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Deuteronomy 33:24 - Oil-blessed brotherly tribe

Deuteronomy 33:24 - דברים 33:24

Hebrew Text

וּלְאָשֵׁר אָמַר בָּרוּךְ מִבָּנִים אָשֵׁר יְהִי רְצוּי אֶחָיו וְטֹבֵל בַּשֶּׁמֶן רַגְלוֹ׃

English Translation

And of Asher he said, Be Asher blessed above sons; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil.

Transliteration

Ule'asher amar baruch mibanim asher yehi retzui echav vetovel bashemen raglo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּלְאָשֵׁ֣ר אָמַ֔ר בָּר֥וּךְ מִבָּנִ֖ים אָשֵׁ֑ר יְהִ֤י רְצוּי֙ אֶחָ֔יו וְטֹבֵ֥ל בַּשֶּׁ֖מֶן רַגְלֽוֹ׃
וּלְאָשֵׁ֣ר אָמַ֔ר בָּר֥וּךְ מִבָּנִ֖ים אָשֵׁ֑ר יְהִ֤י רְצוּי֙ אֶחָ֔יו וְטֹבֵ֥ל בַּשֶּׁ֖מֶן רַגְלֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 33:24) is part of Moshe Rabbeinu's final blessings to the tribes of Israel before his passing. The blessing to Asher emphasizes prosperity, brotherly harmony, and material abundance, symbolized by oil.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that "בָּרוּךְ מִבָּנִים" ("blessed above sons") means that Asher's land will be blessed with fertility, producing abundant fruits. The phrase "יְהִי רְצוּי אֶחָיו" ("let him be acceptable to his brethren") indicates that Asher's olive oil will be so superior that other tribes will seek it out, fostering goodwill. "וְטֹבֵל בַּשֶּׁמֶן רַגְלוֹ" ("let him dip his foot in oil") is interpreted literally—Asher's land will be so rich in olive trees that oil will flow like water.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra adds that Asher's blessing reflects both physical and spiritual prosperity. The oil symbolizes not only material wealth but also wisdom and enlightenment, as oil was used for anointing kings and lighting the Menorah in the Beit HaMikdash.

Midrashic Interpretations

  • Sifrei Devarim: The Midrash connects Asher's blessing to the future, suggesting that his descendants will provide oil for the anointment of kings and the lighting of the Menorah, playing a key role in Jewish leadership and worship.
  • Bereishit Rabbah: The abundance of oil is also linked to Asher's daughter, Serach bat Asher, who is said to have brought the news of Yosef's survival to Yaakov, symbolizing the tribe's role in spreading light and truth.

Halachic and Practical Implications

The Rambam (Hilchot Shemittah veYovel 13:5) notes that Asher's blessing teaches the importance of gratitude for material blessings, as they enable the fulfillment of mitzvot (e.g., lighting Shabbat candles with olive oil). The tribe's prosperity serves as a model for using wealth in service of holiness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 16a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the blessings given to the tribes of Israel, particularly focusing on the blessing of Asher and its implications.
📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the merits and blessings of the tribes, with specific attention to Asher's blessing regarding oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the blessing 'let him dip his foot in oil' mean for Asher?
A: Rashi explains that this refers to the land of Asher being rich in olive trees, producing abundant olive oil. The phrase 'dip his foot in oil' symbolizes prosperity and abundance, as oil was a valuable commodity in ancient times.
Q: Why is Asher called 'blessed above sons' in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 71:10) teaches that Asher's blessing refers to his descendants being blessed with many children. The term 'blessed above sons' indicates that his tribe would be especially fruitful and numerous among the tribes of Israel.
Q: What does it mean that Asher should be 'acceptable to his brethren'?
A: According to Ramban (Nachmanides), this means the tribe of Asher would live in peace and harmony with the other tribes. Their land was located in a fertile region, and they would share their abundance willingly, making them beloved by their brothers.
Q: How does the blessing of Asher apply to us today?
A: The Talmud (Menachot 85b) connects Asher's blessing to the importance of gratitude for material blessings. Just as Asher's land was blessed with oil, we should recognize and appreciate the goodness Hashem provides in our lives and share it generously with others.
Q: Why was oil specifically mentioned in Asher's blessing?
A: The Sforno explains that olive oil was essential for light (Menorah), anointing, and food. By blessing Asher with oil, Moshe was ensuring that his tribe would play a key role in sustaining both the physical and spiritual needs of the Jewish people.