Deuteronomy 33:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 33:19, part of Moses' final blessing over the tribes of Israel, specifically highlights the future of Zebulun and Issachar. This verse prophesies their dual prosperity—both material and spiritual. It envisions these tribes leveraging their unique geographical advantages, drawing abundant resources from the sea and the land, which in turn enables them to fulfill a crucial spiritual role: inviting people to a place of worship and offering sacrifices that are righteous and pleasing to God. The verse underscores the divine intention for material blessing to serve a higher, spiritual purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [Deuteronomy 33](/deuteronomy/33 "Deuteronomy 33 - Moses' Farewell Blessing"), a poetic and prophetic blessing delivered by Moses to the twelve tribes of Israel just before his death and their entry into the Promised Land. It serves as a final testament, contrasting with the detailed laws and warnings of earlier chapters in Deuteronomy. Following individual blessings for other tribes, [Deuteronomy 33:18-19](/deuteronomy/33-18 "Deuteronomy 33:18-19 - Blessing of Zebulun and Issachar") focuses on Zebulun and Issachar, portraying their unique contributions to the nation. The overall tone of [Deuteronomy 33](/deuteronomy/33 "Deuteronomy 33 - Moses' Farewell Blessing") is one of hope and divine favor, a final encouragement to Israel as they stand on the cusp of their inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The tribes of Zebulun and Issachar were allocated territories in the northern part of Canaan. Zebulun's inheritance, though not directly on the coast, extended towards the Mediterranean Sea, granting them access to maritime trade routes and coastal resources. Issachar's territory encompassed the fertile Jezreel Valley, a crucial agricultural region and a crossroads for ancient trade routes. The "abundance of the seas" would encompass fishing, sea trade, and perhaps even valuable resources like murex shells for purple dye. "Treasures hid in the sand" could refer to fine sands essential for glassmaking, a significant industry in the region, or other valuable minerals. The "mountain" likely refers to a significant local high place of assembly or worship, or perhaps prophetically points to a central sanctuary, emphasizing a place for communal spiritual gathering.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 33:19](/deuteronomy/33-19 "Deuteronomy 33:19 - Blessing of Zebulun and Issachar") contributes to several key themes found throughout the Pentateuch and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Blessing and Provision**, where God actively endows His people with resources and prosperity, as seen in the promises to Abraham in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - Abrahamic Blessing"). Secondly, it underscores the **Intertwined Nature of Material and Spiritual Prosperity**, suggesting that material blessings are not merely for personal gain but are intended to facilitate spiritual purpose and worship. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Spiritual Influence and Evangelism**, as these tribes are called to "call the people unto the mountain," acting as spiritual magnets to draw others to God. Finally, it speaks to **Righteous Worship**, stressing that the "sacrifices of righteousness" are not just ritualistic but must be offered with integrity and a pure heart, aligning with the call for obedience and devotion found in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord Your God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sacrifices of Righteousness (Hebrew, _zibchey tzedeq'_):** This phrase is crucial, indicating offerings that are not merely ritualistic but are made with integrity, justice, and a right standing before God. It implies a heart aligned with God's will and law, reflecting genuine devotion and obedience, rather than just outward form. This concept is echoed in [Psalm 4:5](/psalm/4-5 "Psalm 4:5 - Offer Sacrifices of Righteousness"), which exhorts believers to "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord."
* **Suck (Hebrew, _yinaqu'_):** The verb "suck" (from the root ינק, _yanaq_) implies a deep, thorough, and sustained enjoyment or extraction of resources, akin to a child nursing from its mother. This vivid imagery conveys not just a superficial benefit but a profound and continuous drawing upon the rich provisions available, signifying complete dependence and abundant supply.
* **Treasures hid in the sand (Hebrew, _sefunei chol'_):** This refers to valuable, often hidden, resources found within the sandy coastal regions. Historically, this could include fine sands crucial for glass production (a significant industry in ancient Phoenicia/Israel), or murex snails from which highly prized purple dye was extracted. It signifies unique, divinely provided natural wealth that contributes to their prosperity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall call the people unto the mountain;":** This clause highlights the spiritual mission of Zebulun and Issachar. Despite their commercial and agricultural pursuits, they are envisioned as spiritual leaders, inviting both fellow Israelites and potentially even Gentiles to a designated place of worship or assembly. This suggests a role in evangelism, hospitality, and fostering communal spiritual life.
* **"there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness:":** At this gathering place, their worship would be characterized by "righteousness." This means their offerings and acts of worship would not be empty rituals but sincere expressions of devotion, integrity, and obedience to God's laws, reflecting a right relationship with Him. It emphasizes the internal disposition accompanying outward acts of worship.
* **"for they shall suck [of] the abundance of the seas, and [of] treasures hid in the sand.":** This final clause provides the reason or enablement for their spiritual role. Their material prosperity, derived from maritime trade, fishing, and unique coastal resources (like glass sand or dyes), is a divine provision that empowers them to fulfill their spiritual calling. Their abundance is not an end in itself but a means to facilitate worship and draw others to God.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 33:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The phrase "abundance of the seas" and "treasures hid in the sand" are striking examples of **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, painting a vivid picture of the material wealth and unique resources available to Zebulun and Issachar. The use of the verb "suck" (Hebrew _yinaqu'_) is a powerful **Metaphor** or **Simile** (implied), suggesting a deep, thorough, and sustained enjoyment of these resources, like a child drawing sustenance from its mother. The "mountain" can be understood as a **Synecdoche**, representing a place of worship or pilgrimage, or more broadly, a spiritual high ground. The verse also exhibits **Juxtaposition**, placing material prosperity directly alongside spiritual responsibility, illustrating how one can enable the other. Overall, the passage functions as a **Prophecy**, foretelling the future conditions and spiritual role of these tribes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 33:19 beautifully illustrates the biblical principle that God's blessings are often holistic, encompassing both material provision and spiritual purpose. The prosperity granted to Zebulun and Issachar was not intended for mere self-enrichment but was intrinsically linked to their calling to draw others to worship and offer righteous sacrifices. This aligns with the broader covenantal understanding that Israel was blessed to be a blessing to the nations, reflecting God's desire for His people to be a light to the world. It underscores that all resources, whether natural gifts, talents, or material wealth, are ultimately from God and are to be stewarded for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom, transforming secular advantages into sacred opportunities.

