Deuteronomy 33:16

KJV

And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and [for] the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let [the blessing] come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him [that was] separated from his brethren.

KJV (with Strong's)

And for the precious things {H4022} of the earth {H776} and fulness {H4393} thereof, and for the good will {H7522} of him that dwelt {H7931} in the bush {H5572}: let the blessing come {H935} upon the head {H7218} of Joseph {H3130}, and upon the top of the head {H6936} of him that was separated {H5139} from his brethren {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

with the best from the earth and all that fills it, and the favor of him who lived in the [burning] bush. May blessing come on the head of Yosef, on the brow of the prince among his brothers.

Berean Standard Bible

with the choice gifts of the land and everything in it, and with the favor of Him who dwelt in the burning bush. May these rest on the head of Joseph and crown the brow of the prince of his brothers.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 33:16 captures Moses' profound prophetic blessing upon the tribe of Joseph, encapsulating divine favor, abundant provision, and the unique, providential journey of Joseph, who was divinely set apart from his brethren. This verse powerfully links the promised blessings of the land to the enduring "good will" of the God who revealed Himself in the burning bush, underscoring His covenant faithfulness and active involvement in the destiny of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Moses' farewell address and blessing upon the twelve tribes of Israel, recorded in [Deuteronomy chapter 33](/deuteronomy/33 "Deuteronomy 33 - Moses' Blessing on the Tribes"). Following the detailed exposition of the Mosaic Law and the covenant renewal in the preceding chapters, Moses, on the cusp of his death, delivers a final prophetic word to each tribe, echoing and expanding upon the patriarchal blessings given by Jacob in [Genesis chapter 49](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Blessings"). The blessing for Joseph (which includes the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh) is notably extensive and rich, reflecting the significant role his descendants would play in the future of Israel, particularly in the northern kingdom. It stands as a testament to God's enduring covenant promises as the nation prepares to enter the Promised Land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the plains of Moab, poised to cross the Jordan River and conquer Canaan. Their identity was deeply rooted in their tribal affiliations and their shared history of deliverance from Egypt. Agricultural prosperity and the abundance of the land were paramount concerns for a people transitioning from nomadic life to settled existence. The reference to "him that dwelt in the bush" immediately evokes the foundational event of God's self-revelation to Moses at Mount Horeb in [Exodus chapter 3](/exodus/3 "Exodus 3 - The Burning Bush and Moses' Call"), a pivotal moment that established God's covenant relationship with Israel and initiated their liberation. This historical anchor grounds the future blessings in God's past faithfulness and miraculous intervention. Joseph's personal history, marked by betrayal and subsequent exaltation, was a well-known narrative that resonated deeply with the tribal memory, symbolizing God's ability to turn adversity into triumph.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 33:16](/deuteronomy/33-16 "Deuteronomy 33:16 - Moses' Blessing on Joseph") contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Favor and Covenant Faithfulness**, emphasizing that the blessings bestowed are not arbitrary but flow from God's steadfast character and His covenant relationship with Israel, particularly as revealed at the [burning bush](/exodus/3-2 "Exodus 3:2 - God Appears in the Burning Bush"). Secondly, the verse underscores **Abundance and Prosperity**, promising the "precious things of the earth," which speaks to God's desire to provide bountifully for His people, both materially and spiritually, as they inherit the land. This theme is central to Deuteronomy's vision of a blessed life in obedience to God's commands. Lastly, the reference to Joseph as "him that was separated from his brethren" powerfully develops the theme of **Providential Exaltation through Suffering**. Joseph's life, marked by unjust suffering and separation ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Genesis 37:28 - Joseph Sold into Slavery")), ultimately led to his divine appointment as a savior for his family and nations ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Words to His Brothers")). This narrative thread reinforces the idea that God's purposes often unfold through unexpected and challenging circumstances, ultimately leading to vindication and blessing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Precious things (Hebrew, _meged_):** This term refers to the choicest produce, the excellent fruits, and the most desirable products of the earth. It denotes the very best of agricultural and natural abundance, suggesting a land rich in resources and yielding its finest produce to Joseph's descendants. It implies not just sufficiency, but superlative bounty and quality.
