Deuteronomy 33:17
Deuteronomy 33:17 in Multiple Translations
His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.”
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.
The firstling of his herd, majesty is his; And his horns are the horns of the wild-ox: With them he shall push the peoples all of them, even the ends of the earth: And they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, And they are the thousands of Manasseh.
He is a young ox, glory is his; his horns are the horns of the mountain ox, with which all peoples will be wounded, even to the ends of the earth: they are the ten thousands of Ephraim and the thousands of Manasseh.
He is as majestic as a firstborn bull; his horns are like those of a wild ox. He will use them to gore the nations, driving them to the ends of the earth. The horns represent the ten thousands of Ephraim, and the thousands of Manasseh.”
His beautie shalbe like his first borne bullock, and his hornes as the hornes of an vnicorne: with them hee shall smite the people together, euen the endes of the world: these are also the ten thousands of Ephraim, and these are the thousands of Manasseh.
His honour [is] a firstling of his ox, And his horns [are] horns of a reem; By them peoples he doth push together To the ends of earth; And they [are] the myriads of Ephraim, And they [are] the thousands of Manasseh.
Majesty belongs to the firstborn of his herd. His horns are the horns of the wild ox. With them he will push all the peoples to the ends of the earth. They are the ten thousands of Ephraim. They are the thousands of Manasseh.”
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.
His beauty as of the firstling of a bullock, his horns as the horns of a rhinoceros: with them shall he push the nations even to the ends of the earth These are the multitudes of Ephraim and these the thousands of Manasses.
The descendants of Joseph will be as strong as [SIM] a bull; with their weapons they will wound their enemies, like [MET] a wild ox gores other animals with its horns. They will force other people-groups, all of them, to be exiled to the most distant places on the earth. That is what the descendants of the two sons of Joseph will do, the ten thousands of the tribe of Ephraim and the thousands of the tribe of Manasseh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 33:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 33:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּכ֨וֹר
שׁוֹר֜/וֹ
הָדָ֣ר
ל֗/וֹ
וְ/קַרְנֵ֤י
רְאֵם֙
קַרְנָ֔י/ו
בָּ/הֶ֗ם
עַמִּ֛ים
יְנַגַּ֥ח
יַחְדָּ֖ו
אַפְסֵי
אָ֑רֶץ
וְ/הֵם֙
רִבְב֣וֹת
אֶפְרַ֔יִם
וְ/הֵ֖ם
אַלְפֵ֥י
מְנַשֶּֽׁה
בְּכ֨וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
N-ms
שׁוֹר֜/וֹ
shôwr
H7794
cattle
N-ms | Suff
הָדָ֣ר
hâdâr
H1926
glory
N-ms
ל֗/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וְ/קַרְנֵ֤י
qeren
H7161
horn
Conj | N-cd
רְאֵם֙
rᵉʼêm
H7214
wild ox
N-ms
קַרְנָ֔י/ו
qeren
H7161
horn
N-cd | Suff
בָּ/הֶ֗ם
Prep | Suff
עַמִּ֛ים
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-mp
יְנַגַּ֥ח
nâgach
H5055
to gore
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
יַחְדָּ֖ו
yachad
H3162
unitedness
Adv
אַפְסֵי
ʼepheç
H657
end
N-mp
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
וְ/הֵם֙
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
רִבְב֣וֹת
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
myriad
N-fp
אֶפְרַ֔יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
Ephraim
N-proper
וְ/הֵ֖ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
אַלְפֵ֥י
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
מְנַשֶּֽׁה
Mᵉnashsheh
H4519
Moses
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 33:17
בְּכ֨וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
שׁוֹר֜/וֹ
shôwr
H7794
"cattle"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to cattle, like oxen or bulls, used for work, food, or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) ox, bull, a head of cattle 1a) for plowing, for food, as sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: tor (תּוֹר "bullock" H8450)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: bull(-ock), cow, ox, wall (by mistake for H7791 (שׁוּר)). See also: Genesis 32:6; Deuteronomy 15:19; Psalms 69:32.
הָדָ֣ר
hâdâr
H1926
"glory"
N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means glory, beauty, or majesty, and is used to describe God's splendor and excellence. It appears in descriptions of God's power and glory in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) ornament, splendour, honour 1a) ornament 1b) splendour, majesty 1c) honour, glory
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: beauty, comeliness, excellency, glorious, glory, goodly, honour, majesty. See also: Leviticus 23:40; Psalms 145:5; Psalms 8:6.
ל֗/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/קַרְנֵ֤י
qeren
H7161
"horn"
Conj | N-cd
In the Bible, this word means a horn or a corner, and can also refer to power or a mountain peak. It's used to describe a place called Karnaim, which was conquered by Israel. The KJV translation uses phrases like 'hill' or 'horn' to convey the idea.
Definition: 1) horn 1a) horn 1b) of strength (fig) 1c) flask (container for oil) 1d) horn (as musical instrument) 1e) horn (of horn-like projections on the altar) 1f) of rays of light 1g) hill Aramaic equivalent: qe.ren (קֶ֫רֶן "horn" H7162)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] hill, horn. See also: Genesis 22:13; Psalms 75:5; Psalms 18:3.
רְאֵם֙
rᵉʼêm
H7214
"wild ox"
N-ms
The wild ox, or aurochs, was a large and powerful animal that is now extinct. The Bible describes it as a unicorn, although the exact meaning is not known, and it is mentioned in various passages as a symbol of strength.
Definition: probably the great aurochs or wild bulls which are now extinct. The exact meaning is not known.
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: unicorn. See also: Numbers 23:22; Job 39:10; Psalms 22:22.
קַרְנָ֔י/ו
qeren
H7161
"horn"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a horn or a corner, and can also refer to power or a mountain peak. It's used to describe a place called Karnaim, which was conquered by Israel. The KJV translation uses phrases like 'hill' or 'horn' to convey the idea.
Definition: 1) horn 1a) horn 1b) of strength (fig) 1c) flask (container for oil) 1d) horn (as musical instrument) 1e) horn (of horn-like projections on the altar) 1f) of rays of light 1g) hill Aramaic equivalent: qe.ren (קֶ֫רֶן "horn" H7162)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] hill, horn. See also: Genesis 22:13; Psalms 75:5; Psalms 18:3.
בָּ/הֶ֗ם
""
Prep | Suff
עַמִּ֛ים
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
יְנַגַּ֥ח
nâgach
H5055
"to gore"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to push or thrust with force, like an animal using its horns. It can also mean to fight or war against someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe violent or aggressive behavior.
Definition: 1) to push, thrust, gore 1a) (Qal) to gore 1b) (Piel) to push or thrust at 1c) (Hithpael) to engage in thrusting, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: gore, push (down, -ing). See also: Exodus 21:28; 2 Chronicles 18:10; Psalms 44:6.
יַחְדָּ֖ו
yachad
H3162
"unitedness"
Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
אַפְסֵי
ʼepheç
H657
"end"
N-mp
This word can mean the soles of the feet or the ankles, but it can also mean an end or a stop to something. In Deuteronomy 28:35, it describes a curse that will afflict the Israelites from the soles of their feet to the top of their head.
Definition: 1) ceasing, end, finality 2) expressing non-existence
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: ankle, but (only), end, howbeit, less than nothing, nevertheless (where), no, none (beside), not (any, -withstanding), thing of nought, save(-ing), there, uttermost part, want, without (cause). See also: Numbers 13:28; Isaiah 5:8; Psalms 2:8.
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/הֵם֙
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
רִבְב֣וֹת
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
"myriad"
N-fp
This Hebrew word means a large number, like a multitude or ten thousand. It is used in the Bible to describe big groups of people or things. In the KJV, it is translated as many, million, or ten thousand.
Definition: multitude, myriad, ten thousand
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: many, million, [idiom] multiply, ten thousand. See also: Genesis 24:60; 1 Samuel 18:8; Psalms 3:7.
אֶפְרַ֔יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
"Ephraim"
N-proper
Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.
Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.
וְ/הֵ֖ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
אַלְפֵ֥י
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
מְנַשֶּֽׁה
Mᵉnashsheh
H4519
"Moses"
N-proper
Manasseh was a grandson of Jacob and the ancestor of a large tribe in the Bible, mentioned in Genesis 41:51 and throughout the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) Another name of mo.sheh (מֹשֶׁה "Moses" H4872) § Manasseh = "causing to forget" 1) the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh 1a) the tribe descended from Manasseh 1b) the territory occupied by the tribe of Manasseh 2) son of king Hezekiah of Judah and himself king of Judah; he was the immediate and direct cause for the exile 3) a descendant of Pahath-moab who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 4) a descendant of Hashum who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Manasseh. See also: Genesis 41:51; Joshua 22:21; Psalms 60:9.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 33:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 33:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 33:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 33:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:17
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 33:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:17
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 33:17
Context — Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes
15with the best of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills,
16with the choice gifts of the land and everything in it, and with the favor of Him who dwelt in the burning bush. May these rest on the head of Joseph and crown the brow of the prince of his brothers.
