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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 33:22–25. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. The blessing of Dan, Deu 33:22. Jacob in his blessing had compared him to a serpent for subtlety; Moses compares him to a lion for courage and resolution: and what could stand before those that had the head of a serpent and the heart of a lion? He is compared to the lions that leaped from Bashan, a mountain noted for fierce lions, whence they came down to leap upon their prey in the plains. This may refer either, 1. To the particular victories obtained by Samson (who was of this tribe) over the Philistines. The Spirit of the Lord began to move him in the camp of Dan when he was very young, as a lion's whelp, so that in his attacks upon the Philistines he surprised them, and overpowered them by main strength, as a lion does his prey; and one of his first exploits was the rending of a lion. Or, 2. To a more general achievement of that tribe, when a party of them, upon information brought them of the security of Laish, which lay in the furthest part of the land of Canaan from them, surprised it, and soon made themselves masters of it. See Jdg 18:27. And, the mountains of Bashan lying not far from that city, probably thence they made their descent upon it; and therefore are here said to leap from Bashan.
II.The blessing of Naphtali, Deu 33:23.
He looks upon this tribe with wonder, and applauds it: "O Naphtali, thou art happy, thou shalt be so, mayest thou be ever so!" Three things make up the happiness of this tribe: - 1. Be thou satisfied with favour. Some understand it of the favour of men, their good-will and good word. Jacob had described this tribe to be, generally, courteous obliging people, giving goodly words, as the loving hind, Gen 49:21. Now what should they get by being so? Moses here tells them they should have an interest in the affections of their neighbours, and be satisfied with favour. Those that are loving shall be beloved. But others understand it of the favour of God, and with good reason; for that only is the favour that is satisfying to the soul and puts true gladness into the heart. Those are happy indeed that have the favour of God; and those shall have it that place their satisfaction in it, and reckon that, in having that, they have enough and desire no more. 2. Be thou full with the blessing of the Lord, that is, not only with those good things that are the fruits of the blessing (corn, and wine, and oil), but with the blessing itself; that is, the grace of God, according to his promise and covenant. Those who have that blessing may well reckon themselves full: they need nothing else to make them happy. "The portion of the tribe of Naphtali" (the Jews say) "was so fruitful, and the productions so forward, though it lay north, that those of that tribe were generally the first that brought their first-fruits to the temple; and so they had first the blessing from the priest, which was the blessing of the Lord." Capernaum, in which Christ chiefly resided, lay in this tribe. 3. Be thou in possession of the sea and the south; so it may be read, that is, of that sea which shall lie south of thy lot, that was the sea of Galilee, which we so often read of in the gospels, directly north of which the lot of this tribe lay, and which was of great advantage to this tribe, witness the wealth of Capernaum and Bethsaida, which lay within this tribe, and upon the shore of that sea. See how Moses was guided by a spirit of prophesy in these blessings; for before the lot was cast into the lap he foresaw and foretold how the disposal of it would be.
III.The blessing of Asher, Deu 33:24, Deu 33:25.
Four things he prays for and prophecies concerning this tribe, which carries blessedness in its name; for Leah called the father of it Asher, saying Happy am I, Gen 30:13.
1.The increase of their numbers. They were now a numerous tribe, Num 26:47. "Let it be more so: Let Asher be blessed with children." Note, Children, especially children of the covenant, are blessings, not burdens.
2.Their interest in their neighbours: Let him be acceptable to his brethren. Note, It is a very desirable thing to have the love and good-will of those we live among: it is what we should pray to God for, who has all hearts in his hand; and what we should endeavour to gain by meekness and humility, and a readiness, as we have ability and opportunity, to do good to all men.
3.The richness of their land.
(1.)Above ground: Let him dip his foot in oil, that is, "Let him have such plenty of it in his lot that he may not only anoint his head with it, but, if he please, wash his feet in it," which was not commonly done; yet we find our blessed Saviour so acceptable to his brethren that his feet were anointed with the most precious ointment, Luk 7:46.