* **Good will (Hebrew, _ratzon_):** This word signifies divine favor, delight, pleasure, or acceptance. When applied to God, it speaks of His benevolent disposition, His gracious will, and His active pleasure in blessing His people. It is not a passive wish but an active, powerful inclination of God's character that brings about the desired outcome. The phrase "good will of him that dwelt in the bush" firmly anchors the blessing in God's specific, revealed character and His covenant initiative.
* **Separated (Hebrew, _nazir_):** While often associated with the Nazarite vow (Numbers 6), here the term carries a broader meaning of one who is "consecrated," "set apart," or "distinguished." In Joseph's context, it powerfully alludes to his literal separation from his family when sold into slavery ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Genesis 37:28 - Joseph Sold into Slavery")), but also to his unique destiny and divine appointment. It highlights his distinct status, not merely as an outcast, but as one divinely elevated and crowned among his brothers, fulfilling Jacob's earlier prophecy in [Genesis 49:26](/genesis/49-26 "Genesis 49:26 - Jacob's Blessing on Joseph").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof":** This clause pronounces a blessing of abundant material prosperity and natural resources for the tribe of Joseph. It encompasses the choicest produce of the land, its agricultural richness, and all its inherent wealth. It speaks to a comprehensive and overflowing provision from creation itself, signifying God's desire to bless His people with physical sustenance and well-being.
* **"and [for] the good will of him that dwelt in the bush":** This is a profound theological statement, directly attributing the source of the blessing to Yahweh, the God who revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:2-6](/exodus/3-2 "Exodus 3:2-6 - God's Revelation at the Burning Bush")). It emphasizes that the prosperity of Joseph's descendants is not merely due to natural causes or human effort, but flows from the active, benevolent, and covenantal will of the sovereign God who initiated Israel's redemption. It grounds the blessing in divine power and faithfulness.
* **"let [the blessing] come upon the head of Joseph":** This is the direct petition for the blessing to be poured out upon Joseph and, by extension, his descendants (the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh). The "head" symbolizes the entire person and, by extension, the entire tribal lineage, indicating a comprehensive and encompassing blessing upon their leadership, prosperity, and future.
* **"and upon the top of the head of him [that was] separated from his brethren":** This phrase serves as a powerful reiteration and amplification of the recipient, specifically highlighting Joseph's unique and divinely ordained status. The repetition of "head" emphasizes the totality of the blessing. The description "separated from his brethren" points to Joseph's extraordinary life journey, where his initial separation through betrayal ultimately led to his exalted position and his role in preserving his family, underscoring God's providential hand in transforming adversity into a blessing.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 33:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The use of **Parallelism** is evident in the repetition of "upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren," which emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the blessing and reinforces the identity of the recipient. The phrase "precious things of the earth and fulness thereof" uses **Merism** or **Hyperbole** to convey the idea of complete and overflowing abundance, encompassing all possible good things from the land. The verse is rich in **Allusion**, most notably to the foundational narrative of God's self-revelation at the **burning bush** ([Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "Exodus 3 - The Burning Bush")) and to the entire life story of Joseph, particularly his betrayal, suffering, and subsequent exaltation as "him that was separated" ([Genesis 37-50](/genesis/37 "Genesis 37 - Joseph's Dreams and His Brothers' Plot")). This allusive language adds layers of historical and theological depth. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** in the description of Joseph as "separated," as what began as a traumatic and unjust separation (being sold into slavery) was ultimately transformed by God's providence into a unique status of exaltation and blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 33:16 stands as a profound testament to God's sovereign good will and His capacity to bring about blessing even through the most challenging circumstances. The explicit reference to "him that dwelt in the bush" firmly roots the blessing in God's unchanging character as the covenant-keeping God who actively intervenes in human history. This verse teaches that true prosperity, encompassing both material abundance and spiritual favor, originates from the divine initiative and is a manifestation of God's benevolent disposition towards His chosen people. Joseph's story, embedded within this blessing, serves as a powerful theological paradigm: suffering and separation, when submitted to divine providence, can become the very means by which God sets individuals apart for unique purposes and ultimately brings about their vindication and exaltation. It underscores that God's plan is often revealed not in spite of adversity, but through it, demonstrating His faithfulness to those whom He has called and consecrated.

