Deuteronomy 33:12

Key Reflection

In Deuteronomy 33:12, Moses blesses Joshua with a prayer for divine favor and skill in his leadership role (v. 1). The verse concludes by expressing God's intention to defeat those who oppose or hate Joshua, using the metaphor of striking their hips, which would incapacitate them so they cannot rise up again against him (v. 12). This reflects the cultural context where physical strength and ability were highly valued, and Moses prays for both divine blessing and protection for his successor in these practical and martial terms.