Deuteronomy 33:9

Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.

Who said {H559} unto his father {H1} and to his mother {H517}, I have not seen {H7200} him; neither did he acknowledge {H5234} his brethren {H251}, nor knew {H3045} his own children {H1121}: for they have observed {H8104} thy word {H565}, and kept {H5341} thy covenant {H1285}.

Of his father and mother he said, 'I don't know them'; he didn't acknowledge his brothers or children. For he observed your word, and he kept your covenant.

He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant.

Who said of his father, and of his mother, I have not seen him; Neither did he acknowledge his brethren, Nor knew he his own children: For they have observed thy word, And keep thy covenant.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 33:9 is a powerful declaration found within Moses' final blessing upon the tribes of Israel, delivered just before his death. This particular verse refers specifically to the tribe of Levi, highlighting their unique and unwavering devotion to God.

Context

Moses' blessing in Deuteronomy 33 is a poetic and prophetic farewell, addressing each tribe individually and foretelling their future roles and characteristics. The blessing upon Levi (verses 8-11) stands out because it explains why this tribe was chosen for priestly service. The verse points back to a pivotal moment in Israel's history—most notably, the Levites' decisive stand against idolatry at Mount Sinai, where they sided with God and Moses against their own rebellious brethren who had worshipped the golden calf. Their actions demonstrated a commitment to God that superseded all earthly ties.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Devotion: The core message is the Levites' absolute prioritization of God's command over personal and familial relationships. The hyperbole "I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children" underscores their extreme loyalty.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: Their actions were a direct response to "observed thy word, and kept thy covenant." This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's law and the terms of the covenant He made with Israel.
  • Sacrificial Obedience: The Levites' willingness to act against their own kin for God's glory foreshadows the costly nature of true spiritual commitment. This radical obedience qualified them for their sacred role.
  • The Priestly Role: This verse provides the moral foundation for Levi's appointment as the priestly tribe, responsible for teaching God's laws and making atonement for the people (as seen in subsequent verses like Deuteronomy 33:10).

Linguistic Insights

The phrases "I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children" are not to be taken literally as a command to disown family. Instead, they are an emphatic Hebrew idiom signifying a complete and utter prioritization. It means that when faced with a choice between family loyalty and God's explicit command, the Levites chose God without hesitation or compromise. Their spiritual vision transcended natural affections, seeing only God's will.

Practical Application

For believers today, Deuteronomy 33:9 serves as a powerful reminder of the call to radical devotion to God. While not requiring literal disownment of family, it challenges us to:

  • Prioritize God's Will: Like the Levites, we are called to put God first in all aspects of our lives, even when it conflicts with personal desires, societal norms, or family expectations. This resonates with Jesus' teaching on loving Him more than family.
  • Embrace Obedience: Faithfulness to God's word and covenant remains paramount. Our commitment to Christ should be unwavering, reflecting a deep respect for His commands.
  • Live a Set-Apart Life: The Levites were set apart for sacred service. Believers are also called to be holy and dedicated to God, demonstrating a distinct spiritual allegiance in a world often pulling in different directions.

This verse ultimately celebrates a profound level of faithfulness, encouraging all God's people to emulate the Levites' singular focus on "Thy word" and "Thy covenant."

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

Cross-References

  • Exodus 32:25 (4 votes)

    And when Moses saw that the people [were] naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto [their] shame among their enemies:)

  • Exodus 32:29 (4 votes)

    For Moses had said, Consecrate yourselves to day to the LORD, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day.

  • Luke 14:26 (3 votes)

    If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

  • Matthew 10:37 (3 votes)

    He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

  • Matthew 12:48 (3 votes)

    But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

  • 2 Corinthians 5:16 (2 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.

  • Job 37:24 (2 votes)

    Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any [that are] wise of heart.