Deuteronomy 11:15
And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָֽתַתִּ֛י
And I will send
H5414
וְנָֽתַתִּ֛י
And I will send
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 6
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לִבְהֶמְתֶּ֑ךָ
for thy cattle
H929
לִבְהֶמְתֶּ֑ךָ
for thy cattle
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 6:11And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;Psalms 104:14He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;Joel 2:19Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:Joel 2:22Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.
Historical Context
Livestock (sheep, goats, cattle) were essential to ancient Israelite economy, providing meat, milk, leather, wool, and sacrificial animals. Pasture availability determined herd size and thus wealth. This promise addresses economic prosperity holistically. The danger of prosperity leading to spiritual complacency became Israel's recurring problem (Judges cycle, prophetic critiques of wealthy Judah).
Questions for Reflection
- Why does prosperity often lead to spiritual complacency rather than gratitude?
- How can believers maintain dependence on God during seasons of material abundance?
- What safeguards can protect against the spiritual dangers of 'eating and being full'?
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Analysis & Commentary
God promises 'I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle' ensuring not just human food but livestock fodder. The comprehensive provision—'thou shalt eat and be full'—indicates abundance, not mere subsistence. The Hebrew saba (שָׂבַע, 'satisfied, sated') implies complete satisfaction. This reflects God's generous provision for obedient people. However, the warning of verses 16-17 immediately follows, showing that fullness can lead to complacency and apostasy—a theme developed in Deuteronomy 8:10-20.