17His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.”
18Concerning Zebulun he said: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and Issachar, in your tents. 19They will call the peoples to a mountain; there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 22:11 | Now Zedekiah son of Chenaanah had made for himself iron horns and declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘With these you shall gore the Arameans until they are finished off.’” |
| 2 | Numbers 23:22 | God brought them out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox. |
| 3 | Psalms 44:5 | Through You we repel our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies. |
| 4 | Genesis 48:19 | But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!” he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” |
| 5 | Psalms 92:10 | But You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; with fine oil I have been anointed. |
| 6 | Numbers 24:8 | God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows. |
| 7 | Job 39:9–10 | Will the wild ox consent to serve you? Will he stay by your manger at night? Can you hold him to the furrow with a harness? Will he plow the valleys behind you? |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 18:10 | Now Zedekiah son of Chenaanah had made for himself iron horns and declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘With these you shall gore the Arameans until they are finished off.’” |
| 9 | Numbers 26:34 | These were the clans of Manasseh, and their registration numbered 52,700. |
| 10 | Psalms 22:21 | Save me from the mouth of the lion; at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me! |
Deuteronomy 33:17 Summary
This verse is talking about Joseph and how strong and powerful he is, like a firstborn bull. It says he will be able to overcome any enemy and be a blessing to many people, just like God promised in Genesis 12:3. Joseph's descendants, the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, will be very numerous and will have a big impact on the world. We can learn from Joseph's example and trust in God's power and strength to overcome our own challenges and be a blessing to those around us, as seen in Psalm 92:10 where the righteous will flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Joseph's majesty is like a firstborn bull?
This comparison in Deuteronomy 33:17 highlights Joseph's strength and leadership, much like the strength and dominance of a firstborn bull, as seen in Psalm 92:10 where the righteous will flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
What are the horns of a wild ox symbolic of in this verse?
The horns of a wild ox in Deuteronomy 33:17 symbolize power and the ability to overcome enemies, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 2:10 where God will give strength to His king and exalt the horn of His anointed.
How does this verse relate to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh?
The myriads of Ephraim and the thousands of Manasseh mentioned in Deuteronomy 33:17 refer to the large numbers of people in these tribes, which were both part of Joseph's inheritance, as noted in Genesis 41:51-52 where Joseph names his sons Ephraim and Manasseh.
What does it mean that Joseph will gore the nations to the ends of the earth?
This statement in Deuteronomy 33:17 indicates that Joseph, through his descendants, will have a significant impact on the nations of the world, much like the prophecy in Genesis 12:3 where all the families of the earth will be blessed through Abraham's descendants.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Joseph, be a source of strength and leadership for those around me, and what are some ways I can use my gifts and talents to serve others?
- In what ways can I trust in God's power and strength, just as Joseph did, to overcome the challenges I face in my life?
- What does it mean for me to be a part of a larger community, like the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, and how can I contribute to the growth and flourishing of that community?
- How can I, like Joseph, be a blessing to the nations around me, and what are some ways I can share God's love and message with those who do not know Him?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 33:17
His glory [is like] the firstling of his bullock,.... Such as were in Bashan, a country possessed by the posterity of Joseph, see Psalms 22:12; and so might be called "his" bullock, or a young bull,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 33:17
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
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:17
The firstling of his bullock; in whose countenance there is a kind of awful majesty and comely generosity, as Tully, Aelian, &c. observe. This seems to note the kingdom which Ephraim should obtain in Jeroboam and his successors. His horns are like the horns of unicorns; his strength and power shall be very great. He shall push the people, i.e. all that shall oppose him, and particularly the Canaanites. To the ends of the earth, i.e. of the land of Canaan. They are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh; though Manasseh be now more numerous, yet Ephraim shall shortly outstrip him, as was foretold, .
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:17
Deuteronomy 33:17 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.Ver. 17. His horns are like the horns of unicorns.] Justin Martyr and some other of the ancients have strangely racked and wrested this text, to wring out of it the sign of the cross, resembled and represented by the horn of a unicorn. At nihil hic de Christo, nihil de cruce. He shall push the people together.] As General Joshua, of this tribe, did notably; so that Phoenicians ran away into a far country, and renowned his valour by a monument set up in Africa. Howbeit, Gratius ei fuit nomen pietatis, quam potestatis, as Tertullian saith of Augustus: He is more famous for his piety than for his prowess. Advers. Tryph. Tertul. Adver. Judaeos, cap. 10.
Ambrose, De Benedict. Pat.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:17
(17) They are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.—Rashi refers this to the ten thousands slain by Joshua, the Ephraimite leader, and the thousands slain by Gideon, who was of the tribe of Manasseh. He expounds nearly the whole of the verse in reference to Joshua and the conquest of Canaan. There is an obvious similarity in the song of the Israelitish women after the defeat of the Philistines, “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” The people “pushed to the ends of the earth” are taken to be the thousands and ten thousands of conquered Canaanites and Midianites. For a similar metaphor, see 1 Kings 22:11. Otherwise the ten thousands of Ephraim and the thousands of Manasseh would be the two-horned power of Joseph. (Comp. Daniel 8:3; Daniel 8:20 for a simile of the same kind.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:17
Verse 17. His glory is like the firstling of his bullock] This similitude is very obscure. A bullock was the most excellent of animals among the Jews, not only because of its acceptableness in sacrifice to God, but because of its great usefulness in agriculture. There is something peculiarly noble and dignified in the appearance of the ox, and his greatest ornament are his fine horns; these the inspired penman has particularly in view, as the following clause proves; and it is well known that in Scriptural language horns are the emblem of strength, glory, and sovereignty; Psalms 75:5; Psalms 75:10; Psalms 89:17; Psalms 89:24; Psalms 112:9; Daniel 8:3, c. Lu 1:69; Revelation 17:3, c. His horns are like the horns of unicorns] ראם reem, which we translate unicorn, from the μονοκερως monokeros of the Septuagint, signifies, according to Bochart, the mountain goat and according to others, the rhinoceros, a very large quadruped with one great horn on his nose, from which circumstance his name is derived. See the notes on Numbers 23:22; Numbers 24:8. Reem is in the singular number, and because the horns of a unicorn, a one-horned animal, would have appeared absurd, our translators, with an unfaithfulness not common to them, put the word in the plural number. To the ends of the earth] Of the land of Canaan, for Joshua with his armies conquered all this land, and drove the ancient inhabitants out before him. They are the ten thousands of Ephraim, c.] That is, The horns signify the ten thousands of Ephraim, and the thousands of Manasseh.
Jacob prophesied, Genesis 48:19, that the younger should be greater than the elder so here TENS of thousands are given to Ephraim, and only thousands to Manasseh. See the census, Numbers 1:33-35.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 33:17
17. The firstling of his bullock] Ephraim, Genesis 48:13 ff. wild-ox] Heb. re’em, Ar. ri’m = the white antelope, leucoryx (see on Deuteronomy 14:5), but the descriptions in the O.T. prove that the Heb. re’em was rather the Ass. rimu, a gigantic species of ox (‘Bos primigenius’) now extinct, though its teeth have been found in the valley of the Nahr el-Kelb, in the district where Tiglath Pileser i. (b.c. 1120 ff.) hunted the rimu (Tristr. Nat. Hist. of the Bible, 146 ff., Houghton, Trans. Soc. Bibl. Arch. v. 33, 326 ff.; see more fully Driver’s note). These be] So (without and) Sam. LXX, etc.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 33:17
17. The firstling of his bullock — The emblem of the tribe of Ephraim, a powerful tribe. Horns of unicorns — Rather, wild bulls.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 33:17
| Sermon | Description | |
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Five Principles of Revival by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God in bringing about revival. He emphasizes that revival is initiated, controlled, and concluded by the Lord, |
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The Unicorn by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook discusses the mysterious animal mentioned in the Bible that starts with the letter U, known as the unicorn. The true identity of this creature remains uncertain, wi |
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Dealing With the Enemy by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the importance of a standard or banner as a powerful symbol and rallying point. He then shares a story from history about Caesar's |
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God's Anatomy Upon Man's Heart by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the omniscience of God, emphasizing that all things are naked and open before His eyes. He calls for humility, repentance, and soul-affliction in the f |
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His Power at Work Through Our Lives by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that God's power is at work through our lives when we fully trust and depend on Him, rather than relying on our own abilities or resources. He warns agains |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:15-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob blessing his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as the ultimate redeemer in |
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Prayer and Fasting by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a mission trip to a remote camp. Initially, they had planned to finish their work and return home, but they discovered one |