What does Deuteronomy 33:13 mean?

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, Deuteronomy 33:13

Explanation

Deuteronomy 33:13 is part of Moses’ blessing to the tribes of Israel before his death. This verse specifically addresses Joseph, often understood as representative of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph’s sons. In the blessing, Moses invokes the benevolence of God upon the land allocated to Joseph’s descendants.

The “blessed of the LORD be his land” suggests that the land given to them is fertile and valued. The land’s value is further enriched by the “precious things of heaven,” likely referring to the rain and sunshine necessary for prosperous agriculture.

The “dew” serves as a symbol of favor, as dew was a critical source of moisture necessary for crops in a climate where rainfall could be scarce. “The deep that coucheth beneath” generally means the underground water sources or springs that would have been essential for sustaining life and agriculture in the region.

Historical Context

The book of Deuteronomy is set during the time when the Israelites are on the plains of Moab, preparing to enter the Promised Land after forty years of wandering in the desert. This particular chapter is set in the context of Moses blessing the twelve tribes of Israel before his death, and just before Joshua leads them into Canaan.

Joseph’s tribes were to receive a rich portion of the land in Canaan, composed of fertile valleys and water sources which would afford them a prosperous livelihood. Historically, Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph’s sons, did indeed inherit a bountiful portion of the promised territory.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse shows the continuation of God’s covenant promises to the patriarchs through their descendants. It reflects a divine endorsement of agrarian success which was a sign of God’s blessing during the biblical times.

Within Christianity, Joseph is often seen as a type of Christ, and blessings upon Joseph can be viewed as having messianic implications—as blessings not solely on the land but also on the future work of God through Jesus.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve as a reminder to appreciate and steward the natural resources bestowed upon us, recognizing them as blessings from God. It may encourage gratitude for both the seen (like rain and sunshine) and unseen (such as underground water) components of our environment that sustain life.

It also highlights the value of legacy, both material and spiritual, as seen in how Joseph’s lineage received blessings based on their ancestors’ faithfulness and God’s promises.

Cross-References

• Genesis 49:25-26: “Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:”
• Deuteronomy 33:28: “Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew.”
• Ezekiel 34:26: “And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.”

Language Study

The original Hebrew text uses the phrase “מִמֶּגֶד שָׁמַיִם”, which translates to “from the precious things of heaven,” indicating that these blessings are not ordinary but exquisite and valuable. The word “מֶגֶד” (meged) has a connotation of abundance and excellence.

“מִטַּל” (“mittal”) means “dew,” which poetically represents God’s delicate provision. “תְּהוֹם רֹבֶצֶת” (“tehom rovetset”) is rendered as “the deep that coucheth beneath,” suggesting enormous subterranean water reserves that are at rest, yet powerful and sustaining.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, fertility and abundance of land were seen as signs of divine favor. In Egyptian mythology, for example, the Nile’s annual flooding was considered a blessing from the gods, much like the dew and deep waters mentioned here. The concept of a divine blessing for a productive land is a common theme across many ancient agricultural societies.

Scientific Perspectives

Science underscores the importance of water in the form of dew and sub-surface aquifers for maintaining ecological balance and supporting agriculture. These concepts align with the understanding of natural blessings mentioned in the verse. Dew is recognized as a vital source of water for plants, especially in arid climates, and the “deep that coucheth beneath” is reminiscent of modern knowledge about groundwater and its crucial role in sustaining both human communities and ecosystems.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse elaborate on the richness of the blessings bestowed upon Joseph’s lineage. The Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament notes that the blessings consist not just of the fruitfulness of the earth but also include spiritual gifts from God. Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the variety of blessings, both visible and invisible, that Joseph’s descendants would enjoy.

Additionally, some commentaries focus on the typology of Joseph as a foreshadowing of Christ and the broader salvific narrative, relating the land’s fertility with spiritual inheritance and abundance in the Christian faith. These interpretations are meant to extract lessons beyond the historical context, applying the theology of the verse to broader spiritual teachings.