Moses Blesses Israel
Deuteronomy 33:1-29
Deu.33.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וזאת: CONJ+DEM,f,sg
- הברכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ברך: VERB,qal,inf,NA,NA,NA,NA
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- מותו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 49:28 (structural): An explicit summary formula introducing Jacob’s blessings to his sons—'and this is what their father said to them, and he blessed them'—parallel in form and function to Moses’ introductory blessing.
- Genesis 49:33 (thematic): Jacob dies immediately after pronouncing blessings ('he blessed them, and he turned himself into his bed, and yielded up the ghost'), paralleling the motif of a leader issuing final blessings before death.
- 2 Samuel 23:1 (structural): 'Now these be the last words of David'—a comparable literary category (final/last words or sayings of a leader) framing a deathbed testimony or blessing.
- Deuteronomy 34:5 (structural): The account of Moses’ death ('Moses the servant of the LORD died there') provides the immediate narrative context for Deut 33:1 and parallels the 'before his death' setting of the blessing.
- 1 Kings 13:1 (verbal): Uses the designation 'man of God' (איש־האלהים) for a prophetic figure; echoes the verbal characterization of Moses in Deut 33:1 as 'Moses the man of God.'
Alternative generated candidates
- And this is the blessing with which Moses, the man of God, blessed the children of Israel before his death.
- And this is the blessing with which Moses, the man of God, blessed the people of Israel before his death.
Deu.33.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מסיני: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וזרח: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משעיר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למו: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- הופיע: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- מהר: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- פארן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- מרבבת: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מימינו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- למו: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 19:16-18 (allusion): Both passages describe the Sinai theophany—smoke, fire, thunder—and God coming down on Mount Sinai; Deut.33:2 echoes this Exodus depiction of the LORD’s appearance.
- Habakkuk 3:3-4 (verbal): Habakkuk speaks of God coming from Teman and Mount Paran and his radiant glory—language that closely parallels Deut.33:2’s mention of Paran and theophanic splendour.
- Judges 5:4-5 (verbal): Deborah’s song addresses the LORD going out from Seir (Edom) with earth-shaking/theophanic imagery, directly echoing Deut.33:2’s reference to God ‘dawning’ from Seir.
- Psalm 68:7-8 (Heb. 68:6-7) (thematic): Psalm 68 depicts God marching from Sinai, earth and heavens trembling, and the divine assembly—paralleling Deut.33:2’s Sinai/Paran/‘myriads’ (ten thousands) theophanic motif and attendant heavenly host.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said: The LORD came from Sinai and shone forth to them from Seir; he appeared from Mount Paran and came with myriads of holy ones; from his right hand a fiery law for them.
- And he said: The LORD came from Sinai, and dawned upon them from Seir; he shone forth from Mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of holy ones; from his right hand came a fiery law for them.
Deu.33.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אף: ADV
- חבב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עמים: NOUN,pl,m,abs
- כל: DET
- קדשיו: NOUN,m,pl,cons,3,m,sg
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
- והם: CONJ+PRON,3,m,pl
- תכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לרגלך: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs,2,m,sg
- ישא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מדברתיך: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Deut.7:8 (thematic): Speaks of Yahweh’s love for Israel as the basis for covenantal care — parallels Deut 33:3’s declaration that God ‘loved the people.’
- Psalm 147:19-20 (verbal): ‘He declares his words to Jacob…’ connects with Deut 33:3’s language about people receiving/raising up to your words — both stress God’s revelation of words to Israel.
- Isaiah 51:16 (verbal): ‘I have put my words in your mouth… I have covered you with the shadow of my hand’ echoes the combined imagery of words given to the people and being held/protected in God’s hand in Deut 33:3.
- Luke 10:39 (allusion): Mary ‘sat at the Lord’s feet and listened’ — the image of sitting at someone’s feet to receive teaching parallels Deut 33:3’s ‘they sit at your feet’ motif of discipleship and instruction.
- Psalm 119:11 (thematic): ‘I have stored up your word in my heart’ reflects the theme of God’s words being received, treasured and obeyed, similar to Deut 33:3’s emphasis on all receiving your words.
Alternative generated candidates
- Yes, he loved the peoples; all his saints are in your hand; they sit at your feet; each receives the instruction of your lips.
- Yes, he loved the people; all his holy ones are in your hand; they bowed at your feet, and they obeyed the words of your mouth.
Deu.33.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תורה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מורשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קהלת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 4:44 (verbal): Another explicit statement that the torah/law was set before Israel by Moses—closely parallel wording about Moses’ giving of the law to the congregation.
- Joshua 1:7-8 (thematic): Calls for adherence to the book of the law given by Moses; reflects the theme of Moses’ torah as the authoritative inheritance for Israel’s life and prosperity.
- Psalm 147:19-20 (verbal): Speaks of God declaring his word and statutes to Jacob/Israel—echoes the idea that divine instruction (the torah) was delivered to Israel (through Moses).
- Nehemiah 9:13-14 (allusion): Describes God’s coming to Sinai and giving statutes and laws by the hand of Moses, directly linking the giving of the law to Moses as Israel’s guide and inheritance.
- Malachi 4:4 (quotation): Commands remembrance of the law of Moses, explicitly identifying Moses’ law (torah) as the enduring teaching for Israel—an explicit echo of Moses’ role in giving the torah.
