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Deuteronomy 33:13 - Yosef's land divinely blessed

Deuteronomy 33:13 - דברים 33:13

Hebrew Text

וּלְיוֹסֵף אָמַר מְבֹרֶכֶת יְהֹוָה אַרְצוֹ מִמֶּגֶד שָׁמַיִם מִטָּל וּמִתְּהוֹם רֹבֶצֶת תָּחַת׃

English Translation

And of Yosef he said, Blessed of the Lord be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that couches beneath,

Transliteration

U'leyosef amar mevorechet Adonai artzo mimeged shamayim mital umitehom rovetzat tachat.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּלְיוֹסֵ֣ף אָמַ֔ר מְבֹרֶ֥כֶת יְהֹוָ֖ה אַרְצ֑וֹ מִמֶּ֤גֶד שָׁמַ֙יִם֙ מִטָּ֔ל וּמִתְּה֖וֹם רֹבֶ֥צֶת תָּֽחַת׃
וּלְיוֹסֵ֣ף אָמַ֔ר מְבֹרֶ֥כֶת יְהֹוָ֖ה אַרְצ֑וֹ מִמֶּ֤גֶד שָׁמַ֙יִם֙ מִטָּ֔ל וּמִתְּה֖וֹם רֹבֶ֥צֶת תָּֽחַת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Blessing of Yosef's Land

The verse (Devarim 33:13) describes the abundant blessings bestowed upon the territory of Yosef (Ephraim and Menashe). Rashi explains that this blessing refers to the fertile lands of Shechem and the surrounding regions, which were allotted to Yosef's descendants. The "precious things of heaven" (מִמֶּגֶד שָׁמַיִם) refers to the heavenly blessings of rain and dew, essential for agricultural prosperity.

Symbolism of Dew and the Deep

The Sforno notes that the "dew" (טָל) represents consistent, gentle sustenance from Hashem, while the "deep that couches beneath" (תְּהוֹם רֹבֶצֶת תָּחַת) alludes to underground water sources that ensure fertility even in times of drought. The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayechi 11) connects this to Yosef's righteousness, as his moral steadfastness (like underground waters) sustained him during trials in Egypt.

Yosef's Unique Blessing

  • Heavenly and Earthly Blessings: The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Yosef's blessing encompasses both spiritual ("heaven") and physical ("land") abundance, reflecting his dual role as a leader in material and spiritual matters.
  • Contrast with Other Tribes: Ramban observes that Yosef's blessing is uniquely comprehensive, as it includes both celestial and subterranean blessings, unlike other tribes who received more specific promises.
  • Legacy of Yaakov's Blessing: The Ohr HaChaim connects this verse to Yaakov's earlier blessing (Bereishit 49:25-26), showing continuity in Yosef's divinely ordained prosperity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 20a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the blessings of the land and the special favor bestowed upon Yosef.
📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the merits of Yosef and the blessings he received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the blessing for Yosef in Deuteronomy 33:13 mean?
A: This verse is part of Moshe's final blessings to the tribes of Israel before his passing. For Yosef (representing the tribes of Ephraim and Menashe), it emphasizes the fertility and abundance of their land. Rashi explains that 'the precious things of heaven' refers to rain and heavenly blessings, 'the dew' represents constant moisture for crops, and 'the deep that couches beneath' refers to underground water sources - all ensuring agricultural prosperity.
Q: Why does the verse specifically mention dew and underground waters?
A: The Talmud (Taanit 25b) teaches that dew is a special blessing that comes regardless of human merit, unlike rain which depends on our righteousness. The underground waters ('tehom') represent hidden, constant sustenance. Together, they symbolize that Yosef's descendants would receive both revealed blessings (dew) and hidden support (underground waters) from Hashem. The Ramban adds that this was particularly important for the fertile lands given to Yosef's tribes.
Q: How does this blessing apply to us today?
A: The Sforno explains that this teaches us to recognize that all material blessings ultimately come from Hashem. Just as Yosef's land was blessed with natural abundance, we must acknowledge that our sustenance - whether through salary, business success, or other means - is really divine blessing. The mention of both heavenly and earthly sources reminds us that Hashem provides through multiple channels, often in ways we don't immediately see.
Q: Why is Yosef's blessing connected to the land?
A: The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 84:1) connects this to Yosef's righteousness in Egypt - just as he remained spiritually strong in a foreign land, his descendants would merit a physically and spiritually nourishing land in Israel. The Kli Yakar notes that the verse's structure shows the land's blessing comes 'from above' (heavenly dew) and 'from below' (underground waters), representing complete divine providence over the territory given to Yosef's tribes.