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.
Deuteronomy 33:17 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse describes the strength and power of God, comparing it to the firstling of a bullock and the horns of unicorns. The imagery used here symbolizes the majestic and unparalleled glory of the Lord. The mention of pushing the people together to the ends of the earth signifies God's ability to bring all nations and people under His rule and authority. The reference to Ephraim and Manasseh, two of the twelve tribes of Israel, highlights the vast number of people who will be united in serving and worshiping Him. This verse emphasizes the sovereignty and dominion of God over all creation, reinforcing the idea that He is in control of all things and will gather His people from all corners of the earth.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the mention of bullocks, unicorns, and horns may seem perplexing at first glance. However, a theological interpretation sheds light on the deeper meaning behind these symbols. The firstling of the bullock represents the strength and power of the Lord, likened to a young and vigorous animal. The horns of unicorns symbolize His authority and sovereignty over all things, as unicorns were believed to be powerful and mythical creatures. The imagery of pushing the people together to the ends of the earth signifies God's ability to gather and unite His people from all corners of the world. The mention of Ephraim and Manasseh, as two tribes of Israel, emphasizes the vast number of God's chosen people, highlighting His promise to bless them abundantly. Overall, this verse conveys the idea of God's strength, authority, and unity among His people, inspiring faith and trust in His divine plan.
Deuteronomy 33:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
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.
World English Bible
The firstborn of his herd, majesty is his. His horns are the horns of the wild ox. With them he will push all of the peoples, to the ends of the earth. They are the ten thousands of Ephraim. They are the thousands of Manasseh.”
Douay-Rheims
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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
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.