Alternative generated candidates
- Moses commanded us the law—an inheritance for the assembly of Jacob.
- Moses commanded us the Torah—an inheritance for the congregation of Jacob.
Deu.33.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בישרון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בהתאסף: PREP+VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,sg
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- עם: PREP
- יחד: ADV
- שבטי: NOUN,m,pl,con
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deut.32:15 (verbal): Uses the same poetic name יִשְׁרוּן (Jeshurun) for Israel; a close verbal link and shared context about the nation and its leaders.
- Judges 5:2 (verbal): Deborah's song: 'When leaders lead in Israel...'—a similar verbal motif about the leaders/heads of Israel taking their place, echoing the gathering of tribal heads.
- 1 Samuel 8:4–5 (thematic): The elders of Israel assemble and request a king—parallels the theme of Israel's leaders gathering in relation to kingship and governance.
- 2 Samuel 5:3 (thematic): All the elders of Israel come to David at Hebron and anoint him king—closely parallels 'He was king in Jeshurun when the heads of the people were gathered' (establishment of kingship at a gathering of tribal leaders).
Alternative generated candidates
- There was a king in Jeshurun when the leaders of the people were gathered, when the tribes of Israel were assembled together.
- There was in Jeshurun a king—when the chiefs of the people were gathered, the tribes of Israel together.
Deu.33.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יחי: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ראובן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- ימת: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מתיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- מספר: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 49:3-4 (allusion): Jacob's words about Reuben—'unstable as water' and loss of preeminence—provide the patriarchal background for Moses' plea that Reuben live and not decline.
- 1 Chronicles 5:1-2 (thematic): Chronicles explains Reuben's diminished status and the transfer of firstborn rights because of Reuben's sin, illustrating the historical diminution behind the blessing 'let not his men be few.'
- Judges 5:16 (thematic): Deborah's song reproves Reuben for remaining with the sheepfolds rather than fighting—an example of tribal inactivity and decline that Moses seeks to avert in his blessing.
- Numbers 26:5-9 (verbal): The tribal census and the note that Reuben 'defiled his father's bed' (hence loss of firstborn honor and altered counting) echo the concern for Reuben's status and numbers expressed in Deut. 33:6.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let Reuben live and not die, though his men be few in number.
- Let Reuben live and not perish; and may his men not be few.
Deu.33.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וזאת: CONJ+DEM,f,sg
- ליהודה: PREP+PN,masc,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- תביאנו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- ידיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,suff:3,m,sg
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ועזר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מצריו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 49:8-10 (thematic): Jacob's blessing of Judah emphasizes leadership and dominion (scepter/rule) and images of strength—paralleling Deut. 33:7's petition for Judah's power (‘let his hands be sufficient’) and leadership among his people.
- Psalm 60:7 (Heb. 60:8) / Psalm 108:8 (thematic): These psalms portray Judah as the seat of rule (scepter/lawgiver), echoing Deut. 33:7's concern for Judah's authority and standing among the tribes.
- 2 Samuel 7:9 (thematic): God's promise to David recounts divine accompaniment and defeat of enemies and establishment among his people—resonating with Deut. 33:7’s petition for God to bring Judah to his people and be a help against foes.
- 1 Chronicles 5:2 (allusion): This passage notes Judah’s preeminence and the emergence of leadership from Judah (‘from him came the ruler’), reflecting Deut. 33:7’s focus on Judah’s strength and role among Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of Judah he said: Hear, O LORD, the voice of Judah; bring him to his people; with his hands be mighty; be a help against his adversaries.
- And of Judah he said: Hear, O LORD, the voice of Judah; bring him to his people. With his hands may he contend—be you his help against his adversaries.
Deu.33.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וללוי: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- תמיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואוריך: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- לאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חסידך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נסיתו: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- במסה: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- תריבהו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- מריבה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 28:30 (verbal): Explicit instruction to place the Urim and Thummim in the priestly breastpiece—same priestly instruments invoked in Deut 33:8 as signs of divine guidance for Levi.
- Exodus 17:1-7 (esp. v.7) (verbal): Narrative identifying the site as Massah and Meribah where Israel tested and contended with the LORD—the Massah testing referenced in Deut 33:8.
- Numbers 20:2-13 (esp. v.13) (verbal): Account of the waters of Meribah where Israel and their leaders contended; Deut 33:8's 'waters of Meribah' alludes to this episode of strife and testing.
- Exodus 32:25-29 (allusion): Levi's decisive loyalty and action at the golden calf (being set apart for the LORD) parallels Deut 33:8's celebration of the Levite proven and faithful in times of trial.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of Levi he said: Let your Thummim and your Urim be for your faithful one—whom you proved at Massah, whom you contended with at the waters of Meribah.
- And to Levi he said: Your Thummim and your Urim belong to your faithful one—whom you tested at Massah, whom you strove with at the waters of Meribah.
Deu.33.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- האמר: PTCP,qal,ptcp,ms,sg,def
- לאביו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- ולאמו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- ראיתיו: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- הכיר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- בניו: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- שמרו: VERB,qal,imper,2,m,pl
- אמרתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2f
- ובריתך: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ינצרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 32:26-29 (thematic): The Levites separate themselves for the LORD during the golden calf episode—showing loyalty to God over family ties, which parallels Deut 33:9’s image of not recognizing father or brethren because of devotion to the covenant.
