Deuteronomy 33:24
And of Asher he said, “Most blessed of sons be Asher; let him be the favorite of his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The blessing for Asher, "let him dip his foot in oil," is more than just a poetic description of fertility; it signifies an abundance so immense that the very ground he walks on is saturated with it. This speaks to a deep, inherent prosperity and richness of his inheritance, where even the earth itself yields its finest produce.
Moses is delivering his final prophetic blessings to the twelve tribes of Israel before his death, summarizing God's favor and promises for each. Following blessings on tribes like Gad and Dan, he turns to Asher, a tribe known for its fertile land and coastal access. This blessing on Asher is part of a larger picture of God's enduring covenant faithfulness to His people as they prepare to enter and possess the Promised Land.
What does it mean to be 'most blessed of sons'? Asher's blessing goes beyond just having many children. It points to a unique favor and abundance.
The blessing for Asher begins with the powerful phrase, 'Most blessed of sons be Asher.' This isn't just a wish; it's a prophetic declaration. It suggests Asher will be distinguished among the tribes, experiencing a special level of favor and fruitfulness.
A Superior Blessing
This can be understood in a couple of ways:
The overall sense is one of being uniquely set apart for God's good pleasure and provision.
Imagine being so blessed that you could 'dip your foot in oil.' What does this vivid imagery truly signify for Asher's portion?
The phrase 'let him dip his foot in oil' is a powerful metaphor for extreme abundance and prosperity. It goes beyond mere sufficiency; it speaks of overflowing wealth and comfort.
The Wealth of Asher's Land
Understand the original words
shemen · Hebrew Noun
Used here to signify wealth, richness of the land, and divine provision. In the ancient Near East, oil was a symbol of health, joy, luxury, and the presence of the Spirit of God.
Moses' blessing on Asher paints a picture of immense prosperity, particularly in the abundance of oil, and a harmonious relationship with other tribes. This reflects the rich agricultural potential of Asher's allotted territory in the north of Canaan, a land known for its olive groves and fertile plains, and echoes Jacob's earlier prophecy of Asher's 'royal dainties'.
c. 1400 BC
The Exodus and Wilderness Journey
After escaping slavery in Egypt, the Israelites journeyed through the Sinai wilderness for 40 years, receiving the Law at Mount Sinai and preparing to enter the Promised Land. This foundational period shaped their identity and covenant relationship with God.
c. 1400-1350 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Led by Joshua, the Israelite tribes conquered the land of Canaan, dividing it among themselves by lot according to God's command. This established their presence in the Promised Land.
c. 1350 BC— this verse
Division of the Land
The land of Canaan was systematically surveyed and divided among the twelve tribes. The tribe of Asher received its inheritance in the fertile northern coastal region of Canaan.
c. 1350 BC
Jacob's Blessing
The blessing of Jacob, given to his sons before his death (Genesis 49), also prophesied the future of the tribes, including Asher, highlighting its fertile land and prosperity.
This passage contains Jacob's earlier prophecy for Asher, which Moses echoes here, highlighting the continued theme of abundant provision and wealth for the tribe.
Psalm 104:15This Psalm speaks of God providing oil to make the heart glad, paralleling the specific blessing of oil for Asher and showing a broader theme of God's provision for His people's enjoyment.
Judges 5:17This verse from the Song of Deborah mentions Asher remaining by the sea and abiding in its bays, giving context to Asher's territory and reinforcing the idea of prosperity derived from its land and trade, fitting with the 'dipping foot in oil' imagery.
1 Kings 17:12The story of the widow of Zarephath, who shares her last bit of oil and flour with Elijah, demonstrates a situation where oil is a precious commodity, making Asher's abundance of it a significant blessing.
calvinDeuteronomy 33:1-29: "And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death."
And for the precious things of the earth, and fullness thereof, and for the good-will of him that dwelt in the bush: let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren.
Et ob prastantiam terrae, et ob plenitudinem ejus: et beneplacitum habitatoris rubi veniat super caput Joseph, et super ver…
pooleDeuteronomy 33:24: "And of Asher he said, Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil."
He shall have numerous, and those strong, and healthful, and comely, children. Or, shall be blessed or praised of or above the sons , i.e. the other sons of Israel, or his brethren, as it here follows, i.e. his portion shall fall in an excellent part, where he may have the benefits both of his own fat soil, and of the sea, by his neighbours Tyrus…
The blessing for Asher, "let him dip his foot in oil," is more than just a poetic description of fertility; it signifies an abundance so immense that the very ground he walks on is saturated with it. This speaks to a deep, inherent prosperity and richness of his inheritance, where even the earth itself yields its finest produce.
Moses is delivering his final prophetic blessings to the twelve tribes of Israel before his death, summarizing God's favor and promises for each. Following blessings on tribes like Gad and Dan, he turns to Asher, a tribe known for its fertile land and coastal access. This blessing on Asher is part of a larger picture of God's enduring covenant faithfulness to His people as they prepare to enter and possess the Promised Land.
Moses is delivering his final prophetic blessings to the twelve tribes of Israel before his death, summarizing God's favor and promises for each. Following blessings on tribes like Gad and Dan, he turns to Asher, a tribe known for its fertile land and coastal access. This blessing on Asher is part of a larger picture of God's enduring covenant faithfulness to His people as they prepare to enter and possess the Promised Land.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Deuteronomy 33:24 is available in the Sola app.
"And of Asher he said,
“Most blessed of sons be Asher;
let him be the favorite of his brothers,
and let him dip his foot in oil." — The blessing for Asher, "let him dip his foot in oil," is more than just a poetic description of fertility; it signifies an abundance so immense that the very ground he walks on is saturated with it.…