Deuteronomy 1:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 1:20
20 And I said unto you, Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites, which the LORD our God doth give unto us.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 1 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, salvation, obedience. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-46: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 1:20
20 And I said unto you, Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites, which the LORD our God doth give unto us.
Analysis
The command to 'go in and possess the land' couples divine gift with human action. God promises to give the land, but Israel must actively claim it through faith and obedience. The verb 'yarash' (possess/inherit) implies both receiving and occupying—a pattern throughout Scripture where God's sovereignty partners with human responsibility. Faith isn't passive but actively appropriates what God has promised.
Historical Context
This command came after 40 years of wilderness wandering due to the previous generation's unbelief at Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 13-14). The new generation must learn from their fathers' failure and trust God's promise despite formidable obstacles.
Reflection
- What promises of God require your active faith and obedience to possess?
- How do you balance trusting God's sovereignty with taking appropriate action?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)