King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 33:19 Mean?

Deuteronomy 33:19 in the King James Version says “They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck of...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They shall call the people unto 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.”

Deuteronomy 33:19 · KJV

Context

17

His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh. unicorns: Heb. an unicorn

18

And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents.

19

They shall call the people unto 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.

20

And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head.

21

And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the LORD, and his judgments with Israel. seated: Heb. cieled

Read Deuteronomy 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness—Moses blesses Zebulun and Issachar together, predicting their commercial prosperity through maritime trade. The Hebrew har (mountain) likely refers to Mount Tabor, located at the border of their territories, where pilgrims would gather for worship. Zivchei tzedeq (sacrifices of righteousness) indicates offerings given from honest gain, not exploitation—prosperity used for worship, not hoarded.

For they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand—Shefa yamim (abundance of the seas) points to Zebulun's coastal access (Genesis 49:13) and lucrative sea trade. The 'treasures in the sand' may refer to Tyrian purple dye extracted from murex snails, glass-making using coastal sand, or hidden maritime commerce. Their wealth would become a vehicle for calling nations to worship, prefiguring how God's people should use material blessing for missional purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zebulun's territory included the southern edge of the Jezreel Valley with access to Mediterranean trade routes, while Issachar occupied the fertile agricultural plain. Their commercial success in Moses's blessing was fulfilled during the judges period and David's reign. Archaeological evidence confirms extensive Phoenician trade networks along this coast. The 'calling peoples to the mountain' finds later echo in Isaiah's vision of nations streaming to Zion (Isaiah 2:2-3).

Reflection Questions

  1. How should material prosperity and commercial success be directed toward worship and witness rather than personal accumulation?
  2. In what ways can your vocation or business 'call people to the mountain' of encountering God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
עַמִּים֙1 of 14

“the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַר2 of 14

“unto the mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יִקְרָ֔אוּ3 of 14

“They shall call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שָׁ֖ם4 of 14
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

יִזְבְּח֣וּ5 of 14

“there they shall offer”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

זִבְחֵי6 of 14

“sacrifices”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

צֶ֑דֶק7 of 14

“of righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

כִּ֣י8 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שֶׁ֤פַע9 of 14

“of the abundance”

H8228

resources

יַמִּים֙10 of 14

“of the seas”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

יִינָ֔קוּ11 of 14

“for they shall suck”

H3243

to suck; causatively, to give milk

וּשְׂפֻנֵ֖י12 of 14

“and of treasures”

H8226

to conceal (as a valuable)

טְמ֥וּנֵי13 of 14

“hid”

H2934

to hide (by covering over)

חֽוֹל׃14 of 14

“in the sand”

H2344

sand (as round or whirling particles)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 33:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 33:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 60:5Psalms 4:5Isaiah 2:3Psalms 50:13-15Psalms 51:16-17Exodus 15:17

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