- Numbers 3:12-13 (structural): God’s appointment of the Levites as a substitution for the firstborn and their special charge over the tabernacle explains the institutional basis for the Levites’ covenantal fidelity expressed in Deut 33:9.
- Ezekiel 44:15-16 (allusion): Ezekiel reserves priestly service to the faithful (sons of Zadok) who kept God’s charge—an echo of Deut 33:9’s emphasis on priests/Levites who ‘keep thy word and thy covenant.’
- Malachi 2:6 (verbal): A priestly ideal of having God’s law in one’s mouth and walking blamelessly resonates with Deut 33:9’s depiction of Levites who faithfully keep God’s word and covenant.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said of them: 'I will have no regard for father or mother; I will not acknowledge my brothers or know my children'—for they kept your word and guarded your covenant.
- He said of his father and his mother, 'I have not seen them'; of his brothers, 'I know them not'; and of his children, 'I recognize them not'—for they kept your word and guarded your covenant.
Deu.33.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יורו: VERB,hiphil,impf,3,m,pl
- משפטיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- ליעקב: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ותורתך: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs,2ms
- לישראל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישימו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- קטורה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- באפך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,2ms
- וכליל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- מזבחך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2ms
Parallels
- Leviticus 10:11 (verbal): Explicit priestly charge to teach Israel the statutes—language and function closely parallel Deut 33:10’s ‘teach your judgments to Jacob / your law to Israel.’
- Malachi 2:7 (thematic): Affirms the priest’s role to preserve knowledge and give instruction to the people, echoing Deut 33:10’s emphasis on priestly teaching.
- Exodus 30:7-8 (structural): Prescribes the regular burning of incense by Aaron as part of priestly cultic duties, paralleling Deut 33:10’s image of incense and offerings on God’s altar.
- Malachi 1:11 (allusion): Speaks of incense and offerings presented to God’s name among the nations—resonant with Deut 33:10’s motif of incense as a pleasing cultic aroma to the LORD.
- Psalm 141:2 (thematic): Uses the incense/whole‑burnt‑offering imagery for acceptable worship (‘let my prayer be counted as incense’), reflecting Deut 33:10’s metaphor of offerings and incense before God.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall teach your statutes to Jacob and your law to Israel; they shall present incense before you and a whole burnt offering on your altar.
- They shall teach your ordinances to Jacob and your Torah to Israel; they shall offer incense before you and whole burnt-offerings on your altar.
Deu.33.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ברך: VERB,qal,inf,NA,NA,NA,NA
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- חילו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+pr3ms
- ופעל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ידיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,suff:3,m,sg
- תרצה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- מחץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתנים: NOUN,m,du,abs
- קמיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+pr3ms
- ומשנאיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+pr3ms
- מן: PREP
- יקומון: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Psalm 90:17 (verbal): Prayer that God would 'establish the work of our hands' closely parallels Deut 33:11's petition that the LORD 'accept the work of his hands'—a near-verbal and thematic match.
- Numbers 6:24-26 (structural): The priestly blessing ('The LORD bless you and keep you...') is the canonical formula invoking Yahweh's blessing on people and their possessions, paralleling the function and structure of 'May the LORD bless his substance.'
- Psalm 144:1 (thematic): Combines thanksgiving for the LORD as source of strength with the motif of God equipping hands for battle—echoing Deut 33:11's link between divine blessing and victory over enemies.
- Deuteronomy 33:29 (structural): Within Moses' final 'blessing' song, this verse also ties God's blessing to protection and deliverance from foes, reflecting the same structural pairing of blessing of possessions and defeat of enemies found in 33:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- Bless, O LORD, his substance and accept the work of his hands; crush the loins of those who rise against him, that those who hate him may not rise again.
- Bless, O LORD, his substance, and accept the work of his hands; crush the loins of those who rise against him, and of his foes, that they rise no more.
Deu.33.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבנימן: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ידיד: NOUN,m,sg,const
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ישכן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לבטח: ADV
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- חפף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- כתיפיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- שכן: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 49:27 (structural): Jacob’s blessing of Benjamin is the earlier tribal blessing parallel—both are poetic clan-benedi ctions addressing Benjamin’s future and function among Israel (similar placement and genre).
- Psalm 91:1 (thematic): “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High…” echoes the theme of secure dwelling under God’s protection (parallels ישכן לבטח — dwelling in safety under divine care).
- Deuteronomy 33:27 (thematic): Within the same final blessings corpus, God is portrayed as a refuge with ‘everlasting arms’ beneath you—a closely related image of God’s protection and safe habitation.
- Psalm 27:5 (thematic): “In the day of trouble he will keep me in his pavilion…he will hide me” parallels the idea that God shelters and protects the favored one, matching the language of being kept safely and sheltered continually.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of Benjamin he said: The beloved of the LORD shall dwell securely in him; he will shelter him all the day, and he will rest between his shoulders.
- And of Benjamin he said: The beloved of the LORD shall dwell securely at his side; the LORD will cover him all day long, and he will dwell between his shoulders.
