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Deuteronomy 33:16 - Divine favor on Yosef's destiny

Deuteronomy 33:16 - דברים 33:16

Hebrew Text

וּמִמֶּגֶד אֶרֶץ וּמְלֹאָהּ וּרְצוֹן שֹׁכְנִי סְנֶה תָּבוֹאתָה לְרֹאשׁ יוֹסֵף וּלְקָדְקֹד נְזִיר אֶחָיו׃

English Translation

and for the precious things of the earth and its fulness, and for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let the blessing come upon the head of Yosef, and upon the top of the head of him who was separated from his brothers.

Transliteration

U'mimeged eretz u'mloah u'retzon shochnei sneh tavoata l'rosh Yosef u'l'kodkod nezir echav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמִמֶּ֗גֶד אֶ֚רֶץ וּמְלֹאָ֔הּ וּרְצ֥וֹן שֹׁכְנִ֖י סְנֶ֑ה תָּב֙וֹאתָה֙ לְרֹ֣אשׁ יוֹסֵ֔ף וּלְקׇדְקֹ֖ד נְזִ֥יר אֶחָֽיו׃
וּמִמֶּ֗גֶד אֶ֚רֶץ וּמְלֹאָ֔הּ וּרְצ֥וֹן שֹׁכְנִ֖י סְנֶ֑ה תָּב֙וֹאתָה֙ לְרֹ֣אשׁ יוֹסֵ֔ף וּלְקׇדְקֹ֖ד נְזִ֥יר אֶחָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's final blessings to the tribes of Israel before his passing (Devarim 33:16). It is directed specifically toward the tribe of Yosef, emphasizing the abundant blessings bestowed upon them.

Explanation of Key Phrases

  • "וּמִמֶּגֶד אֶרֶץ וּמְלֹאָהּ" (and for the precious things of the earth and its fullness): Rashi explains that this refers to the choicest fruits and produce of the land, symbolizing material abundance. The Sforno adds that this blessing includes both the physical and spiritual bounty of Eretz Yisrael.
  • "וּרְצוֹן שֹׁכְנִי סְנֶה" (and for the good will of him that dwelt in the bush): This alludes to Hashem's presence in the burning bush (Shemot 3:2-4). The Ramban teaches that this phrase highlights the divine favor granted to Yosef due to his righteousness, as the burning bush symbolizes humility and endurance—traits embodied by Yosef during his trials in Egypt.
  • "נְזִיר אֶחָיו" (who was separated from his brothers): The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 99:2) interprets this as referring to Yosef's elevated status despite being estranged from his brothers. The term "נְזִיר" (nazir) here denotes consecration, as Yosef remained morally steadfast even in exile.

Theological Significance

The blessing underscores that Yosef's success was not merely material but rooted in divine favor ("רצון"). The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Yosef's separation from his brothers was ultimately for a higher purpose—to sustain them during famine and fulfill Hashem's plan. This aligns with Yosef's own words in Bereishit 50:20: "You intended evil against me, but G-d intended it for good."

Connection to the Land of Israel

The verse also hints at the tribal territories of Ephraim and Menashe (Yosef's sons) in Eretz Yisrael, which were exceptionally fertile. The Talmud (Bava Batra 122a) notes that the phrase "מֶּגֶד אֶרֶץ" refers specifically to the richness of the Shechem region, allotted to Yosef as a reward for his piety.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the blessings given to Joseph and his unique status among his brothers.
📖 Berakhot 20a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the significance of blessings and the special favor shown to Joseph.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the good will of him that dwelt in the bush' refer to in Deuteronomy 33:16?
A: This phrase refers to Hashem (G-d), who appeared to Moshe (Moses) in the burning bush (Shemot 3:2). Rashi explains that it highlights G-d's kindness in choosing to reveal Himself in such a humble setting to redeem the Jewish people.
Q: Why is Yosef (Joseph) described as 'separated from his brothers' in this verse?
A: The term 'separated' (נְזִיר) refers to Yosef's elevated status among his brothers. According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah), this reflects both his physical separation when sold into Egypt and his spiritual distinction as a righteous leader who resisted temptation and remained faithful to G-d.
Q: What are the 'precious things of the earth' mentioned in this blessing for Yosef?
A: The Sforno explains that this refers to the abundant blessings of the land given to Yosef's descendants (the tribes of Ephraim and Menashe). This includes fertile land, as seen in their portions in Israel (like the region of Shchem), which produced exceptional fruits and crops.
Q: How does this blessing for Yosef apply to us today?
A: The Ramban teaches that Yosef's blessings remind us of the importance of overcoming challenges with faith. Just as Yosef remained steadfast in Egypt, we too can merit G-d's blessings by maintaining our values even in difficult circumstances.
Q: Why does the verse mention both 'the head of Yosef' and 'the top of the head'?
A: The Kli Yakar explains that this double language signifies both material and spiritual blessings. 'The head' refers to physical prosperity, while 'the top of the head' (the highest point) alludes to Yosef's spiritual greatness and his descendants' Torah scholarship.