What does Deuteronomy 33:28 mean?
"Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew." - Deuteronomy 33:28

Deuteronomy 33:28, KJV: "Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew."
This verse from the Book of Deuteronomy captures a vision of peace, abundance, and divine protection for the people of Israel. It is part of a larger passage known as the Blessing of Moses, in which Moses pronounces blessings upon each of the twelve tribes of Israel before his death. In this particular verse, Moses is prophesying about the future well-being and prosperity of the Israelites.
The verse begins with the declaration, "Israel then shall dwell in safety alone." This statement conveys the promise of security and peace for the nation of Israel. It symbolizes a state of being where the people are free from the threat of external enemies and internal strife. This safety is not dependent on alliances with other nations or military might, but is instead a result of the divine protection and favor bestowed upon them by God.
The next part of the verse, "the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine," describes a land that is fertile and abundant. The imagery of a "fountain" suggests a continuous and life-giving source of sustenance, while "corn and wine" represent the agricultural wealth and prosperity of the land. This depiction of abundance evokes the idea of a bountiful and flourishing homeland, where the people will have more than enough to sustain themselves and thrive.
The verse concludes with the affirmation, "also his heavens shall drop down dew." This line emphasizes the divine blessing of moisture and fertility, which is essential for the cultivation of crops and the overall prosperity of the land. The "dew" symbolizes the gentle and nourishing supply of water from the heavens, a metaphor for God's providential care and provision for his people.
The themes reflected in Deuteronomy 33:28 revolve around the concepts of security, abundance, and divine favor. The verse conveys a vision of a future where the people of Israel are able to live in peace and safety, enjoying the fruits of a fertile and prosperous land. This vision is rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and the Israelites, in which God promises to bless and protect his chosen people.
The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its significance. In the larger narrative of the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses is giving his farewell address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. He reiterates the importance of following God's commandments and warns them against turning away from their covenant with God. The Blessing of Moses serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the blessings that await the Israelites if they remain faithful to Him.
Symbolism plays a significant role in understanding the deeper meaning of this verse. The land of "corn and wine" symbolizes sustenance and abundance, while the "dew from the heavens" represents divine provision. The image of Israel dwelling in safety alone points to the unique and privileged position of the nation in the eyes of God. Together, these symbols convey a powerful message of God's faithfulness, abundance, and protection for His people.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 33:28 offers a profound vision of peace, prosperity, and divine favor for the people of Israel. It is a testament to the enduring covenant between God and His chosen people, and a reminder of the blessings that come from remaining faithful to Him. This verse serves as a source of hope and encouragement, both for the ancient Israelites and for readers today, as it speaks to the enduring themes of divine protection, abundance, and security in the midst of uncertainty.
Have questions about Deuteronomy 33:28?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Deuteronomy 33:28 Artwork
Deuteronomy 33:28 - "Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew."
"Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew." - Deuteronomy 33:28
Deuteronomy 28:33 - "The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:"
Deuteronomy 28:28 - "The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:"
Numbers 33:28 - "And they removed from Tarah, and pitched in Mithcah."
Deuteronomy 32:33 - "Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps."
"The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:" - Deuteronomy 28:33
Deuteronomy 33:4 - "Moses commanded us a law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob."
Deuteronomy 33:15 - "And for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the lasting hills,"
Deuteronomy 33:6 - "¶ Let Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few."
Deuteronomy 33:14 - "And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon,"
Deuteronomy 28:5 - "Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store."
Deuteronomy 33:25 - "Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be."
Deuteronomy 33:22 - "¶ And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan."
Deuteronomy 33:1 - "And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death."
Deuteronomy 33:18 - "¶ And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents."
Deuteronomy 33:5 - "And he was king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people and the tribes of Israel were gathered together."
Deuteronomy 28:17 - "Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store."
Deuteronomy 32:28 - "For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them."
"The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart:" - Deuteronomy 28:28
Deuteronomy 28:16 - "Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field."
Deuteronomy 28:3 - "Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field."
Job 33:28 - "He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light."
"And they removed from Tarah, and pitched in Mithcah." - Numbers 33:28
Deuteronomy 33:13 - "¶ And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the LORD be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath,"
Deuteronomy 4:33 - "Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?"
"Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps." - Deuteronomy 32:33
Deuteronomy 33:23 - "¶ And of Naphtali he said, O Naphtali, satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the LORD: possess thou the west and the south."
Deuteronomy 33:26 - "¶ There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky."
Deuteronomy 33:20 - "¶ 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."