Deu.33.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וליוסף: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מברכת: VERB,qal,part,f,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ארצו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,ms
- ממגד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מטל: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- ומתהום: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רבצת: VERB,qal,ptc,f,sg
- תחת: PREP
Parallels
- Gen.49.25-26 (verbal): Jacob’s blessing of Joseph uses nearly the same language—“blessings of the heavens… the deep that coucheth beneath”—a close verbal parallel to Deut 33:13.
- Gen.1.2 (allusion): The term tehom (the deep) in Deut 33:13 echoes the primeval 'deep' of Genesis 1:2, linking the land’s fertility to cosmic watery depths.
- Deut.11.10-12 (thematic): Earlier Deuteronomy promises the land’s fruitfulness from rain and heavenly blessing—‘a land that drinks the rain of heaven’—paralleling the dew/heavenly blessing motif.
- Ps.133.3 (thematic): Psalm 133:3 depicts divine blessing as the 'dew of Hermon' that descends on Zion, using dew as a symbol of blessing and fertility like Deut 33:13.
- Job 38.28 (thematic): Job 38:28 treats drops of dew and the origin of heavenly waters as divine provision, thematically resonant with Deut 33:13’s emphasis on dew and the deep as sources of blessing.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of Joseph he said: Blessed of the LORD be his land—with the riches of heaven, with dew from above and the deep lying beneath;
- And of Joseph he said: Blessed of the LORD be his land—with the choicest of heaven's gifts, with the dew and the deep that lies beneath;
Deu.33.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וממגד: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תבואת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- שמש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וממגד: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גרש: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- ירחים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 49:25-26 (allusion): Joseph's blessing in Jacob's oracle uses similar heavenly blessings language ('blessings of the heavens above', 'blessings of the deep') and is the closest literary parallel to Deut 33's blessing of Joseph.
- Numbers 24:5-6 (thematic): Balaam's oracle celebrates Israel's prosperity and fertility (lush tents, like gardens and rivers), thematically paralleling Deut 33:14's imagery of celestial sources yielding abundance.
- Psalm 104:19 (verbal): Speaks of the moon as appointed for seasons — connects to Deut 33:14's phrase about yields of the moon (גרש ירחים), which implies lunar-controlled agricultural cycles.
- Genesis 1:14-16 (structural): Presents the creation function of sun and moon as markers for times and seasons; provides a cosmic background for Deut 33:14's attribution of agricultural bounty to sun and moon.
Alternative generated candidates
- with the produce of the sun’s increase and with the yield of the moons;
- and with the choicest of the sun's produce, and with the choicest yield of the moons;
Deu.33.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומראש: CONJ+PREP
- הררי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- וממגד: CONJ+PREP
- גבעות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 49:26 (verbal): Jacob's blessing of Joseph uses nearly identical language — "the blessings of the ancient mountains/the bounty of the everlasting hills" — echoing the same motif and phrasing of long‑lasting, mountainous blessings.
- Deuteronomy 33:13-17 (structural): Verse 15 is embedded in the extended blessing of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh); the surrounding verses develop the same themes (choicest things, abundance, ancient mountains and everlasting hills) as a unitary tribal blessing.
- Psalm 72:16 (thematic): Speaks of abundance coming from the mountains and hills ("an handful of grain on the top of the mountains..."), employing the same idea of mountains/hills as sources of fertility and blessing for the people or king.
- Numbers 24:5-6 (thematic): Balaam's oracle uses landscape imagery (valleys, gardens, trees, cedars) to express Israel's flourishing and permanence; parallels Deut 33:15's use of geographical features (ancient mountains/everlasting hills) as metaphors for blessing and stability.
Alternative generated candidates
- from the tops of the ancient mountains and from the everlasting hills;
- and with the choicest of the ancient mountains, and with the choicest of the everlasting hills;
Deu.33.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וממגד: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומלאה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ורצון: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שכני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- סנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תבואתה: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,fs
- לראש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולקדקד: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נזיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 49:25-26 (verbal): Both passages pronounce abundant, earth-and-heaven blessings on Joseph and use closely related language (choicest/precious things of the earth; ‘they shall be on the head of Joseph’).
- Exodus 3:2-4 (allusion): Deuteronomy’s phrase 'the favor of him who dwelt in the bush' alludes to the theophany of God in the burning bush where God manifested himself to Moses (Exod. 3).
- Numbers 6:2-5 (verbal): Uses the root נָזִיר (‘separated’/‘consecrated’). Deut. 33:16 calls Joseph 'the separated one' (נזיר אחיו) — an image of special consecration that echoes the language of separation in the Nazirite vow.
- Psalm 105:17-22 (thematic): Both texts highlight God’s favor and exaltation of Joseph — his deliverance from adversity and elevation to a place of abundance and blessing as evidence of divine blessing on Joseph and his seed.
Alternative generated candidates
- from the choicest of the earth and its fullness, and the favor of him who dwelt in the thorn—may his yield be for the head of Joseph and for the crown of the head of him who was separated from his brothers.
- and with the choicest of the earth and its fullness, and the favor of him who dwelt in the thorn-bush—may these come to the head of Joseph and to the brow of him who is prince among his brothers.
Deu.33.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בכור: NOUN,m,sg,const
- שורו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- וקרני: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,cs
- ראם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- קרניו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,3,ms
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- עמים: NOUN,pl,m,abs
- ינגח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יחדו: ADV
- אפסי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והם: CONJ+PRON,3,m,pl
- רבבות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והם: CONJ+PRON,3,m,pl
- אלפי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 24:8-9 (verbal): Balaam’s oracle speaks of Israel’s strength using the image of a horn/unicorn and declares he will ‘push’ or ‘devour’ nations — language and horn-imagery closely parallel Deut 33:17.
- Psalm 92:10 (verbal): Uses the phrase 'my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn' — the horn as symbol of strength/exaltation echoes the imagery in Deut 33:17.
- Genesis 49:22-26 (thematic): Jacob’s blessing of Joseph (and by extension Ephraim and Manasseh) celebrates fruitfulness, divine blessing, and prominence — Moses’ blessing in Deut 33:17 continues and amplifies the theme of Joseph’s descendants’ power and prosperity.
- 1 Samuel 2:10 (verbal): Hannah’s song speaks of God giving strength to his king and exalting 'the horn of his anointed' and judging to the ends of the earth — similar motifs of exalted horn-power and dominion to the ends of the earth found in Deut 33:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- His firstborn bull—majestic for him; his horns are the horns of a wild ox—with them he shall gore the peoples to the ends of the earth; they are the thousands of Ephraim, and they are the tens of thousands of Manasseh.
- A firstborn bull is his glory; the horns of a wild ox are the horns of him—with them he shall gore the peoples to the ends of the earth. They are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.
Deu.33.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולזבולן: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמח: ADJ,m,sg
- זבולן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בצאתך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- ויששכר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באהליך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 49:13-14 (allusion): Jacob’s blessing pairs Zebulun and Issachar: Zebulun by the sea and Issachar as a settled beast of burden—echoes the contrast of Zebulun ‘in thy going out’ and Issachar ‘in thy tents.’
- Deuteronomy 33:19 (structural): Immediate continuation of Moses’ blessing to Zebulun, expanding ‘rejoice... in thy going out’ with maritime prosperity (sucking the abundance of the seas).
- Judges 5:15-18 (thematic): The Song of Deborah links Issachar and Zebulun with active military roles—‘the princes of Issachar…’ and Zebulun risking life in battle—reflecting tribal dispositions implied by Deut. 33:18 (going out vs. in tents).
- 1 Chronicles 12:32 (thematic): Men of Issachar are described as men ‘that had understanding of the times’ and served as settled advisers—resonates with Issachar’s characterization as dwelling ‘in thy tents.’
Alternative generated candidates
- And of Zebulun he said: Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and Issachar, in your tents.
- And of Zebulun he said: Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out; and Issachar, in your tents.
Deu.33.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עמים: NOUN,pl,m,abs
- הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יקראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שם: ADV
- יזבחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- זבחי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- צדק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- שפע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יינקו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- ושפוני: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- טמוני: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- חול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 49:13-15 (verbal): Jacob’s blessing links Zebulun’s maritime prosperity and Issachar’s life in tents—echoes Deut 33:18–19’s language of ‘going out’/‘tents’ and ‘sucking the abundance of the seas.’
- Micah 4:2 (thematic): ‘Many nations… come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD’ parallels Deut 33:19’s image of peoples being called to the mountain to worship/offer sacrifices.
- Isaiah 2:2-3 (structural): Isaiah’s prophecy that nations will stream to the mountain of the Lord to receive instruction and justice is a close structural parallel to the motif of peoples coming to the mountain in Deut 33:19.
- Psalm 4:5 (Hebrew 4:5) (verbal): The phrase ‘offer the sacrifices of righteousness’ (or ‘sacrifices of righteousness’) appears verbatim in Psalm 4:5, echoing the ritual/ethical wording of Deut 33:19.
- Isaiah 45:3 (allusion): God’s promise to give ‘treasures of darkness’ and ‘hidden riches’ parallels the image of ‘treasures hid in the sand’ and the motif of unexpected maritime/ buried abundance in Deut 33:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall call peoples to the mountain; there they shall offer righteous sacrifices; for they shall draw the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.
- They shall call the peoples to the mountain; there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness—for they will draw the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.
Deu.33.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולגד: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ברוך: ADJ,m,sg
- מרחיב: VERB,hif,ptc,3,m,sg
- גד: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- כלביא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שכן: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- וטרף: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- זרוע: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אף: ADV
- קדקד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 49:19 (allusion): Earlier patriarchal oracle about Gad—like Deut.33.20 it addresses the tribe of Gad and anticipates conflict and military action (troops trampling / triumph in battle), providing an earlier tradition about Gad's martial character.
- Genesis 49:9 (verbal): Judah is described as a 'lion's whelp'—parallel use of lion imagery for a tribe. Deut.33.20's 'he dwelleth as a lion' uses the same metaphor to portray tribal strength and ferocity.
- Numbers 32:39-42 (thematic): Narrative account of the men of Gad taking, dwelling in, and fighting for the land of Gilead; affirms the tribe's warrior role and territorial settlement echoed in the blessing's martial imagery.
