round or whirling particles); sand.