* [Genesis 49:22-26](/genesis/49-22 "Genesis 49:22-26 - Jacob's Blessing on Joseph")
* [Exodus 3:2-6](/exodus/3-2 "Exodus 3:2-6 - God's Revelation to Moses at the Burning Bush")
* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Perspective on His Brothers' Evil Intent")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 33:16 offers enduring lessons for believers navigating life's complexities. It reminds us that God's "good will" is the ultimate source of all true blessing, extending far beyond mere material possessions to encompass His active favor and providential care over our lives. Just as God set Joseph apart and used his painful "separation" for a greater redemptive purpose, so too can our seasons of hardship, isolation, or perceived injustice be transformed into periods of divine preparation and unique anointing. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises. It affirms that God is capable and willing to provide abundantly for His people, not only with the "precious things of the earth" but also with spiritual richness and fulfillment. Our response should be one of grateful recognition of His unfailing good will and a confident expectation that He works all things for the good of those who are called according to His purpose, setting us apart for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's "good will" (His _ratzon_) shape my understanding of His provision and blessings in my life today?**
* **In what ways have I experienced periods of "separation" or hardship that God ultimately used to set me apart for a unique purpose or bring about unexpected blessings?**
* **What are the "precious things" (both tangible and intangible) that God has provided in my life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for them?**
* **How does Joseph's story encourage me to trust God's sovereignty and purpose, even when I cannot see the immediate outcome of difficult circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "him that dwelt in the bush" in this blessing?**

Answer: The phrase "him that dwelt in the bush" is a direct and powerful allusion to God's self-revelation to Moses at the burning bush on Mount Horeb, as recorded in [Exodus chapter 3](/exodus/3 "Exodus 3 - The Burning Bush and Moses' Call"). This was the foundational moment when God revealed His holy presence, declared His covenant name (Yahweh), and commissioned Moses to lead Israel out of slavery. In Deuteronomy 33:16, linking the blessing to "him that dwelt in the bush" signifies that the blessings upon Joseph's tribe are not random but flow directly from the character and covenant faithfulness of the God who initiated Israel's redemption. It underscores God's active, personal involvement and His benevolent disposition towards His people, grounding the future prosperity in His historical, miraculous intervention.

**Why is Joseph singled out with such a profound and extensive blessing compared to other tribes?**

Answer: Joseph receives a particularly rich blessing for several reasons rooted in his unique history and the subsequent prominence of his descendants. Firstly, Joseph's personal story of suffering, faithfulness, and ultimate exaltation ([Genesis 37-50](/genesis/37 "Genesis 37 - Joseph's Story")) made him a pivotal figure in Israel's survival. He was instrumental in preserving his family during a severe famine, effectively saving the nascent nation. Secondly, Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were adopted by Jacob as his own ([Genesis 48:5](/genesis/48-5 "Genesis 48:5 - Jacob Adopts Joseph's Sons")), effectively granting Joseph a "double portion" or two tribal inheritances within Israel. These two tribes, particularly Ephraim, became highly influential and populous, often representing the entire northern kingdom of Israel in later biblical history. Moses' blessing reflects this historical and future significance, acknowledging God's special favor and providential care over Joseph's lineage.

**How does Joseph's "separation" relate to the blessing he receives?**

Answer: The phrase "him that was separated from his brethren" refers to Joseph's traumatic experience of being sold into slavery by his brothers ([Genesis 37:28](/genesis/37-28 "Genesis 37:28 - Joseph Sold into Slavery")). However, in this context, "separated" (Hebrew: _nazir_) also carries the connotation of being "consecrated," "set apart," or "distinguished" for a special purpose. What began as a painful and unjust separation ultimately became the means by which God elevated Joseph to a position of power in Egypt, enabling him to save his family and many nations from famine. This highlights God's sovereignty in turning evil for good ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - Joseph's Words to His Brothers")) and His ability to use adversity to set individuals apart for unique divine purposes. The blessing acknowledges not only Joseph's past suffering but also his unique status and the divine purpose behind his trials, culminating in his vindication and exaltation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 33:16, with its focus on Joseph's unique status, divine favor, and providential exaltation through suffering, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Joseph, "separated from his brethren" through betrayal and suffering, yet ultimately exalted to a position of power to save his people, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Jesus, too, was "separated" from His brethren, rejected by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Rejected by His Own")), and subjected to profound suffering and death. Yet, through this ultimate act of separation and sacrifice, God's "good will" was perfectly manifested. The "good will of him that dwelt in the bush," the very presence of God, finds its fullest expression in Christ, "the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). All the "precious things of the earth and fulness thereof," indeed, all spiritual blessings, are now found "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")). He is the one upon whom the blessing truly comes, the ultimate "Prince" and "Savior" who was humiliated but then "highly exalted" ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")) to bring salvation and abundant life to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 7:35

This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send [to be] a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.

Exodus 3:2

And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush [was] not consumed.

Exodus 3:4

And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here [am] I.

Psalms 24:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The earth [is] the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Psalms 50:12

If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world [is] mine, and the fulness thereof.

Mark 12:26

And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I [am] the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?

Acts 7:30

¶ And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.