Deuteronomy 33 19

Deuteronomy 33:19 kjv

They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand.

Deuteronomy 33:19 nkjv

They shall call the peoples to the mountain; There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness; For they shall partake of the abundance of the seas And of treasures hidden in the sand."

Deuteronomy 33:19 niv

They will summon peoples to the mountain and there offer the sacrifices of the righteous; they will feast on the abundance of the seas, on the treasures hidden in the sand."

Deuteronomy 33:19 esv

They shall call peoples to their mountain; there they offer right sacrifices; for they draw from the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand."

Deuteronomy 33:19 nlt

They summon the people to the mountain
to offer proper sacrifices there.
They benefit from the riches of the sea
and the hidden treasures in the sand."

Deuteronomy 33 verses

Deuteronomy 33 19 Meaning

Deuteronomy 33:19 signifies the prophetic blessing upon the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar. It declares their role in attracting various nations to a significant mountain (likely Mount Tabor), where these peoples will offer righteous sacrifices to the Lord. This spiritual drawing is empowered by the material prosperity granted to Zebulun and Issachar, particularly through their access to abundant maritime trade from the seas and valuable resources metaphorically "hidden in the sand" along their coastal regions and fertile lands. The verse speaks to their future prosperity enabling a spiritual witness to the surrounding world.

Deuteronomy 33 19 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 33 contains Moses' final blessing over the tribes of Israel, delivered just before his death. It serves as a prophetic utterance, foreshadowing the future experiences, characteristics, and fortunes of each tribe as they enter the Promised Land and establish themselves. This particular verse focuses on Zebulun and Issachar, tribes whose territories were contiguous in the northern region of Israel. Zebulun's inheritance included part of the Phoenician coast (the Mediterranean Sea), enabling maritime trade, while Issachar's land was known for its fertile plains (Jezreel Valley), vital for agriculture. The blessing highlights a significant aspect of their destiny: not only material prosperity derived from their geographic location but also a unique spiritual role in drawing non-Israelite "peoples" to worship the God of Israel.

Deuteronomy 33 19 Word analysis

• They shall call (יִקְרָֽאוּ, yiqqrā'ū): This verb signifies to summon, invite, proclaim, or beckon. It denotes an active role in drawing others, suggesting an evangelistic or missional dimension rather than passive observation.
• the peoples (עַמִּים, ‘ammîm): This term specifically refers to "peoples" or "nations," commonly used in the Hebrew Bible to denote Gentiles, i.e., non-Israelite nations.
• to the mountain (הַר, har): A general term for "mountain" or "hill." While not specified, it is widely understood by scholars to refer to Mount Tabor, located at the junction of Zebulun and Issachar's territories. Mount Tabor was a natural meeting place and a traditional site for worship or assembly. Symbolically, a mountain can represent a place of divine revelation and worship.
• there (שָׁם, shām): Indicates the specific location where the actions described will take place, namely, on "the mountain."
• they shall offer sacrifices (יִזְבְּח֥וּ זִבְחֵי־, yizbᵉḥû zibḥê-): "They shall sacrifice sacrifices." The verb zābaḥ means to slaughter an animal for sacrifice. This refers to the act of religious worship through animal offerings, as prescribed in the Law.
• of righteousness (צֶֽדֶק, tzedeq): This noun signifies "righteousness," "justice," "uprightness," or "equity." When combined with "sacrifices," it implies offerings that are not merely ritualistically correct but are offered with a right heart, pure motives, and in accordance with God's moral and ceremonial law. Such sacrifices are acceptable and pleasing to God.
• For they shall draw out / For they shall suck the abundance (כִּ֣י שֶׁ֤פַע, kî shefaʿ): "For" (כי) introduces the reason or explanation for the preceding statement. "Draw out" or "suck" implies deriving sustenance or wealth. "Abundance" (shefaʿ) refers to an overflowing, plentiful flow or bounty, indicating great prosperity. This suggests the prosperity enables their witness.
• of the seas (יַמִּים, yammîm): Refers to "seas" or "waters," specifically the Mediterranean Sea accessed by Zebulun's coastal territory. This signifies prosperity derived from maritime trade, fishing, or coastal industries.
• and the treasures (מַטְמוֹנֵי, maṭmōnê): Refers to "hidden treasures," things concealed or stored away. It suggests valuable resources.
• hidden in the sand (טְמוּנֵי ח֔וֹל, ṭᵉmûnê ḥôl): "Hidden" (ṭᵉmûnê) means concealed, while "sand" (ḥôl) refers to sand, typically associated with seashores. This phrase is interpreted in various ways: literal hidden wealth along the coast, valuable natural resources like rich mineral deposits (e.g., glass-making sands, dyes), valuable goods brought in by maritime trade that might be buried for security, or the fertility of their soil for agricultural wealth that seemed inexhaustible like grains of sand.

