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Deuteronomy 33:19 - Tribes' righteous mountain offerings

Deuteronomy 33:19 - דברים 33:19

Hebrew Text

עַמִּים הַר־יִקְרָאוּ שָׁם יִזְבְּחוּ זִבְחֵי־צֶדֶק כִּי שֶׁפַע יַמִּים יִינָקוּ וּשְׂפוּנֵי טְמוּנֵי חוֹל׃

English Translation

They shall call the peoples to 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.

Transliteration

Amim har-yikra'u sham yizb'chu zivchei-tzedek ki shefa yamim yinaku usfuney tmunei chol.

Hebrew Leining Text

עַמִּים֙ הַר־יִקְרָ֔אוּ שָׁ֖ם יִזְבְּח֣וּ זִבְחֵי־צֶ֑דֶק כִּ֣י שֶׁ֤פַע יַמִּים֙ יִינָ֔קוּ וּשְׂפֻנֵ֖י טְמ֥וּנֵי חֽוֹל׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
עַמִּים֙ הַר־יִקְרָ֔אוּ שָׁ֖ם יִזְבְּח֣וּ זִבְחֵי־צֶ֑דֶק כִּ֣י שֶׁ֤פַע יַמִּים֙ יִינָ֔קוּ וּשְׂפֻנֵ֖י טְמ֥וּנֵי חֽוֹל׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 33:19, as part of Moshe Rabbeinu's blessings to the tribes of Israel before his passing. Specifically, it refers to the tribes of Zevulun and Yissachar, who had a unique partnership—Zevulun engaged in commerce by sea, while Yissachar devoted themselves to Torah study.

Explanation of the Verse

"They shall call the peoples to the mountain": Rashi explains that "the mountain" refers to the Beit HaMikdash (Temple in Jerusalem), where all nations will eventually come to worship Hashem. The Radak adds that Zevulun, through their maritime trade, would facilitate this by bringing gentiles to recognize Hashem.

"There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness": The Ibn Ezra interprets this as referring to sincere and proper offerings brought in the Temple. The Sforno emphasizes that these sacrifices will be "righteous" because they will be offered with pure intentions, unlike idolatrous sacrifices.

"For they shall suck of the abundance of the seas": Rashi connects this to Zevulun's blessing of maritime prosperity, as they engaged in sea trade (see Bereishit 49:13). The Malbim explains that their wealth would be used to support Torah scholars (Yissachar), fulfilling the partnership between the two tribes.

"And of treasures hid in the sand": The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayechi 11) teaches that this alludes to precious materials like pearls and gems found in the depths of the sea. The Kli Yakar adds that these hidden treasures symbolize the hidden wisdom of Torah, which Yissachar would reveal through their study.

Key Themes from Commentators

  • Partnership of Zevulun and Yissachar: The verse highlights the ideal relationship between material success (Zevulun) and spiritual devotion (Yissachar), where wealth is used to sustain Torah learning.
  • Universal Recognition of Hashem: The calling of nations to the mountain reflects the prophetic vision of all humanity acknowledging Hashem in the Messianic era (Yeshayahu 2:2-3).
  • Hidden and Revealed Blessings: The "treasures in the sand" symbolize both physical wealth and the concealed depths of Torah wisdom.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'sacrifices of righteousness' mean in Deuteronomy 33:19?
A: According to Rashi, 'sacrifices of righteousness' refers to offerings brought with sincere intentions and proper conduct, in contrast to empty rituals. The verse highlights the importance of serving Hashem with integrity and justice.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'the abundance of the seas' and 'treasures hid in the sand'?
A: The Midrash explains that this refers to the blessings given to the tribe of Zebulun, who were seafarers and merchants (as mentioned in Genesis 49:13). The 'abundance of the seas' symbolizes their material success, while 'treasures hid in the sand' alludes to hidden blessings from Hashem for those who follow His ways.
Q: What is the significance of 'calling the peoples to the mountain' in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 6b) interprets this as referring to the future ingathering of nations to learn Torah and serve Hashem. The 'mountain' symbolizes Mount Moriah (the Temple Mount), where righteous offerings will be brought in the Messianic era.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 33:19 apply to us today?
A: The Rambam teaches that this verse reminds us to use material blessings (like wealth or success) for spiritual purposes—supporting Torah study and acts of kindness. Just as Zebulun partnered with Issachar (supporting Torah scholars), we should use our resources for righteousness.