- 1 Chronicles 5:18-22 (thematic): Chronicles' report of Gad's warriors defeating the Hagrites and others underscores Gad's military prowess and success in battle, paralleling the blessing's depiction of tearing the arm and crowned head (violent victory).
- Deuteronomy 33:21 (structural): Immediate neighbouring verse in the same chapter (tribal blessings) showing the literary pattern of short tribal encomia; comparing Gad's 'lion' motif with adjacent tribes highlights Deut.33.20's distinctive martial language.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of Gad he said: Blessed be he who enlarges Gad—he dwells as a lion; he tears the arm and the crown of the head.
- And of Gad he said: Blessed is he who enlarges Gad; he dwells there like a lion—he tears at the arm and the crown of the head.
Deu.33.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ראשית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- שם: ADV
- חלקת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- מחקק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ספון: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ויתא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- עם: PREP
- צדקת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ומשפטיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 32:1-42 (structural): Narrative background for the eastern allotment to Gad (and Reuben): the tribes request and receive their portion east of the Jordan, explaining the ‘portion’ spoken of in Deut 33:21.
- Joshua 13:24-28 (structural): List of territorial allotments that assigns Gilead and other districts to Gad (and Reuben, half‑Manasseh), paralleling the distribution/’portion’ language of the blessing.
- Genesis 49:19 (allusion): Jacob’s oracle concerning Gad (‘a troop shall tramp upon him… he shall triumph’), which anticipates Gad’s martial character and destiny reflected in Moses’ blessing (possession of a portion and role among Israel).
- 1 Chronicles 5:18-22 (thematic): Account of the eastern tribes (including Gad) going to battle and being aided by God; echoes the theme that God’s righteousness/judgment is exercised with Israel and secures the tribe’s place.
- Deut.33:20 (structural): Immediate contextual parallel within Moses’ blessings: verse 20–21 form a unit describing Gad’s enlargement, his taking of a first portion, and the role of the LORD’s justice in establishing his place.
Alternative generated candidates
- He provided for himself the first part, for there a portion was assigned to him by the lawgiver; he came with the heads, and he executed the justice of the LORD and his judgments with Israel.
- He took for himself the foremost portion—there a lawgiver's share was reserved; and he advanced with the chiefs, for the LORD's justice he made and his statutes he wrought with Israel.
Deu.33.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולדן: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גור: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- אריה: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יזנק: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מן: PREP
- הבשן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 49:16-17 (allusion): Jacob's blessing of Dan calls him a judge and uses serpent imagery ('Dan shall be a serpent...'); Deut.33:22 recalls the tribe but substitutes a leonine image, creating a thematic contrast with Genesis.
- Genesis 49:9 (verbal): The phrase 'lion's whelp' (or 'lion cub') appears verbatim in Jacob's blessing of Judah; Deut applies the same metaphor to Dan, showing shared leonine imagery among tribal blessings.
- Joshua 19:47 (structural): Records the Danites' seizing of Laish in the far north and renaming it Dan—an historical/topographical counterpart to Deut's 'leap from Bashan' (the tribe's northern move/conquest).
- Judges 18:29 (thematic): Narrative account of the Danites' migration, conquest of Laish, and establishment of the city named Dan—provides the historical background for Moses' image of Dan springing forth from the north.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of Dan he said: Dan is a lion’s whelp; he shall leap forth from Bashan.
- And of Dan he said: Dan is a young lion that leaps forth from Bashan.
Deu.33.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולנפתלי: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נפתלי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבע: NUM,card
- רצון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומלא: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg
- ברכת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ים: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- ודרום: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ירשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 49:21 (verbal): Jacob's blessing of Naphtali ('Naphtali is a doe let loose') is an earlier tribal blessing that parallels Moses' brief encomium—both emphasize Naphtali's favorable status and blessing.
- Joshua 19:32-39 (structural): The allotment of Naphtali's cities and borders in Joshua corresponds to Deut.33:23's reference to territory ('possess the west and the south'), linking blessing with actual possession of land.
- Judges 5:18 (thematic): The Song of Deborah celebrates Naphtali's courage and readiness ('Naphtali on the mountains of the field'), resonating with Moses' positive portrayal of the tribe as favored and vigorous.
- 1 Chronicles 12:33 (allusion): Lists of warriors from Naphtali skilled in battle echo the tribe's strength and fruitful status implied by 'satisfied with favor' and 'full of the blessing of the LORD,' showing continuity in tradition about Naphtali's resources and valor.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of Naphtali he said: Naphtali is satisfied with favor and full of the blessing of the LORD; he shall possess the west and the south.
- And of Naphtali he said: Naphtali is satisfied with favor and full of the blessing of the LORD—he shall possess the sea and the south.
Deu.33.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולאשר: CONJ+PREP+PRON,rel
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ברוך: ADJ,m,sg
- מבנים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יהי: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
- רצוי: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- וטבל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בשמן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רגלו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+SUFF,3,m
Parallels
- Genesis 49:20 (thematic): Jacob’s blessing of Asher portrays the tribe as enjoying rich food and abundance (“out of Asher his bread shall be fat”), paralleling Deut. 33:24’s blessing of prosperity and favor for Asher.
- Judges 5:18 (verbal): The Song of Deborah repeats the Asher-formula—calling Asher blessed and using the image of ‘dipping his foot in oil’—a direct verbal echo of Deut. 33:24.