(2.)Under ground: Thy shoes shall be iron and brass, that is, "Thou shalt have great plenty of these metals (mines of them) in thy own ground, which by an uncommon blessing shall have both its surface and its bowels rich:" or, if they had them not as the productions of their own country, they should have them imported from abroad; for the lot of this tribe lay on the sea-coast. The Chaldee paraphrasts understand this figuratively: "Thou shalt be strong and bright, as iron and brass." 4. The continuance of their strength and vigour: As thy days, so shall thy strength be. Many paraphrase it thus, "The strength of thy old age shall be like that of thy youth; thou shalt not feel a decay, nor be the worse for the wearing, but shalt renew thy youth; as if not thy shoes only, but thy bones, were iron and brass." The day is often in scripture put for the events of the day; and, taking it so here, it is a promise that God would graciously support them under their trials and troubles, whatever they were. And so it is a promise sure to all the spiritual seed of Abraham, that God will wisely proportion their graces and comforts to the services and sufferings he calls them out to. Have they work appointed them? They shall have strength to do it. Have they burdens appointed them? They shall have strength to bear them; and never be tempted above that they are able. Faithful is he that has thus promised, and hath caused us to hope in this promise.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
The sea: The lake of Genesareth.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 33:23 records Moses' profound prophetic blessing upon the tribe of Naphtali, portraying them as uniquely "satisfied with favour" and "full with the blessing of the LORD." This divine endowment signifies not only spiritual contentment but also a comprehensive, overflowing abundance that extends to a tangible promise of a secure and prosperous territorial inheritance, specifically "the west and the south." This verse encapsulates God's gratuitous grace, unwavering faithfulness, and benevolent provision for His people, ensuring their flourishing both spiritually and materially as they stood poised to enter and possess the Promised Land.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 33 stands as Moses' final, poetic testament and blessing upon the twelve tribes of Israel, delivered just before his death and the nation's imminent entry into the Promised Land. It intentionally echoes and expands upon Jacob's patriarchal blessings in Genesis 49, yet Moses' pronouncements are distinctively prophetic, focusing on the tribes' future roles, characteristics, and territorial allotments within Canaan. This chapter serves as a climactic farewell, a powerful affirmation of God's covenant faithfulness, and a profound encouragement to the Israelites as they stood on the precipice of fulfilling the promises made to their ancestors. Each tribal blessing, including that of Naphtali, contributes to a rich mosaic of Israel's collective destiny under God's sovereign hand, guiding their identity and purpose in the land.
Historical & Cultural Context
The blessings in Deuteronomy 33 were given at a pivotal moment in Israelite history: the culmination of their forty-year wilderness wandering and the imminent conquest of Canaan. The nation was poised to transition from a nomadic existence to a settled agricultural society, making the promise of a secure land inheritance profoundly significant. In the ancient Near East, patriarchal blessings were highly esteemed, carrying immense legal, social, and spiritual weight, often determining a person's or group's future status and prosperity. For the Israelites, the land was not merely a physical possession but a tangible manifestation of God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:7), a sacred inheritance that symbolized their unique relationship with Yahweh. Moses' blessings reinforced this understanding, preparing the tribes psychologically and spiritually for the challenges and blessings of their new home.
Key Themes
Deuteronomy 33:23 powerfully articulates several foundational themes central to the Pentateuch and beyond. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Favor and Abundance, portraying Naphtali as recipients of God's overflowing goodness. The phrases "satisfied with favour" and "full with the blessing of the LORD" speak to a comprehensive and gratuitous provision that goes beyond mere sufficiency, indicating a state of profound contentment and spiritual prosperity. This highlights God's benevolent character and His desire to bless His people comprehensively, as seen throughout the Pentateuch, for example, in the extensive blessings promised for obedience in Deuteronomy 28. Secondly, the verse emphasizes Secure Inheritance, referring to Naphtali's specific land allocation. Their territory, detailed in Joshua 19:32-39, was strategically located in the fertile northern region of Canaan, extending towards the Sea of Galilee. This promise of a definite and fruitful possession reinforces God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises regarding the land, a central motif from Genesis through Joshua.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word denotes being satiated or filled to contentment, often in a pleasant sense. In this context, it signifies a profound and complete fulfillment of needs and desires, particularly in relation to God's favor. It implies a state of deep inner peace and sufficiency, where one lacks nothing essential because of divine provision.
This term carries the meaning of delight, good pleasure, acceptance, or goodwill. In Deuteronomy 33:23, it signifies God's personal approval, benevolent disposition, and active good pleasure towards the tribe of Naphtali. It implies a state of being in God's good graces, where His will is favorably inclined towards them, leading to their satisfaction and contentment. It is not merely an absence of displeasure, but an active, positive regard from the Divine.
This term carries a rich semantic range, encompassing divine enablement, empowerment, prosperity, and tangible benefits. It refers to the bestowal of divine favor that results in flourishing life, fruitfulness, and material well-being. When one is "full with the blessing of the LORD," it suggests an overflowing abundance that encompasses all aspects of life, from agricultural prosperity to spiritual vitality, as exemplified in Proverbs 10:22.
Verse Breakdown
"And of Naphtali he said"
This introductory clause establishes Moses as the authoritative speaker and the tribe of Naphtali as the direct recipient of this specific prophetic utterance. It places this blessing within the larger framework of Moses' final words to all the tribes of Israel, underscoring its divine inspiration and covenantal significance as a foundational pronouncement for their future.
"O Naphtali, satisfied with favour"
This exclamatory address directly appeals to Naphtali, highlighting a state of deep contentment and fulfillment derived from God's "favour" (râtsôwn). The word "satisfied" (sâbêaʻ) implies a complete and abundant provision, where all needs and desires are met by God's goodwill, leading to a profound sense of peace and sufficiency. This speaks to a spiritual and existential contentment that transcends mere material gain, rooted in God's benevolent disposition.
