Deuteronomy 1:40

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But [as for] you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

Complete Jewish Bible:

But as for yourselves, turn around and head into the desert by the road to the Sea of Suf.'

Berean Standard Bible:

But you are to turn back and head for the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea.”

American Standard Version:

But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But as for you, turn^{H6437} you, and take your journey^{H5265} into the wilderness^{H4057} by the way^{H1870} of the Red^{H5488} sea^{H3220}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Deuteronomy 1:40

Deuteronomy 1:40 is part of the speech given by Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land after spending 40 years in the wilderness. The historical context of this verse is set during the last days of Moses' leadership over the Israelites, as he recounts their journey from Egypt and prepares them for the transition into the land of Canaan.

**Themes:**

1. **Obedience to God's Command:** The verse emphasizes obedience to God's instructions, as Moses tells the people to turn and head into the wilderness. This reflects the broader biblical theme of trusting and following God's guidance, even when it seems counterintuitive or challenging.

2. **Wilderness as a Place of Preparation:** The wilderness journey is a central motif in the narrative, symbolizing a period of testing, growth, and preparation for the Israelites. It's a place where they learn to rely on God for their sustenance and protection, and where they are shaped into a nation.

3. **Divine Protection and Providence:** The reference to the "way of the Red sea" alludes to God's miraculous intervention in parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14), which allowed the Israelites to escape the pursuing Egyptian army. This serves as a reminder of God's protection and faithfulness to His people.

4. **Consequences of Disobedience:** The broader context of Deuteronomy includes a reflection on the previous generation's disobedience, which led to their wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. Moses warns the new generation to learn from their ancestors' mistakes and to choose a different path.

5. **Transition and New Beginnings:** The verse also signifies a transition point for the Israelites. They are on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, which represents the fulfillment of God's promises to their ancestors. It's a moment of both anticipation and trepidation, as they face the challenges that lie ahead.

In summary, Deuteronomy 1:40 encapsulates the themes of obedience, divine guidance, preparation through adversity, and the fulfillment of God's promises, all set against the backdrop of the Israelites' imminent entry into Canaan after a formative period in the wilderness.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6437
   There are 128 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּנָה
   Transliteration: pânâh
   Pronunciation: paw-naw'
   Description: a primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. appear, look, etc.; appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early).
   
2. Strong's Number: H5265
   There are 140 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָסַע
   Transliteration: nâçaʻ
   Pronunciation: naw-sah'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e. start on ajourney; cause to blow, bring, get, (make to) go (away, forth, forward, onward, out), (take) journey, march, remove, set aside (forward), [idiom] still, be on his (go their) way.
   
3. Strong's Number: H4057
   There are 257 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מִדְבָּר
   Transliteration: midbâr
   Pronunciation: mid-bawr'
   Description: from דָבַר in the sense of driving; a pasture (i.e. open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert; also speech (including its organs); desert, south, speech, wilderness.
   
4. Strong's Number: H1870
   There are 627 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דֶּרֶךְ
   Transliteration: derek
   Pronunciation: deh'-rek
   Description: from דָּרַךְ; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb; along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever).
   
5. Strong's Number: H5488
   There are 28 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: סוּף
   Transliteration: çûwph
   Pronunciation: soof
   Description: probably of Egyptian origin; a reed, especially the papyrus; flag, Red (sea), weed. Compare סוּף.
   
6. Strong's Number: H3220
   There are 339 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָם
   Transliteration: yâm
   Pronunciation: yawm
   Description: from an unused root meaning to roar; a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river, or an artifical basin; locally, the west, or (rarely) the south; sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward).