Deuteronomy 33:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The firstborn of the young will be his offering; he shall not present anything ordinary as a gift to God, but will set aside and offer the firstborn of his flock. The splendor of the unicorn signifies his greatness: through them, his burdens shall be lifted. Just as the unicorn is never bound by a yoke, so too will Ephraim be free from enslavement. "These thousands of Manasseh." Ephraim symbolizes the nations of the Gentiles, who receive salvation due to their faith, which has grown and multiplied beyond that of the Hebrew people, epitomized here through Manasseh.

He declares that the shadows of Ephraim and the multitudes of Manasseh signify that Christ, as the new Joseph, will reign over both the Jewish people and the Gentiles, embracing every nation and embodying the fullness of the Church.

In depicting the strength of these tribes, he compares them to a unicorn and a young warrior. He also draws a parallel between Ephraim and Manasseh, reflecting the blessing from their ancestor.