- Psalm 23:5 (thematic): The psalm’s anointing image (“you anoint my head with oil”) uses oil as a sign of divine favor and abundance, thematically similar to the blessing in Deut. 33:24.
- Isaiah 61:3 (thematic): Isaiah’s reference to the ‘oil of gladness’ links oil with joy, blessing, and restoration—echoing the symbolic meaning of oil as blessing in the Asher‑blessing.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of Asher he said: Blessed of his brothers be Asher; let him be acceptable to his companions, and let him dip his foot in oil.
- And of Asher he said: Blessed be Asher with sons; may he be acceptable to his brothers, and may he dip his foot in oil.
Deu.33.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ברזל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונחשת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מנעליך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff(2,m,sg)
- וכימיך: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,suff(2,m,sg)
- דבאך: PRT+NOUN,m,sg,suff(2,m,sg)
Parallels
- Isaiah 45:2 (verbal): Uses the same imagery of bronze/iron gates and bars ("break the doors of bronze and cut the bars of iron"); echoes the motif of metal bars/gates found in Deut 33:25.
- Isaiah 40:29-31 (thematic): Promises God-given renewal of strength and endurance for the faithful ("He gives power to the faint… they shall renew their strength"), paralleling Deut 33:25's assurance that strength will match one’s days.
- Psalm 92:14-15 (thematic): Speaks of continued vitality and fruitfulness in old age ("still to bear fruit… to declare that the LORD is upright"), echoing the blessing that strength endures with one's days.
- Genesis 49:24-25 (allusion): In Jacob's blessing of Joseph (and more broadly the tribal blessings), strength and divine empowerment are granted by God ("by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob… who will help you"), paralleling the blessing-form and the theme of divinely bestowed strength in Deut 33:25.
Alternative generated candidates
- Iron and brass are in your gates; as your days, so shall your strength be.
- Iron and bronze are your bars; and as your days, so shall your strength be.
Deu.33.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אין: PART,neg
- כאל: PREP+PN,m,sg,abs
- ישרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רכב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בעזרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,ms
- ובגאותו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,ms
- שחקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Deut.33:27 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same blessing — both verses laud God’s unique protection and help (’There is none like God…’ followed by ’The eternal God is your refuge’), forming a single theistic-theological unit.
- Psalm 104:3 (verbal): Uses the same theophanic imagery: God makes the clouds his chariot and ’rides on the wings of the wind,’ echoing Deut 33:26’s language of God riding the heavens on the clouds to help.
- Psalm 18:9-10 (verbal): Describes God’s descent/riding on the heavens and clouds — ’He bowed the heavens and came down… He rode on a cherub and flew’ — closely paralleling the image of God riding the skies to intervene.
- Habakkuk 3:3-6 (thematic): A theophany depicting God coming from the heavens in power (clouds, glory, and cosmic movement) to act on behalf of his people, thematically echoing the divine rider imagery of Deut 33:26.
- Psalm 68:4 (Heb. 5) (thematic): Calls on praise for ’him who rides through the deserts’ (or rides on the clouds in related translations), linking the motif of God as a divine rider who moves to save and deliver.
Alternative generated candidates
- There is none like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, and in his majesty on the clouds.
- There is none like the God of Jeshurun—who rides the heavens to your help, and in his majesty traverses the skies.
Deu.33.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מענה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ומתחת: CONJ+PREP
- זרעת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- עולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויגרש: VERB,qal,impf,3,sg
- מפניך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,2m
- אויב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- השמד: VERB,hiph,infabs
Parallels
- Psalm 46:1 (thematic): Declares God as a refuge and help in trouble—parallel theme of God as protector and refuge like Deut 33:27.
- Psalm 18:2 (thematic): Speaks of the LORD as rock, fortress, deliverer and shield—similar language of divine protection and support.
- Psalm 91:1-2 (thematic): Describes dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and calling God refuge—echoes Deut 33:27's refuge motif.
- Isaiah 33:2 (verbal): Prays 'be our arm'—uses the image of God's arm as support/protection, resonating with Deut 33:27's 'everlasting arms.'
- Isaiah 51:5 (verbal): Speaks of God's arm and salvation drawing near—parallels the 'arm' imagery and God's active deliverance in Deut 33:27.
Alternative generated candidates
- The eternal God is your refuge, and beneath are the everlasting arms; he will drive out before you the enemy and will say, ‘Destroy!’
- The eternal God is your refuge, and beneath are the everlasting arms; he drove out the enemy before you and said, 'Destroy!'
Deu.33.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישכן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בטח: ADV
- בדד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עין: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- יעקב: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דגן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותירוש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אף: ADV
- שמיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- יערפו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- טל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 27:28 (verbal): Isaac’s blessing to Jacob: “May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth,” closely echoing the image of heavens dropping dew and land of grain/wine.
- Numbers 24:5-6 (thematic): Balaam’s oracle celebrates Israel’s pleasant dwellings and fruitful land (“How goodly are your tents… as gardens by the river’s side”), paralleling the theme of secure habitation and agricultural abundance.