* [Isaiah 60:5-6](/isaiah/60-5 "Isaiah 60:5-6 - The Abundance of the Sea Brought to Zion")
* [Psalm 4:5](/psalm/4-5 "Psalm 4:5 - Offer Sacrifices of Righteousness")
* [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 33:19 offers profound principles for believers today, reminding us that our blessings, whether material possessions, unique talents, or spheres of influence, are not solely for our personal comfort or gain. Just as Zebulun and Issachar were endowed with resources to draw others to worship, we are called to steward our own "abundance of the seas" and "treasures hid in the sand" for God's glory and the benefit of others. This involves actively using our gifts and opportunities to invite people to encounter God, whether through direct evangelism, acts of service, or living a life that reflects His righteousness. Our "mountain" might be our local church, our community, our workplace, or any sphere where we can be a spiritual magnet, offering lives that are "sacrifices of righteousness"—lives of integrity, justice, and genuine devotion. This verse challenges us to see our resources as tools for mission, transforming our daily lives into acts of worship that draw others closer to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I currently steward the "abundance of the seas" and "treasures hid in the sand" (my resources, talents, and influence) that God has given me?**
* **In what practical ways am I "calling people unto the mountain"—inviting others to encounter God and participate in righteous worship?**
* **What does "sacrifices of righteousness" look like in my daily life, beyond formal religious rituals, and how can I deepen my commitment to living a life of integrity and devotion?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "mountain" in this verse?**

Answer: The "mountain" in [Deuteronomy 33:19](/deuteronomy/33-19 "Deuteronomy 33:19 - Blessing of Zebulun and Issachar") likely refers to a designated place of worship or assembly, a high place where people would gather for spiritual purposes. While not explicitly named, it could symbolically point to a future central sanctuary like Mount Zion in Jerusalem, or more generally signify a place of divine encounter and pilgrimage. It emphasizes a communal gathering for worship, distinct from individual devotion, highlighting the role of Zebulun and Issachar in facilitating corporate worship and drawing others into God's presence.

**How did Zebulun and Issachar fulfill this prophecy historically?**

Answer: Historically, Zebulun and Issachar were known for their commercial activity and fertile lands, which aligns with the prophecy of "abundance of the seas" and "treasures hid in the sand." While specific historical records detailing their "calling people to the mountain" are scarce, their strategic location facilitated trade, bringing people from various regions into contact with Israelite culture and faith. Rabbinic tradition suggests a partnership where Zebulun's commercial success supported Issachar's dedication to Torah study, indicating a joint contribution to the spiritual life of Israel. Their prosperity, as described in [Deuteronomy 33:19](/deuteronomy/33-19 "Deuteronomy 33:19 - Blessing of Zebulun and Issachar"), would have enabled them to host or support such gatherings, fulfilling the spirit of the prophecy by acting as a conduit for both material and spiritual blessings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 33:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true "mountain" to which all peoples are called, as prophesied in [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - The Mountain of the Lord's House"), drawing all humanity to Himself through His finished work on the cross. Through His perfect sacrifice, He has enabled us to offer true "sacrifices of righteousness," not through animal offerings, but through lives transformed by His grace, as described in [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice") and [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices"). The "abundance of the seas" and "treasures hid in the sand" can be seen as foreshadowing the immeasurable spiritual riches and boundless grace found in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and the diverse nations (like the "abundance of the sea") who are drawn to Him through the gospel, forming a multitude from every tribe and tongue ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Great Multitude from Every Nation")). Believers, as the body of Christ, continue this calling, using their spiritual gifts and earthly resources to bring others to the "mountain" which is Christ Himself, offering lives of worship and service that glorify God.

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

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.