Deuteronomy 10:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 10:11
11 And the LORD said unto me, Arise, take thy journey before the people, that they may go in and possess the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give unto them.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 10 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, holiness, redemption. 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 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 10:11
11 And the LORD said unto me, Arise, take thy journey before the people, that they may go in and possess the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give unto them.
Analysis
Arise, take thy journey before the people—After the covenant renewal (new stone tablets in 10:1-5) and Moses's successful intercession, God commands the journey to resume. The phrase that they may go in and possess the land (וִירְשׁוּ, virshu) uses the Qal imperfect of yarash, emphasizing the ongoing process of conquest. Despite Israel's catastrophic failure with the golden calf, God's purposes remain unchanged.
Which I sware unto their fathers grounds the promise in the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:7, 15:18-21). God's oath-bound commitment transcends Israel's unfaithfulness—a theme Paul develops in Romans 11:29: 'the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.' This verse demonstrates that divine election secures salvation despite human sin.
Historical Context
This command came after Moses's 40-day intercession following the golden calf incident (Deuteronomy 9-10). The journey resumed from Mount Horeb (Sinai) toward Canaan, approximately 40 years after the exodus (1446 BC traditional chronology).
Reflection
- How does God's faithfulness to His sworn promises despite Israel's sin encourage you when you fail?
- What does Israel's restoration after the golden calf reveal about God's commitment to His redemptive plan in Christ?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 33:1
- Parallel theme: Exodus 32:34