Deuteronomy Chapter 33 · Verse 19

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

עַמִּים֙ the people H5971
עַמִּים֙ the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 1 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַר unto the mountain H2022
הַר unto the mountain
Strong's: H2022
Word #: 2 of 14
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
יִקְרָ֔אוּ They shall call H7121
יִקְרָ֔אוּ They shall call
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 3 of 14
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
שָׁ֖ם H8033
שָׁ֖ם
Strong's: H8033
Word #: 4 of 14
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
יִזְבְּח֣וּ there they shall offer H2076
יִזְבְּח֣וּ there they shall offer
Strong's: H2076
Word #: 5 of 14
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
זִבְחֵי sacrifices H2077
זִבְחֵי sacrifices
Strong's: H2077
Word #: 6 of 14
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
צֶ֑דֶק of righteousness H6664
צֶ֑דֶק of righteousness
Strong's: H6664
Word #: 7 of 14
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 8 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שֶׁ֤פַע of the abundance H8228
שֶׁ֤פַע of the abundance
Strong's: H8228
Word #: 9 of 14
resources
יַמִּים֙ of the seas H3220
יַמִּים֙ of the seas
Strong's: H3220
Word #: 10 of 14
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
יִינָ֔קוּ for they shall suck H3243
יִינָ֔קוּ for they shall suck
Strong's: H3243
Word #: 11 of 14
to suck; causatively, to give milk
וּשְׂפֻנֵ֖י and of treasures H8226
וּשְׂפֻנֵ֖י and of treasures
Strong's: H8226
Word #: 12 of 14
to conceal (as a valuable)
טְמ֥וּנֵי hid H2934
טְמ֥וּנֵי hid
Strong's: H2934
Word #: 13 of 14
to hide (by covering over)
חֽוֹל׃ in the sand H2344
חֽוֹל׃ in the sand
Strong's: H2344
Word #: 14 of 14
sand (as round or whirling particles)

Analysis & Commentary

They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness—Moses blesses Zebulun and Issachar together, predicting their commercial prosperity through maritime trade. The Hebrew har (mountain) likely refers to Mount Tabor, located at the border of their territories, where pilgrims would gather for worship. Zivchei tzedeq (sacrifices of righteousness) indicates offerings given from honest gain, not exploitation—prosperity used for worship, not hoarded.

For they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand—Shefa yamim (abundance of the seas) points to Zebulun's coastal access (Genesis 49:13) and lucrative sea trade. The 'treasures in the sand' may refer to Tyrian purple dye extracted from murex snails, glass-making using coastal sand, or hidden maritime commerce. Their wealth would become a vehicle for calling nations to worship, prefiguring how God's people should use material blessing for missional purposes.

Historical Context

Zebulun's territory included the southern edge of the Jezreel Valley with access to Mediterranean trade routes, while Issachar occupied the fertile agricultural plain. Their commercial success in Moses's blessing was fulfilled during the judges period and David's reign. Archaeological evidence confirms extensive Phoenician trade networks along this coast. The 'calling peoples to the mountain' finds later echo in Isaiah's vision of nations streaming to Zion (Isaiah 2:2-3).

Questions for Reflection