- Deuteronomy 11:10-14 (structural): Earlier Deuteronomic promise linking the land’s fertility to divine provision of rain/dew and blessing (the land receiving the early and latter rains), a structural parallel within the same book emphasizing divine provision for crops.
- Genesis 49:25 (allusion): Jacob’s blessing invoking “blessings of the heavens above…,” which resonates with Deut.33:28’s heavenly dew as a source of blessing and fertility.
- Psalm 65:9-13 (thematic): Psalmist imagery of God visiting and watering the earth, crowning the year with goodness and causing the fields to yield—echoes the motif of divine rainfall/dew and productive land found in Deut.33:28.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Israel shall dwell in safety—Jacob alone—in a land of grain and new wine; his heavens also shall drop dew.
- So Israel shall dwell in safety—alone, the fountain of Jacob—in a land of grain and new wine; also his heavens will drop dew.
Deu.33.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אשריך: ADJ,m,sg,abs+2,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- כמוך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- נושע: VERB,niphal,part,m,sg
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
- מגן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עזרך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,sg
- ואשר: CONJ+PRON,rel
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גאותך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2,m,sg
- ויכחשו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- איביך: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- במותימו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,pl
- תדרך: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 15:11 (verbal): The Song of the Sea uses the same rhetorical question 'Who is like you?' celebrating YHWH's uniqueness in salvation—paralleling Deut 33:29's 'מי כמוך' and the theme of deliverance.
- Psalm 144:1-2 (thematic): Speaks of the LORD as strength, trainer for battle, fortress, and deliverer—echoing Deut 33:29's language of God as shield, helper, and source of military victory.
- Psalm 33:12 (thematic): Declares the blessedness of the nation whose God is the LORD, paralleling Deut 33:29's opening blessing of Israel as a people saved by YHWH.
- Psalm 44:5 (thematic): 'Through you we push down our foes... we trample those who rise up against us' parallels Deut 33:29's promise that Israel's enemies will submit and that Israel will tread upon their strongholds/high places.
Alternative generated candidates
- Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you— a people delivered by the LORD, the shield of your help and your sword of triumph! Your enemies shall be found false to you; and you shall tread upon their high places.
- Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD—your shield, the help of your salvation? Your enemies shall be humbled before you; and you shall tread upon their high places.
This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.
He said: The LORD came from Sinai and dawned upon them from Seir; he shone forth from Mount Paran, and he came with myriads of holy ones; at his right hand was a fiery law for them.
Indeed he loved the people; all his holy ones were in your hand; they sat at your feet and hearkened to your words.
Moses commanded us the Torah—an inheritance for the congregation of Jacob.
He was king in Jeshurun when the leaders of the people were gathered, the tribes of Israel together.
Let Reuben live and not die; nor let his men be few in number. And of Judah he said: Hear, O LORD, the voice of Judah; bring him to his people; let his hands be sufficient for him, and be a help against his adversaries. And of Levi he said: Your Thummim and your Urim are with your faithful one—the one whom you tested at Massah; you contended with him at the waters of Meribah.
Who said of his father and mother, 'I regard them not,' and of his brothers, 'I know them not,' and of his sons, 'I do not recognize them'—for they observed your word and kept your covenant.
They shall teach your statutes to Jacob and your law to Israel; they shall offer incense in your nostrils and whole burnt offerings upon your altar.
Bless, O LORD, his substance, and accept the work of his hands; break the loins of those who rise against him, and may his foes never rise again. And of Benjamin he said: The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; the LORD will cover him all the day, and he shall rest between his shoulders. And of Joseph he said: Blessed of the LORD be his land—with the choicest dew of heaven above and the deep that crouches beneath;
with the choicest yield of the sun and with the choicest yield of the months;
with the best of the ancient mountains and with the fruitfulness of the everlasting hills;
with the bounty of the earth and its fullness and the favor of him who dwelt in the bush—may these come upon the head of Joseph, upon the brow of the prince among his brothers.
May his firstborn bull be glorious—his horns are the horns of a wild ox; with them he shall gore the peoples, even to the ends of the earth. They are the thousands of Ephraim and the ten thousands of Manasseh. And of Zebulun he said: Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out; and Issachar, in your tents.
They shall summon peoples to the mountain; there they shall offer the sacrifices of righteousness; for they shall draw abundance from the sea and hidden treasures from the sand. And of Gad he said: Blessed be he who enlarges Gad—he dwells as a lion; he tears the arm and the crown of the head.
He chose for himself the first share, for there a portion was set apart; with the heads of the people he came, executing the justice of the LORD and his ordinances with Israel. And of Dan he said: Dan is a lion's whelp that leaps forth from Bashan. And of Naphtali he said: Naphtali is satisfied with favor and full of the blessing of the LORD; he possesses the sea and the south. And of Asher he said: Blessed be Asher with sons; may he be acceptable to his brothers, and may he dip his foot in oil.
Your bars shall be iron and bronze; as your days, so shall your strength be.
There is none like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you and in his majesty on the clouds.
The eternal God is your refuge, and beneath are the everlasting arms; he will thrust out the enemy before you and say, 'Destroy!'
Israel shall dwell in safety; the fountain of Jacob shall rest secure in a land of grain and new wine, and his heavens shall drop dew.
Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you—a people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help and the sword of your triumph? Your enemies shall cringe before you, and you shall tread upon their high places.