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He said to his father and mother, ‘I have not seen him,’[a]
and he did not acknowledge his own brothers
or know his own children,
for they kept your word,
and guarded your covenant.
10 They will teach Jacob your ordinances
and Israel your law;
they will offer incense as a pleasant odor,
and a whole offering on your altar.
11 Bless, O Lord, his goods,
and be pleased with his efforts;
undercut the legs[b] of any who attack him,
and of those who hate him, so that they cannot stand.”

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Footnotes

  1. Deuteronomy 33:9 sn This statement no doubt alludes to the Levites’ destruction of their own fellow tribesmen following the golden calf incident (Exod 32:25-29).
  2. Deuteronomy 33:11 tn Heb “smash the sinews [or “loins,” so many English versions].” This part of the body was considered to be center of one’s strength (cf. Job 40:16; Ps 69:24; Prov 31:17; Nah 2:2, 11). See J. H. Tigay, Deuteronomy (JPSTC), 325.

He said of his father and mother,(A)
    ‘I have no regard for them.’
He did not recognize his brothers
    or acknowledge his own children,
but he watched over your word
    and guarded your covenant.(B)
10 He teaches(C) your precepts to Jacob
    and your law to Israel.(D)
He offers incense before you(E)
    and whole burnt offerings on your altar.(F)
11 Bless all his skills, Lord,
    and be pleased with the work of his hands.(G)
Strike down those who rise against him,
    his foes till they rise no more.”

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