Deuteronomy 33:28

Ver. 28. Israel then shall dwell in safety alone— The word בדד badad, signifies to live alone, and I suppose its signification may be extended to living separate. The Israelites were separated from the rest of the world by their peculiar institutions, religious and civil; and they were sufficiently secure, without entering into leagues offensive or defensive with any power. What is here said, seems to be an allusion to that part of Balaam's prophesy, where he says, Israel shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. Numbers 23:9. Among the various expositions of the words יעקב עין ain iaakob, the fountain of Jacob seems to be the best: for fountain is manifestly opposed to dew; and the expression, the fountain of Jacob is upon a land of corn, &c. implies that the land (of promise, or) of Jacob, is a land of fountains, of corn, &c. according to the description of it, chap. Deuteronomy 8:7. When Moses says, HIS heavens shall drop down dew, it is conformable to his mode of expression in other places. Thus he calls the air of the land of promise, in speaking to the Israelites, thy heaven that is over thy head; ch. Deuteronomy 28:32 and in the 12th verse of the same chapter, the Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, THE HEAVEN, to give THE RAIN unto thy land. See Genesis 27:28. Durell. By the fountain of Jacob, many interpreters understand the Israelites, the numerous progeny of Jacob or Israel; all sprung from him as streams from a copious fountain. The expression at least is used in this sense, Psalms 68:26 and Isaiah 48:1. In this view, the verse might well and consistently be rendered thus; "Israel shall dwell in safety alone;—[i.e. separated by its religion and polity from all the world]—the fountain [or posterity] of Jacob, [corresponding to Israel] in, or upon a land of corn and wine:—Even his heavens shall drop down dew." In which the sacred writer expresses, 1. The peculiar privilege of Israel in its separation from the rest of the world, under the protection of Jehovah. 2. The natural fertility of the country which that Jehovah would give them. And, 3. The providential care of Jehovah to bless them with kindly and fruitful seasons.

See commentary on Deuteronomy 33:26