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Deuteronomy 33:29

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Deuteronomy 33:29 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Happy art thou, O Israel: Who is like unto thee, a people saved by Jehovah, The shield of thy help, And the sword of thy excellency! And thine enemies shall submit themselves unto thee; And thou shalt tread upon their high places.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Happy art thou, O Israel: Who is like unto thee, a people saved by Jehovah, The shield of thy help, And the sword of thy excellency! And thine enemies shall submit themselves unto thee; And thou shalt tread upon their high places.
Deuteronomy 33:29 — American Standard Version

Context — Deuteronomy 33

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
26There is none like unto God, O Jeshurun, Who rideth upon the heavens for thy help, And in his excellency on the skies.
27The eternal God is [thy] dwelling-place, And underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy from before thee, And said, Destroy.
28And Israel dwelleth in safety, The fountain of Jacob alone, In a land of grain and new wine; Yea, his heavens drop down dew.
29Happy art thou, O Israel: Who is like unto thee, a people saved by Jehovah, The shield of thy help, And the sword of thy excellency! And thine enemies shall submit themselves unto thee; And thou shalt tread upon their high places.
← Deuteronomy 33:28Deuteronomy 34:1 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Be found liars unto thee - Perhaps rather, “cringe before thee.” The verb means to show a feigned or forced obedience: see the marginal references. Tread upon their high places - i. e., occupy the commanding positions in their land, and so have it in subjection. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Deuteronomy 33". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/deuteronomy-33.html. 1870. StudyLight.org © 2001-2026 Powered by Lightspeed Technology”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The shield of they help - By whom thou are sufficiently guarded against all assailants; and the sword of thy excellency - Or, thy most excellent sword, that is, thy strength and the author of all thy past or approaching victories. Those in whose hearts is the excellency of holiness, have God himself for their shield and sword. They are defended by the whole armour of God: His word is their sword, and faith their shield. And thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee - Who said they would destroy thee: or at least, that they would never submit: and thou shalt tread upon their high places - Their strong holds, palaces and temples. Thus shall the God of peace tread Satan under the feet of all…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“33:29 stomp on their backs: Treading on an enemy’s back figuratively meant having complete victory over him. The word backs can also be translated “high places,” meaning the heights of the land and the traditional places of pagan worship—a way of suggesting total physical and spiritual conquest. The Lord promised to lead the way and guaranteed success in the forthcoming conquest (see 11:24-25; Josh 1:3; 14:9; cp. Amos 4:13; Mic 1:3; Hab 3:15).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Happy: Deu 4:7, Deu 4:8; Num 23:20-24, Num 24:5; Sa2 7:23; Psa 33:12, Psa 144:15 saved: Isa 12:2, Isa 45:17; Ti1 4:10 the shield: Gen 15:1; Psa 84:11, Psa 115:9-11 the sword: Jdg 7:20; Psa 7:12, Psa 45:3; Isa 27:1, Isa 34:5, Isa 34:6; Jer 12:12, Jer 47:6; Rev 1:16; Rev 19:21 found liars: or, subdued, Sa2 22:45; Psa 18:44, Psa 66:3, Psa 81:15 \*marg. thou shalt: Deu 32:13; Jos 10:24, Jos 10:25; Hab 3:19 Next: Deuteronomy Chapter 34”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification