Deuteronomy 33:13

“of Joseph he said--The territory of this tribe, diversified by hill and dale, wood and water, would be rich in all the productions--olives, grapes, figs, &c., which are reared in a mountainous region, as well as in the grain and herbs that grow in the level fields. "The firstling of the bullock and the horns of the unicorn" (rhinoceros), indicate glory and strength, and it is supposed that under these emblems were shadowed forth the triumphs of Joshua and the new kingdom of Jeroboam, both of whom were of Ephraim (compare Gen 48:20).”

“Comparing the words of Moses with those of Jacob, it will be seen that the patriarch dwells with emphasis on the severe conflicts which Joseph, i. e., Ephraim and Manasseh, would undergo (compare Genesis 49:23-24); while the lawgiver seems to look beyond, and to behold the two triumphant and established in their power. Deuteronomy 33:17 Rather: “The first-born of his” (i. e. Joseph’s) “bullock is his glory”: the reference being to Ephraim, who was raised by Jacob to the honors of the firstborn (Genesis 48:20, and is here likened to the firstling of Joseph’s oxen, i. e., of Joseph’s offspring. The ox is a common emblem of power and strength. return to 'Top of Page'”

“And of Joseph - Including both Ephraim and Manasseh. In Jacob's blessing that of Joseph's is the largest. And so it is here. His land - His portion shall be endowed with choice blessings from God. Of heaven - That is, the precious fruits of the earth brought forth by the influences of heaven, the warmth of the sun, and the rain which God will send from heaven. The deep - The springs of water bubbling out of the earth: perhaps it may likewise refer to the great deep, the abyss of waters, which is supposed to be contained in the earth. Deuteronomy 33:14”

“33:13-17 Joseph was Jacob’s eleventh son (Gen 30:23-24) and his favorite child (Gen 37:3). Joseph and his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, received Jacob’s special blessing (Gen 48; 49:22-26). As a result, the tribes of Joseph prospered and multiplied, becoming two separate tribes.”

“Joseph: Gen 48:5, Gen 48:9, Gen 48:15-20, Gen 49:22-26 the dew: Deu 32:2; Gen 27:28, Gen 27:29; Job 29:19; Psa 110:3; Pro 3:20, Pro 19:12; Isa 18:4; Hos 14:5; Mic 5:7; Zac 8:12 Deuteronomy 33:14”

“Joseph. - Deu 33:13. "Blessed of the Lord be his land, of (in) the most precious things of heaven, the dew, and of the flood which lies beneath, ( Deu 33:14) and of the most precious of the produce of the sun, and of the most precious of the growth of the moons, ( Deu 33:15) and of the head of the mountains of olden time, and of the most precious thing of the everlasting hills, ( Deu 33:16) and of the most precious thing of the earth, and of its fulness, and the good-will of Him that dwelt in the bush: let it come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the crown of him that is illustrious among his brethren." What Jacob desired and solicited for his son Joseph, Moses also desires for this tribe,…”