Deuteronomy 28:6
Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.
Original Language Analysis
וּבָר֥וּךְ
Blessed
H1288
וּבָר֥וּךְ
Blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
1 of 6
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
בְּבֹאֶ֑ךָ
shalt thou be when thou comest in
H935
בְּבֹאֶ֑ךָ
shalt thou be when thou comest in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
3 of 6
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Psalms 121:8The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.2 Chronicles 1:10Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?Numbers 27:17Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.2 Samuel 3:25Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.Deuteronomy 31:2And he said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.
Historical Context
In ancient society, going out often meant military campaigns, trading journeys, or agricultural work - all fraught with danger. Coming in meant returning safely to family and home. Both required divine protection.
The blessing assured that daily rhythms of work and rest, travel and return, would occur under divine favor rather than disaster.
Questions for Reflection
- What does blessing in coming in and going out teach about continuous divine favor?
- How does this merism (opposites indicating totality) demonstrate comprehensive blessing?
- Why is it significant that no activity falls outside God's blessing for the obedient?
- How does Psalm 121:8 develop this theme of God's continuous watchfulness?
- What does this teach about God's involvement in ordinary daily activities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. This blessing encompasses all movements and activities - coming in and going out represent returning home and departing for work, entering rest and undertaking activity. The totality means continuous blessing throughout daily life.
The phrase functions as merism - using opposite extremes to indicate everything between. Like Alpha and Omega encompassing the entire alphabet, coming in and going out encompasses all life activities. No moment exists outside God's blessing for the obedient.
This promises safety and success in all ventures. Whether traveling (going out) or at home (coming in), whether working or resting, whether in public or private life, the covenant-faithful experience God's protective favor.
Psalm 121:8 uses similar language - The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. God's watchful care attends His people continuously.