Deuteronomy 33:24-25
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)
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While we often focus on Asher's abundance, the text's phrasing implies he'd be favored among his brothers. This highlights not just material blessing, but a unique desirability and acceptance stemming from his tribe's place among the others. The image of dipping feet in oil becomes a tangible expression of this prosperity and distinct favor.
Moses is delivering final blessings to each of the twelve tribes before he dies, painting a picture of their future prosperity and God's favor. He moves through the tribes, highlighting specific promises for each, building towards a grand finale about Israel as a whole. This verse focuses on the tribe of Asher, known for its fertile land, and offers a distinct prophecy about their blessing.
The name Asher means 'happiness' or 'blessing,' and Moses' prophecy for this tribe overflows with a unique abundance. What does it mean to be truly 'blessed' in God's eyes?
Moses declares that Asher shall be 'most blessed of sons' and 'the favorite of his brothers.' This isn't just about having many children, though that was certainly a sign of blessing in ancient Israel.
A Deeper Well of Blessing
This blessing speaks to a profound favor and a special richness that set Asher apart. It suggests a tribe that would enjoy exceptional prosperity and a unique position among its siblings. This wasn't earned; it was a gift from God, reflecting His gracious intent for them.
Imagine a land so rich with oil that you could literally wash your feet in it! This vivid image points to an incredible, overflowing abundance granted by God.
The phrase 'dip his foot in oil' is a powerful metaphor for extreme wealth and plentiful resources. Asher's inheritance was known for its fertile land, especially its olive groves, which were a primary source of oil – a vital commodity for food, light, and anointing.
More Than Just Olive Trees
This blessing extends beyond the literal production of oil. It signifies a land of great fertility and prosperity, where even the most common aspects of life would be blessed with abundance. It's a picture of God providing not just necessities, but overflowing comforts and riches.
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 for Asher speaks of fertility and prosperity, a promise fulfilled in the tribe's fertile land rich in olives. This divine foresight, given before the actual settlement, highlights God's intimate knowledge of each tribe's future and His detailed plans for them.
~1446 BC— this verse
Moses Blesses the Tribes
As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses, before his death, delivered prophetic blessings to each of the twelve tribes, foretelling their future destinies and characteristics.
~1400 BC
Israelites Conquer Canaan
Following Moses' death, Joshua led the Israelites in the conquest of Canaan, allotting territory to each tribe, including Asher's portion in the fertile north.
c. 11th Century BC
Period of the Judges
The tribe of Asher, known for its agricultural wealth, particularly olives and oil, experienced periods of relative peace and prosperity but also faced challenges from surrounding peoples.
c. 10th Century BC
United Monarchy
During the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon, Asher was part of the united kingdom, benefiting from the stability and trade that characterized this era.
This earlier blessing from Jacob to Asher also highlights his future prosperity and the richness of his land, specifically mentioning 'fat bread' and 'royal delicacies', which parallels the abundant produce implied by 'dipping his foot in oil'.
Judges 5:17This passage from the Song of Deborah, a later song of triumph, contrasts the tribes that readily joined the battle with those who stayed home. Asher is mentioned as remaining 'at the seashore and at his **coves**,' suggesting their territory was prosperous and perhaps focused on trade, aligning with the theme of abundance in Deuteronomy 33:24.
Job 29:6This verse from Job's lament describes his past prosperity and well-being, stating 'when my **foot** was washed with **oil**.' This vivid imagery echoes the blessing given to Asher, painting a picture of overflowing abundance and comfort.
Psalm 23:5The imagery of anointing with oil in this psalm, where David speaks of God preparing a 'table before me in the presence of my enemies' and 'anointing my **head** with **oil**,' connects the concept of divine favor and provision with the symbolic use of oil, similar to Asher's 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…
While we often focus on Asher's abundance, the text's phrasing implies he'd be favored among his brothers. This highlights not just material blessing, but a unique desirability and acceptance stemming from his tribe's place among the others. The image of dipping feet in oil becomes a tangible expression of this prosperity and distinct favor.
Moses is delivering final blessings to each of the twelve tribes before he dies, painting a picture of their future prosperity and God's favor. He moves through the tribes, highlighting specific promises for each, building towards a grand finale about Israel as a whole. This verse focuses on the tribe of Asher, known for its fertile land, and offers a distinct prophecy about their blessing.
Moses is delivering final blessings to each of the twelve tribes before he dies, painting a picture of their future prosperity and God's favor. He moves through the tribes, highlighting specific promises for each, building towards a grand finale about Israel as a whole. This verse focuses on the tribe of Asher, known for its fertile land, and offers a distinct prophecy about their blessing.
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c. 931 BC
Divided Kingdom
After Solomon's death, the kingdom split, and Asher became part of the northern Kingdom of Israel, often influenced by its neighbors and internal conflicts.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Exile
The Northern Kingdom of Israel, including the territory of Asher, was conquered by the Assyrian Empire, leading to the deportation of many Israelites and the scattering of the tribe.
"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." — While we often focus on Asher's abundance, the text's phrasing implies he'd be *favored among his brothers*. This highlights not just material blessing, but a unique desirability and acceptance stemm…