And 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;
The phrase 'houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not' describes unearned inheritance—God's grace providing what Israel didn't produce. The list of blessings (wells, vineyards, olive trees) represents comprehensive provision: water, wine, oil—essentials of ancient Near Eastern life. This generosity illustrates sovereign grace: election and blessing precede human merit or effort. The warning 'when thou shalt have eaten and be full' anticipates the danger of prosperity breeding spiritual complacency. Material blessing tests faithfulness more severely than adversity. The Reformed doctrine of total depravity recognizes that humans naturally credit themselves for God's gifts.
Historical Context
Israel would inherit Canaanite cities, agricultural infrastructure, and established homes without building or planting (circa 1406-1400 BC under Joshua). The conquest fulfilled God's promise to give Abraham's descendants the land (Genesis 15:18-21). Canaanites had cultivated vineyards, dug wells, and planted olive groves—Israel inherited this accumulated labor. This prefigures Christians inheriting salvation accomplished entirely by Christ, not our works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Questions for Reflection
How does inheriting 'houses full of good things' you didn't earn illustrate the principle of grace preceding merit?
In what ways does material prosperity test spiritual faithfulness more severely than adversity or scarcity?
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Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not' describes unearned inheritance—God's grace providing what Israel didn't produce. The list of blessings (wells, vineyards, olive trees) represents comprehensive provision: water, wine, oil—essentials of ancient Near Eastern life. This generosity illustrates sovereign grace: election and blessing precede human merit or effort. The warning 'when thou shalt have eaten and be full' anticipates the danger of prosperity breeding spiritual complacency. Material blessing tests faithfulness more severely than adversity. The Reformed doctrine of total depravity recognizes that humans naturally credit themselves for God's gifts.