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Deuteronomy 33:15 - Ancient mountains' hidden treasures?

Deuteronomy 33:15 - דברים 33:15

Hebrew Text

וּמֵרֹאשׁ הַרְרֵי־קֶדֶם וּמִמֶּגֶד גִּבְעוֹת עוֹלָם׃

English Translation

and for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the primordial hills,

Transliteration

U-me-rosh har-rei-ke-dem u-mi-me-ged giv-ot o-lam

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמֵרֹ֖אשׁ הַרְרֵי־קֶ֑דֶם וּמִמֶּ֖גֶד גִּבְע֥וֹת עוֹלָֽם׃
וּמֵרֹ֖אשׁ הַרְרֵי־קֶ֑דֶם וּמִמֶּ֖גֶד גִּבְע֥וֹת עוֹלָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (וּמֵרֹאשׁ הַרְרֵי־קֶדֶם וּמִמֶּגֶד גִּבְעוֹת עוֹלָם) appears in Devarim 33:15 as part of Moshe Rabbeinu's blessing to the tribe of Yosef. It poetically describes the abundant blessings bestowed upon Yosef's portion in Eretz Yisrael, emphasizing its richness and enduring quality.

Rashi's Interpretation

Rashi explains that "the chief things of the ancient mountains" (רֹאשׁ הַרְרֵי־קֶדֶם) refers to the choicest fruits that grow on the mountains of Eretz Yisrael, which are "ancient" in the sense that they were prepared since the six days of Creation. The "precious things of the primordial hills" (מֶגֶד גִּבְעוֹת עוֹלָם) similarly denotes the finest produce of the hills, which are called "primordial" because they were formed in antiquity.

Ibn Ezra's Perspective

Ibn Ezra adds that the phrase highlights the natural wealth of Yosef's territory, particularly the regions of Shomron and Ephraim, known for their fertile land. The terms "ancient" and "primordial" may also allude to the enduring nature of these blessings, which persist through time.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma connects "הַרְרֵי־קֶדֶם" to Har Gerizim and Har Eival, the mountains where blessings and curses were proclaimed (Devarim 11:29). Yosef's portion included these spiritually significant lands.
  • Sifrei suggests that "גִּבְעוֹת עוֹלָם" refers to the hills of Chevron, which are tied to the eternal covenant with the Avot, further linking Yosef's blessing to the legacy of the Patriarchs.

Kabbalistic Dimension

The Zohar interprets "קֶדֶם" and "עוֹלָם" as alluding to divine attributes (sefirot)—specifically Chokhmah (ancient wisdom) and Binah (eternal understanding). Yosef's blessing thus flows from these lofty spiritual sources, manifesting in physical abundance.

Practical Implications

This verse teaches that material prosperity is a divine gift, rooted in spiritual origins. The emphasis on "ancient" and "primordial" reminds us that blessings are part of a divine plan established from Creation, and their fulfillment depends on our adherence to Torah and mitzvot.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 33:15 mean when it mentions 'the chief things of the ancient mountains'?
A: According to Rashi, this verse is part of Moshe's blessing to the tribe of Yosef. The 'chief things of the ancient mountains' refers to the abundant blessings and produce that will come from the mountainous regions of their land inheritance. The 'ancient mountains' symbolize enduring strength and stability.
Q: Why does the Torah use poetic language like 'primordial hills' in this verse?
A: The poetic language emphasizes the timeless and foundational nature of these blessings. The Midrash explains that terms like 'primordial hills' connect to the very creation of the world, showing that these blessings are deeply rooted in Hashem's eternal plan for the Jewish people.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The Rambam teaches that these blessings remind us to recognize the Divine source of all material blessings in our lives. Just as the tribe of Yosef was blessed with abundance from their land, we should appreciate and use our resources for holy purposes.
Q: What is the significance of mountains and hills in this biblical blessing?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 60b) explains that mountains represent spiritual heights and stability in our relationship with Hashem. The 'precious things' from these elevated places symbolize both physical bounty and spiritual elevation that comes from living according to Torah values.
Q: Why does Moshe specifically mention these natural features in Yosef's blessing?
A: Rashi explains that Yosef's descendants inherited mountainous regions like Shechem and Shomron. These areas were known for their fertility and strategic importance. The blessing highlights how even challenging terrain can produce great abundance when blessed by Hashem.