Deuteronomy 33:24-25
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The phrase "dip his foot in oil" isn't just about having an abundance of olives for cooking or anointing. It paints a picture of such immense fertility and prosperity that the very ground Asher's people walk on is soaked with precious oil, symbolizing wealth so deep it can be found underfoot. This blessing goes beyond mere sustenance, pointing to a rich abundance flowing from the land itself.
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. Your bars shall be iron and bronze, and as your days, so shall your strength be.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses is offering his final blessings to the twelve tribes of Israel as they stand on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. This chapter is a poetic prophecy, detailing the specific blessings and future God has for each tribe, following Jacob's earlier prophetic words to his sons. Asher is the eleventh tribe to receive its blessing in this passage.
Imagine a land so rich, you could literally bathe your feet in its most precious product! That's the picture painted for Asher.
The blessing on Asher culminates in the vivid image of him being able to 'dip his foot in oil.' This isn't just about having a lot of oil; it's a metaphor for overflowing prosperity and abundance.
A Land of Plenty
Asher's inheritance was known for its fertility, particularly its olive groves. This 'oil' represents not only agricultural wealth but also a life filled with the good things God provides. It speaks to a life where resources are so plentiful that even the ordinary (like washing one's feet) can be done with luxury.
More Than Just Wealth
While economic prosperity is implied, the 'oil' also symbolizes joy, consecration, and divine favor. In ancient Israel, oil was used for anointing kings and priests, signifying a life set apart and blessed by God.
What does it mean to be truly accepted and valued by those closest to you?
The blessing on Asher includes being 'acceptable to his brethren.' This speaks to more than just social ease; it points to a deep sense of belonging and harmony within the larger family of Israel.
Harmony and Unity
In a community often marked by tribal distinctiveness and potential rivalry, being 'acceptable' to his brothers signifies peace and good relationships. It suggests that Asher's tribe would contribute positively to the nation, fostering unity rather than division.
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A Generous Spirit
This favor likely stemmed from Asher's contributions to the community, perhaps through trade or sharing the abundant resources of his land. It reflects a tribe that was not only blessed by God but also a blessing to others.
In ancient times, a large family wasn't just a blessing; it was a sign of God's favor and prosperity. Asher was marked for this.
The blessing begins with Asher being 'most blessed of sons.' While this can encompass overall favor, a significant aspect highlighted by commentators is his blessing of children.
Prolific Posterity
In the context of the Old Testament, numerous offspring were seen as a sign of God's blessing and a key to national strength and continuity. Asher's portion was to be a tribe characterized by its fruitfulness, increasing in number and influence.
A Foundation for Blessing
This numerous progeny wasn't just for show; it laid the groundwork for Asher's ability to enjoy his prosperous land and maintain his favor among the other tribes. A strong, growing family is a vital component of a thriving community.
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.
dob'a · Hebrew Noun
In this context, it refers to the physical power, stamina, and inner fortitude granted by God. The Bible frequently speaks of God as the source of strength for His people to endure trials or fulfill their calling.
Moses' blessing on Asher speaks of abundant fertility and peace, a vision of prosperity tied to the land itself. While this was largely fulfilled in the early settlement of Canaan, the tribe's later history was marked by conquest and exile, highlighting the fragility of earthly blessings compared to the enduring word of God.
~1400 BC— this verse
Moses' Blessing of the Tribes
Moses, before his death, blesses each of the twelve tribes of Israel, offering prophecies and pronouncements about their future. This chapter is a final charge and assurance to the people before they enter the Promised Land.
c. 1200 BC
Israelites Settle in Canaan
Following the conquest of Canaan, the twelve tribes of Israel divide the land amongst themselves, establishing their territories and beginning their life as a nation in the Promised Land.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy Established
The tribes unite under King Saul, and later David and Solomon, forming a powerful kingdom. The tribe of Asher, located in the fertile north, benefits from this period of relative peace and prosperity.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divides
After Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel (including Asher) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This division leads to increased political instability.
722 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Kingdom
The powerful Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, exiling many of its inhabitants. The tribe of Asher, part of this kingdom, is scattered, and its distinct identity largely lost to history.
This passage contains Jacob's blessing on Asher, which Moses echoes here, speaking of Asher's 'bread being fat' and yielding 'royal dainties,' highlighting the theme of prosperity and abundance associated with the tribe.
Joshua 19:24-31This describes the territory allotted to the tribe of Asher, which was known for its fertile land, including olive groves, directly connecting to the prophecy of dipping his foot in oil and its rich produce.
Judges 1:31-32This passage shows Asher's failure to drive out the inhabitants of their land, yet they still lived among them and were not fully dominant, which provides a historical context to the 'acceptable to his brethren' aspect, suggesting a more peaceful, less dominant co-existence.
Song of Solomon 5:13The imagery of lips like 'a fountain of gardens, a fountain of sweet waters, and streams from Lebanon' shares a similar rich, abundant, and pleasing imagery that resonates with the idea of plentiful oil and blessing found in Deuteronomy.
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 phrase "dip his foot in oil" isn't just about having an abundance of olives for cooking or anointing. It paints a picture of such immense fertility and prosperity that the very ground Asher's people walk on is soaked with precious oil, symbolizing wealth so deep it can be found underfoot. This blessing goes beyond mere sustenance, pointing to a rich abundance flowing from the land itself.
Moses is offering his final blessings to the twelve tribes of Israel as they stand on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. This chapter is a poetic prophecy, detailing the specific blessings and future God has for each tribe, following Jacob's earlier prophetic words to his sons. Asher is the eleventh tribe to receive its blessing in this passage.
Moses is offering his final blessings to the twelve tribes of Israel as they stand on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. This chapter is a poetic prophecy, detailing the specific blessings and future God has for each tribe, following Jacob's earlier prophetic words to his sons. Asher is the eleventh tribe to receive its blessing in this passage.
"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. Your bars shall be iron and bronze,
and as your days, so shall your strength be." — The phrase "dip his foot in oil" isn't just about having an abundance of olives for cooking or anointing. It paints a picture of such immense fertility and prosperity that the very ground Asher's peo…
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Last reviewed October 2026