Deuteronomy 33:24

KJV

And of Asher he said, [Let] Asher [be] blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of Asher {H836} he said {H559}, Let Asher {H836} be blessed {H1288} with children {H1121}; let him be acceptable {H7521} to his brethren {H251}, and let him dip {H2881} his foot {H7272} in oil {H8081}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Of Asher he said: "May Asher be most blessed of sons, may he be the favorite among his brothers and bathe his feet in oil.

Berean Standard Bible

And concerning Asher he said: “May Asher be the most blessed of sons; may he be the most favored among his brothers and dip his foot in oil.

American Standard Version

And of Asher he said, Blessed be Asher with children; Let him be acceptable unto his brethren, And let him dip his foot in oil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 33:24 presents Moses' prophetic blessing upon the tribe of Asher, foretelling a future marked by exceptional fertility, social acceptance, and unparalleled material abundance. This blessing highlights God's specific provision for each tribe within the Promised Land, emphasizing Asher's unique prosperity, particularly in olive oil production, and its harmonious integration among the other tribes of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 33 stands as Moses' final prophetic blessing upon the twelve tribes of Israel, delivered just before his death and the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land. This chapter serves as a poetic and prophetic testament, echoing and expanding upon Jacob's earlier blessings in [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Prophetic Blessings"). Each tribal blessing is distinct, reflecting their future characteristics, territorial allotments, and divine favor within Canaan. The blessings are not merely wishes but divinely inspired pronouncements of their destiny under God's covenant. This specific verse for Asher follows blessings for other tribes, positioning Asher within the broader tapestry of Israel's future.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this blessing is the plains of Moab, with the Promised Land in sight. The tribes are poised to inherit their respective territories. Asher's future allotment, as described in [Joshua 19:24-31](/joshua/19-24 "Joshua 19:24-31 - Asher's Inheritance"), was located in the fertile northern coastal plain, a region historically renowned for its rich agricultural output, particularly olive groves. Olive oil was a vital commodity in ancient Israel, used for food, fuel for lamps, anointing, medicinal purposes, and trade. Its abundance signified immense wealth and comfort. The concept of "blessed with children" was a primary indicator of divine favor and strength in a society where large families ensured tribal continuity and power. "Acceptable to his brethren" speaks to the crucial need for inter-tribal harmony in a nation comprised of diverse clans.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. The theme of **Divine Provision** is paramount, as God is seen actively blessing and sustaining His people, providing for their physical needs and prosperity in the land He promised (e.g., [Deuteronomy 8:7-9](/deuteronomy/8-7 "Deuteronomy 8:7-9 - A Good Land")). **Covenant Faithfulness** is also evident, as these blessings are a fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, contingent upon Israel's obedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). Furthermore, the emphasis on "acceptable to his brethren" underscores the theme of **National Unity and Harmony**, crucial for the successful establishment and flourishing of Israel as a unified people under God (e.g., [Psalm 133:1](/psalms/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Goodness of Unity")). The imagery of abundance also points to the **Fruitfulness** that God desires for His people, both physically and spiritually.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _baruk'_):** This word signifies divine favor and empowerment, resulting in prosperity, fruitfulness, and well-being. When God blesses, He imparts His goodness and enables flourishing. Here, it specifically refers to the increase of children, a primary sign of blessing in ancient Israel.
* **Acceptable (Hebrew, _ratzuy'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be pleased with" or "to accept," this term indicates that Asher would be well-regarded and favored by the other tribes. It speaks to social harmony, good standing, and the absence of conflict or animosity within the broader Israelite community.
* **Oil (Hebrew, _shemen'_):** A crucial commodity in the ancient world, _shemen_ primarily refers to olive oil. Its significance extended beyond food to light, anointing, medicine, and trade. The imagery of "dipping his foot in oil" hyperbolically conveys an extraordinary, almost unimaginable, abundance of this valuable resource, signaling immense wealth and prosperity for the tribe of Asher.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of Asher he said":** This introduces Moses' specific prophetic pronouncement for the tribe of Asher, indicating a distinct divine word tailored to their future.
* **"[Let] Asher [be] blessed with children":** This phrase is a common and highly desired blessing in the ancient Near East, signifying fertility, a large population, and the continuation and strength of the tribal lineage. It points to the demographic flourishing of Asher.
* **"let him be acceptable to his brethren":** This part of the blessing emphasizes relational harmony and social standing. It expresses a desire for Asher to enjoy peace, respect, and good relations with the other tribes of Israel, avoiding discord and fostering unity within the nation.
* **"and let him dip his foot in oil":** This vivid and striking metaphorical phrase is the most distinctive part of the blessing. It paints a picture of such extreme abundance of olive oil that one could literally wade through it. It signifies unparalleled material prosperity, particularly from the rich olive groves in Asher's allotted territory, making the tribe exceptionally wealthy and comfortable.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 33:24 employs striking literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, particularly in the phrase "let him dip his foot in oil." This is an exaggeration not meant to be taken literally, but to emphasize the extraordinary, almost overflowing, abundance of olive oil that Asher's territory would yield. This hyperbole functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for immense wealth and prosperity, where oil is so plentiful it's like water. The image of dipping a foot suggests not just having enough, but a surplus so vast it permeates their very existence. This vivid imagery creates a memorable and impactful prophecy, painting a clear picture of the divine favor and material blessings awaiting the tribe of Asher.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The blessing upon Asher in Deuteronomy 33:24 beautifully illustrates God's specific and abundant provision for His people. It underscores the theological truth that God is the source of all blessing, both material and relational. The promise of fertility and acceptance speaks to God's desire for His people to flourish demographically and live in harmony, reflecting His own character of order and peace. The extraordinary abundance of oil signifies God's lavish generosity, providing not just sufficiency but overflowing prosperity to those He favors. This specific blessing for Asher, tailored to their geographical and agricultural potential, points to God's intimate knowledge and sovereign design for each part of His covenant community, ensuring their well-being and success in the land.

* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham")
* [Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "The Blessed Man")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 33:24 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Just as God blessed Asher with specific gifts and resources tailored to their context, He continues to bless individuals and communities today with diverse talents, opportunities, and provisions. This verse encourages us to recognize and appreciate the unique ways God provides for us, whether materially, relationally, or spiritually, fostering a spirit of gratitude. The abundance promised to Asher, symbolized by "dipping his foot in oil," was not merely for self-indulgence but implied a responsibility to steward these blessings wisely and contribute to the well-being of the broader community. Similarly, any prosperity we receive should be seen as a trust from God, to be used for His glory and to bless others, reflecting His generosity. Furthermore, the aspiration for Asher to be "acceptable to his brethren" highlights the enduring importance of peaceful, respectful, and unified relationships within the body of Christ and society at large. Our interactions should reflect the love and harmony that characterize God's kingdom, building up rather than tearing down.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I recognize God's unique blessings and provisions in my life, distinct from others?**
* **How am I stewarding the "oil" (resources, talents, opportunities) God has given me, not just for personal gain, but for the benefit of others and the advancement of His kingdom?**
* **What practical steps can I take to foster greater "acceptability" and harmony with my "brethren" (fellow believers, neighbors, colleagues) in my daily interactions?**
* **How does the concept of God's overflowing abundance, as seen in Asher's blessing, shape my understanding of His character and my trust in His provision?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "let him dip his foot in oil"?**

Answer: The phrase "let him dip his foot in oil" is a vivid **hyperbole** and **metaphor** for extraordinary abundance and wealth, specifically concerning olive oil. Asher's tribal territory in northern Israel was renowned for its fertile olive groves. Olive oil was a crucial commodity in ancient Israel, used for food, light, anointing, and trade. The imagery suggests not just having enough oil, but so much that one could literally walk through it, indicating an overflowing, almost unimaginable, surplus. This signifies immense material prosperity, comfort, and a rich source of economic well-being for the tribe of Asher, highlighting God's lavish provision for them.

**Why was Asher singled out for such a specific blessing of abundance?**

Answer: Asher's blessing was specific because it aligned with the geographical and agricultural realities of their future inheritance. Their allotted territory, as described in [Joshua 19:24-31](/joshua/19-24 "Asher's Inheritance"), was located in the fertile northern coastal plain, ideal for cultivating olive trees. Moses' blessing, inspired by God, prophetically declared the prosperity that would come from their specific land. It demonstrates God's sovereign design and tailored provision for each tribe, utilizing their unique circumstances to bring forth His blessings. This specificity also serves to highlight the diverse ways God blesses His people, according to their contexts and callings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 33:24 promises earthly blessings of fertility, harmony, and material abundance to the tribe of Asher, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual resonance are found in Christ. The "blessing with children" finds its spiritual counterpart in the countless spiritual offspring of Christ, who are born again into God's family through faith in Him, making up the true Israel (e.g., [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Heirs According to the Promise")). The desire for Asher to be "acceptable to his brethren" foreshadows the profound unity and reconciliation achieved through Christ's sacrifice, breaking down walls of hostility and making believers from every tribe and nation "acceptable" to God and to one another in the one body of Christ (e.g., [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")). Most powerfully, the imagery of "dipping his foot in oil" points to the spiritual anointing and overflowing abundance of the Holy Spirit, which is poured out without measure upon believers in the new covenant (e.g., [John 3:34](/john/3-34 "Spirit Without Limit")). Christ is the ultimate source of all spiritual riches, providing an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading (e.g., [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "An Inheritance That Is Imperishable")). In Him, we experience not just material prosperity, but the immeasurable riches of God's grace and the fullness of life (e.g., [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Blessed in Christ")).

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

Genesis 49:20

Out of Asher his bread [shall be] fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.

Proverbs 3:3

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

Proverbs 3:4

So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Romans 14:18

For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men.

Psalms 128:6

Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, [and] peace upon Israel.

Job 29:6

When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil;

Psalms 128:3

Thy wife [shall be] as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.