Deuteronomy 33:13

And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the LORD [be] his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath,

And of Joseph {H3130} he said {H559}, Blessed {H1288} of the LORD {H3068} be his land {H776}, for the precious things {H4022} of heaven {H8064}, for the dew {H2919}, and for the deep {H8415} that coucheth beneath {H7257},

Of Yosef he said: "May ADONAI bless his land with the best from the sky, for the dew, and for what comes from the deep beneath,

Concerning Joseph he said: โ€œMay his land be blessed by the LORD with the precious dew from heaven above and the deep waters that lie beneath,

And of Joseph he said, Blessed of Jehovah be his land, For the precious things of heaven, for the dew, And for the deep that coucheth beneath,

Commentary

Deuteronomy 33:13 is part of Moses' prophetic blessing over the tribes of Israel, delivered shortly before his death. This particular verse focuses on the tribe of Joseph, which encompasses the descendants of his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. It foretells a future of extraordinary agricultural prosperity and divine favor for the land allotted to them in Canaan.

Historical and Cultural Context

Moses' final blessings in Deuteronomy 33 serve as a covenantal reinforcement, reminding the Israelites of God's faithfulness and their inheritance. The tribe of Joseph, particularly Ephraim, became one of the most prominent tribes in the northern kingdom. Their territory was known for its fertile valleys and hills, making this blessing highly fitting. In an agrarian society, the promise of abundant water and fertile soil was the ultimate sign of divine blessing and sustained life, ensuring food security and wealth.

Key Themes

  • Divine Blessing and Abundance: The core message is God's profound favor upon Joseph's descendants, manifesting as material wealth and prosperity. The phrase "Blessed of the LORD be his land" immediately establishes the divine source of this abundance.
  • Agricultural Fertility: The blessing highlights specific elements crucial for a thriving agricultural economy:
    • "Precious things of heaven": This refers to the choicest produce, favorable weather, and timely rains that descend from the sky, ensuring bountiful harvests.
    • "Dew": A vital source of moisture in arid regions, especially for crops that rely on it when rain is scarce. It symbolizes refreshing, consistent provision.
    • "The deep that coucheth beneath": This points to underground springs, subterranean water sources, or deep wells. It signifies a land rich in hidden water reserves, ensuring sustained fertility even during dry seasons. This rich blessing echoes a similar prophecy given by Jacob, Joseph's father, in Genesis 49:25.
  • God's Provision: The verse emphasizes that these blessings are not merely a result of natural conditions but are directly from "the LORD," underscoring His active role as the ultimate provider for His people. The promise of such abundance underscores a central biblical theme: the LORD is the owner and provider of all things.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "precious things" is meged (ืžึถื’ึถื“), implying choicest, best, or most excellent produce.
  • "Dew" is tal (ื˜ึทืœ), a common and essential meteorological phenomenon in the Levant.
  • "Deep" is tehom (ืชึฐึผื”ื•ึนื), a term that can refer to the primeval deep (as in Genesis 1:2) but here more specifically denotes deep underground waters, springs, or aquifers that lie beneath the surface, providing a constant water supply. The imagery of it "couching beneath" suggests a vast, resting reservoir.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 33:13 offers a powerful reminder of God's desire to bless His people. While the specifics relate to the land of Joseph, the underlying principles are timeless:

  1. God is the Source of Blessing: All good things, whether material or spiritual, ultimately come from God. It encourages a posture of gratitude and dependence on His provision.
  2. Multifaceted Provision: God's blessings are comprehensive, covering visible elements like rain and dew, as well as hidden resources like underground springs. This teaches us to trust in God's ability to provide in diverse ways.
  3. Trust in God's Faithfulness: Just as God faithfully provided for the tribe of Joseph, He continues to be faithful to His promises to His people today. This verse encourages us to trust in His character and His commitment to care for us.

This verse serves as an enduring testament to God's gracious and abundant provision for those whom He blesses.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Micah 5:7 (4 votes)

    ยถ And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.

  • Genesis 49:22 (4 votes)

    ยถ Joseph [is] a fruitful bough, [even] a fruitful bough by a well; [whose] branches run over the wall:

  • Genesis 49:26 (4 votes)

    The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.

  • Hosea 14:5 (3 votes)

    I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.

  • Proverbs 19:12 (3 votes)

    ยถ The king's wrath [is] as the roaring of a lion; but his favour [is] as dew upon the grass.

  • Isaiah 18:4 (3 votes)

    For so the LORD said unto me, I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, [and] like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.

  • Proverbs 3:20 (3 votes)

    By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.