Deuteronomy 6:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 6:23
23 And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 6 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, love, judgment. 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 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 6:23
23 And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.
Analysis
The testimony concludes with purpose: 'he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.' The double movement (out/in) reveals redemption's full scope—deliverance from bondage and entrance into blessing. God didn't merely liberate from Egypt but purposed to give Canaan inheritance. The grounding 'which he sware unto our fathers' connects exodus to patriarchal promises (Genesis 12:7, 13:15, 15:18), demonstrating covenant faithfulness across generations. This verse illustrates the Reformed doctrine that redemption serves God's sovereign purposes: bringing His elect into promised rest.
Historical Context
God's oath to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21), Isaac (Genesis 26:3), and Jacob (Genesis 28:13) promised Canaan to their descendants. The exodus fulfilled this 600-year-old promise, demonstrating God's covenant faithfulness. Israel's conquest under Joshua completed the 'bringing in' process (Joshua 21:43-45). This typifies Christian redemption: saved from sin's penalty to enter God's rest (Hebrews 4:1-11), brought from death to life, darkness to light, slavery to sonship. Salvation has both negative (deliverance) and positive (inheritance) dimensions.
Reflection
- How does the dual movement (brought out/brought in) reveal that salvation includes both deliverance from bondage and entrance into blessing?
- In what ways does Israel's inheritance of Canaan prefigure Christians' inheritance of eternal life and new creation rest?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 1:8, 6:10, 6:18, Exodus 13:5