• They shall call the peoples to the mountain: This phrase powerfully conveys a prophetic missionary impulse. Instead of Israel going out to the nations, the nations are drawn to Israel's sacred spaces and worship of YHWH. This anticipates the future Gentile inclusion and the role of God's people in revealing Him to the world.
• Offer sacrifices of righteousness: This is a crucial ethical and spiritual emphasis. It's not just about ritual; the sacrifices must be accompanied by ethical living and sincere devotion, indicating worship that pleases God both in form and spirit. This prefigures the New Covenant emphasis on spiritual sacrifice and righteousness of heart (Heb 13:15-16, 1 Pet 2:5).
• For they shall draw out the abundance of the seas, and the treasures hidden in the sand: This clause highlights the economic foundation of their blessing. Their strategic geographic location will bring them immense prosperity from maritime trade, rich fishing, and coastal industries or valuable natural resources. This material blessing is seen as instrumental in facilitating their spiritual influence. The wealth provides resources and possibly a visible testimony of God's blessing that draws others to inquire.

Deuteronomy 33 19 Bonus section

This verse can be seen as an early foreshadowing of the broader theme of Gentile inclusion within God's redemptive plan. While not explicitly Christian, its principle of Israel drawing nations to worship YHWH finds profound fulfillment in the New Covenant through the Church. The Church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, now invites all peoples to come to the spiritual "mountain" of Christ's kingdom (Heb 12:22), offering spiritual "sacrifices of praise" (Heb 13:15) and service. The prosperity described here is not just for enjoyment, but for outreach, demonstrating that God's blessings often have a purpose beyond the individual recipient, equipping them to share His truth with others. The tribal names of Zebulun and Issachar appear in Revelation 7:7-8 as part of the 144,000, underscoring their enduring significance in God's eternal purposes.

Deuteronomy 33 19 Commentary

Deuteronomy 33:19 presents a remarkable blessing for Zebulun and Issachar, intertwining material prosperity with a spiritual mission. Moses envisions these tribes, particularly favored by their coastal access and fertile inland territories, leveraging their "abundance of the seas" and "treasures hidden in the sand" to play a pivotal role in the spiritual destiny of the nations. Their wealth, derived from lucrative trade and rich natural resources, will not be merely for self-enrichment but will serve a higher purpose: attracting "the peoples" (Gentiles) to "the mountain," likely Mount Tabor, to engage in worship.

The phrase "sacrifices of righteousness" is key. It implies that the worship offered will be genuine, aligning with God's righteous character and laws, not mere ritualistic conformity. This foreshadows a deeper understanding of acceptable worship—one rooted in sincerity and obedience rather than empty form. The prosperity granted to these tribes acts as a magnet, drawing surrounding nations who observe the blessings of YHWH upon His people. This dynamic foresees a future where Israel serves as a beacon, leading Gentiles to the true God through the witness of their covenant faithfulness and the tangible blessings that accompany it. It points to a time when God’s truth, originating from Israel, would reach far beyond its borders, a theme beautifully fulfilled in the spread of the Gospel through Christ to all nations.