"and full with the blessing of the LORD"
This phrase further amplifies the previous declaration, emphasizing an overflowing abundance of God's "blessing" (Bᵉrâkâh). "Full" (mâlêʼ) suggests a measure that is not just adequate but superabundant, indicating a comprehensive and pervasive divine enablement that brings prosperity and flourishing in every aspect of life. The explicit mention of "the LORD" (Yahweh) as the source underscores the divine origin and covenantal nature of this overflowing provision, highlighting His character as the faithful Giver.
"possess thou the west and the south"
This is a direct command and a prophetic promise regarding Naphtali's specific territorial inheritance in Canaan. "The west" would likely refer to the region bordering the Sea of Galilee, known for its fertility and fishing, while "the south" would indicate the fertile plains extending downwards from their central tribal area. This specific geographical designation confirms God's faithfulness in allocating land to His people, providing a tangible manifestation of His blessing and a secure, prosperous place for their future settlement and flourishing.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 33:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with depth and impact. The most prominent is Prophecy, as Moses delivers a divinely inspired foresight into Naphtali's future condition and territorial inheritance. The use of Parallelism is evident in the phrases "satisfied with favour" and "full with the blessing of the LORD," where two clauses express similar ideas using different but complementary language, intensifying the sense of abundant divine provision and holistic well-being. This also borders on Hyperbole, as "satisfied" and "full" suggest an overwhelming, almost excessive, degree of blessing and contentment, emphasizing the boundless nature of God's generosity. Furthermore, the mention of "the west and the south" serves as Metonymy, where specific geographical directions stand for the entirety of Naphtali's tribal territory, making the promise concrete and specific. The very concepts of "favour" and "blessing" can be seen as Symbolism, representing God's active, benevolent presence and His unwavering covenant faithfulness towards His chosen people.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 33:23 profoundly connects to the overarching biblical themes of divine covenant, God's character as a generous and faithful provider, and the concept of inheritance. The favor and blessing bestowed upon Naphtali are not arbitrary but flow directly from God's covenantal commitment to Israel, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. This verse illustrates that God delights in blessing His people, not just with material prosperity but with a deep spiritual contentment that satisfies the soul. It foreshadows the ultimate spiritual inheritance promised to all believers, a fulfillment of God's abundant grace that transcends geographical boundaries and material possessions, culminating in the spiritual riches found in Christ and the eternal joy of His presence.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 33:23 offers a timeless blueprint for understanding and experiencing God's abundant provision in our lives. Just as Naphtali was "satisfied with favour" and "full with the blessing of the LORD," believers today are invited into a life characterized by divine grace and overflowing goodness. This verse challenges us to cultivate a spirit of profound contentment, recognizing that true satisfaction comes not from endless striving or accumulating more, but from resting in God's benevolent disposition towards us. Our spiritual inheritance in Christ far surpasses any physical land, encompassing every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. We are called to "possess" these spiritual realities through faith, living in the fullness of God's favor and blessing, trusting that He delights to meet our needs and fill our lives with His presence and provision. This perspective shifts our focus from earthly scarcity to heavenly abundance, reminding us that in Christ, we are truly rich, deeply satisfied, and eternally secure in our divine inheritance.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was unique about Naphtali's territory that made this blessing significant?
Naphtali's territory, located in the northern part of Canaan, was uniquely fertile and strategically important. The "west" likely referred to the region bordering the Sea of Galilee (also known as the Sea of Kinnereth), which was rich in fishing resources and had fertile plains. The "south" would have encompassed the fertile plains extending from their central tribal area. This land was known for its agricultural bounty, particularly its olive groves and vineyards, and its access to vital trade routes. The blessing to "possess thou the west and the south" therefore promised not just a secure inheritance, but one of rich agricultural prosperity and strategic advantage, ensuring their material flourishing as a tribe.
Does "satisfied with favour" imply that Naphtali was a particularly righteous tribe?
While righteousness certainly brings God's favor, the blessing in Deuteronomy 33:23 primarily emphasizes God's gratuitous grace and benevolent disposition rather than Naphtali's inherent merit. The Hebrew word for "favour" (râtsôwn) often highlights God's good pleasure and delight. This suggests that the blessing was a manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire to bless His people, irrespective of their perfect obedience. It speaks more to God's character as a generous giver than to Naphtali's specific moral standing, though their future faithfulness would certainly be a factor in maintaining this blessing.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The blessing upon Naphtali in Deuteronomy 33:23 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "favour" and "blessing of the LORD" that filled Naphtali are supremely embodied in Christ, who is God's beloved Son, the one "in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). Through Christ, believers are not merely satisfied but are "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 1:3), receiving a spiritual inheritance that far surpasses any earthly provision. The territorial inheritance promised to Naphtali, a physical land of abundance, foreshadows the eternal spiritual inheritance that is ours in Christ – an eternal kingdom, a heavenly country (Hebrews 11:16), and the promise of eternal life itself. We are no longer bound by earthly borders but are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20) and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). In Him, we are truly "full" of grace and truth (John 1:14), receiving an abundance that ensures our eternal satisfaction, spiritual prosperity, and secure dwelling in God's presence.