What does Deuteronomy 33:11 mean?

Bless, LORD, his substance, and accept the work of his hands: smite through the loins of them that rise against him, and of them that hate him, that they rise not again. Deuteronomy 33:11

Explanation

This verse from Deuteronomy 33:11 is part of the blessing pronounced by Moses upon the tribes of Israel before his death. In this specific verse, the tribe that is being blessed is that of Levi, whose descendants included the Levitical priests of Israel. The verse calls upon God to bless the substance (likely referring to the material possessions or the means of sustenance of the Levites) and accept the work of their hands (likely their service and duties in the Temple).

The latter part of the verse contains a prayer for protection, entreating God to strike down Levites’ adversaries to the point where they cannot rise again to challenge or harm them. This represents a desire for security and divine retribution against those who would oppose or hate them.

Historical Context

Deuteronomy is understood to be set in the context of the Israelites’ wilderness wanderings, shortly before their entry into the Promised Land. Moses, as the leader and prophet, pronounces blessings on the different tribes of Israel in Deuteronomy 33. This would have taken place around the late 2nd millennium BCE.

The Levites held a unique place among the tribes of Israel. They were set apart for religious service and were not allocated their own territory like the other tribes. Instead, they were given cities within the other tribal lands, and parts of sacrifices and offerings were their due for their service to God and the community.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse highlights the special status of the Levites. The prayer for God’s blessing on their substance may reflect their dependence on the rest of the Israelite community for their livelihood. Acceptance of the work of their hands underlines the importance of their sacrificial duties.

The request for divine protection against their enemies affirms the belief in God’s power to safeguard His chosen servants. Some theologians read this as a reminder of God’s justice and His role as protector of those who are dedicated to Him. The “smiting through the loins” can be understood as a figurative expression of complete victory, ensuring no resurgence of opposition.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve as a reminder of the importance of asking for God’s blessing in one’s work and provisions. It also emphasizes the importance of seeking divine protection and the role of faith in overcoming adversities and hostility. For modern believers, it can function as an encouragement to trust in God’s care and retribution when facing opposition, particularly when engaged in religious or sacred duties.

Cross-References

• Numbers 18:20 – “And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.”
• Deuteronomy 33:10 – “They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law: they shall put incense before thee, and whole burnt sacrifice upon thine altar.”
• Psalm 115:13-15 – “He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Hebrew of this verse include:

• “substance” (חֵיל, chayil): This word can mean strength, wealth, capability, valor, or army.
• “accept” (רָצָה, ratzah): To be pleased with, to accept favorably.
• “work” (מַעֲשֵׂה, maaseh): Deed, action, work, usually of human hands.
• “smite” (הַלְמֵ֤י, halamey): To strike or beat, often used in a military or combative context.
• “loins” (מָתְנַיִם, mot’nayim): A term referring to the lower back and hips, symbolically a source of strength in ancient Near Eastern culture.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, deities were called upon to bless the livelihood and work of their followers and to smite their enemies. Similar invocations can be found in Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Canaanite texts. What sets the Hebrew Bible apart is its monotheistic framework and the centralization of the divine-human covenant relationship.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific perspectives generally do not intersect directly with the theological implications of this verse. However, the concept of “smiting through the loins” and the physical vulnerability of humans to such an attack can be understood in the light of human anatomy and the consequences of injuries inflicted on critical parts of the body.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and commentators view this verse as a continuation of the authoritative blessing of Moses, lending spiritual and communal legitimacy to the Levitical role. Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that the material support and honor of the Levites were intimately connected with their service to the Tabernacle and later the Temple. He also sees the prayer for protection as a reflection of the conflicts that the Levites, as religious leaders, might face. Other scholars focus on the poem’s structure and literary style, examining how each line and phrase emphasizes the elevated status and divine backing of the Levitical priesthood.