Deuteronomy 33:18

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Deuteronomy 33:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; And, Issachar, in thy tents.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; And, Issachar, in thy tents.
Deuteronomy 33:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Deuteronomy 33

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; And, Issachar, in thy tents.

What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out--on commercial enterprises and voyages by sea. and, Issachar in thy tents--preferring to reside in their maritime towns.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Zebulun possessed a commodious sea-shore and the fisheries of the Lake of Tiberias: and was therefore to thrive by commerce, and to rejoice in his “going out,” i. e., in his mercantile enterprises. Issachar possessed a fertile inland district, and would therefore dwell at home and prosper in agriculture. Both tribes distinguished themselves in the contest with Jabin (compare Judges 5:14-15, Judges 5:18): and of Zebulun it is particularly noted that it produced the officers and tacticians who led and marshalled the host which vanquished Sisera (see Judges 5:14, and compare 1 Chronicles 12:33). Deuteronomy 33:19 Unto the mountain - Compare Exodus 15:17. Sacrifices of righteousness - Sacrifices…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Rejoice - Thou shalt prosper and have cause of rejoicing. In thy going out - To war, as this phrase is often used. To sea, in way of traffick, because their portion lay near the sea. And in both respects his course is opposite to that of Issachar, who was a lover of peace and pasturage. He is here joined with Zebulun, both because they were brethren by father and mother too, and because their possessions lay near together. In thy tents - Thou shalt give thyself to the management of laud and cattle, living quietly in thy own possessions. Deuteronomy 33:19”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“33:18 Zebulun and Issachar (NLT adds and Issachar for clarity) were the sixth and fifth sons of Jacob by Leah (Gen 30:18, 20). • in their travels . . . in their tents: This figure of speech (a merism) encompasses life in all its fullness for both tribes, from activity (travels) to inactivity (tents).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Gen 49:13-15; Jos 19:11; Jdg 5:14 Deuteronomy 33:19”
Read attributed excerpt →
Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“Zebulun and Issachar. - "Rejoice, Zebulun, at thy going out; and, Issachar, at thy tents. Nations will they invite to the mountain; there offer the sacrifices of righteousness: for they suck the affluence of the seas, and the hidden treasures of the sand." The tribes of the last two sons of Leah Moses unites together, and, like Jacob in Gen 49:13, places Zebulun the younger first. He first of all confirms the blessing which Jacob pronounced through simply interpreting their names as omnia, by calling upon them to rejoice in their undertakings abroad and at home. "At thy tents" corresponds to "at thy going out" (tents being used poetically for dwellings, as in Deu 16:7); like "sitting" to…”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification