Deuteronomy 33:24

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Context

Deuteronomy 33 contains the final blessings of Moses upon the twelve tribes of Israel before his death. This passage echoes and expands upon the prophetic blessings given by Jacob to his sons in Genesis 49. Moses, acting as God's prophet, pronounces a unique word over each tribe, foretelling their future characteristics, territory, and prosperity within the promised land. This specific verse focuses on the tribe of Asher, whose allotted territory was in the fertile northern part of Israel, bordering the Mediterranean Sea and known for its rich agricultural output.

Key Themes

  • Abundance and Prosperity: The phrase "dip his foot in oil" is a vivid metaphor for extraordinary agricultural wealth, particularly concerning olive oil. Asher's territory was renowned for its olive groves, and this blessing signifies a land so rich in produce that oil would be incredibly plentiful, almost like water. This speaks to God's provision for material well-being.
  • Fraternal Harmony: "Let him be acceptable to his brethren" highlights the importance of good relationships and acceptance among the tribes of Israel. It suggests that Asher would enjoy peace and respect from the other tribes, fostering unity within the nation.
  • Numerous Descendants: The blessing "blessed with children" points to fertility and a growing population, which was a significant sign of divine favor and strength in ancient Israel. It ensured the continuation and flourishing of the tribe.

Linguistic Insights

The most striking phrase here is "let him dip his foot in oil." The Hebrew word for 'oil' is shemen (ืฉึถืืžึถืŸ), which often refers to olive oil, a staple and valuable commodity for food, light, anointing, and trade in the ancient Near East. The imagery of dipping a foot in oil conveys extreme abundance โ€“ not just enough for use, but so much that one could walk through it. This hyperbole emphasizes the exceptional richness of Asher's land, particularly in olive production, making it a source of great wealth and comfort for the tribe. This contrasts with more common blessings of sustenance, indicating a surplus.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 33:24 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • God's Specific Blessings: Just as God blessed each tribe uniquely according to their future context, He blesses individuals and communities today with diverse gifts and resources. We should recognize and appreciate the specific ways God provides for us, whether materially, relationally, or spiritually.
  • Prosperity and Responsibility: The abundance promised to Asher was not just for their own consumption but implied a responsibility to contribute to the nation. Similarly, any prosperity we receive should be stewarded wisely and used to bless others, reflecting the generosity of God.
  • The Value of Harmony: The desire for Asher to be "acceptable to his brethren" underscores the importance of peaceful and respectful relationships within the community of faith and society at large. Our interactions should reflect unity and mutual acceptance, as exhorted in passages like Romans 12:18.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 49:20 (16 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 3:3 (9 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 3:4 (9 votes)

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

  • Romans 14:18 (9 votes)

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

  • Psalms 128:6 (9 votes)

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

  • Job 29:6 (8 votes)

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

  • Psalms 128:3 (8 votes)

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