Deuteronomy 33:29
Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.
Deuteronomy 33:29
“Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.” The final blessing of Moses elevates Israel’s identity: a people saved by the LORD, protected by a shield, and enabled by a sword of formidable excellence. The phrase “shield of thy help” emphasizes divine aid as the primary source of security, while “sword of thy excellency” highlights national strength and capability in battle or conquest under God’s blessing. The prediction that enemies will be found liars contrasts truth with deception and victory with defeat, and “treading upon their high places” symbolizes subduing arrogant powers or authorities.
This verse crystallizes the covenantal hope: God’s people are preserved and empowered for mission, with divine protection and prowess flowing from relationship with him. It underscores that strength and triumph come from God’s saving work, not merely strategic prowess. The language of “saved by the LORD” defines identity: salvation is the basis for security, courage, and purpose. The exhortation to tread their high places signals divine judgment against idolatrous powers and the ongoing establishment of God’s reign.
For contemporary readers, this verse invites a posture of confident, mission-minded living grounded in God’s rescue. If you face spiritual opposition or obstacles in life, remember that your ultimate security rests in the LORD who saves. In practical terms: cultivate a life of prayerful dependence, study Scripture to discern truth from deception, and pursue justice with courage. When you encounter “high places” of pride, corruption, or oppression, resist with steadfast integrity, trusting that God equips you to challenge untruths and uplift the vulnerable. Let your leadership and actions reflect the identity of one saved by the LORD.
Cross-References: Exodus 15:2; Psalm 18:2; 2 Samuel 22:2-3; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:31-37