Deuteronomy 1:11

KJV

(The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye [are], and bless you, as he hath promised you!)

KJV (with Strong's)

(The LORD {H3068} God {H430} of your fathers {H1} make you a thousand {H505} times {H6471} so many more as {H3254} ye are, and bless {H1288} you, as he hath promised {H1696} you!)

Complete Jewish Bible

May ADONAI, the God of your ancestors, increase you yet a thousandfold and bless you, as he has promised you!

Berean Standard Bible

May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times over and bless you as He has promised.

American Standard Version

Jehovah, the God of your fathers, make you a thousand times as many as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:11 captures Moses' profound intercessory prayer and blessing for the Israelites as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land. It is a fervent appeal for God to exponentially multiply their numbers and to bestow upon them comprehensive blessings, all in fulfillment of the solemn promises He had previously made to their patriarchs. This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness, His abundant generosity, and the continuity of His covenant relationship with His people across generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 1:11 is embedded within Moses' opening address to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they cross the Jordan River into Canaan. This address, which spans the first four chapters of Deuteronomy, serves as a retrospective review of Israel's wilderness journey, a reaffirmation of the Mosaic covenant, and a final exhortation to obedience. Immediately preceding this verse, in [Deuteronomy 1:10](/deuteronomy/1-10 "Deuteronomy 1:10 - Israel's Multitude"), Moses acknowledges that the LORD had already "multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude." This sets the stage for the prayer in verse 11, which is not merely a recognition of past blessing but a forward-looking petition for an even greater, exponential increase and blessing as they prepare to occupy the land promised to their forefathers. It transitions from a statement of fact to a powerful, hopeful intercession.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is crucial: the Israelites have completed forty years of wilderness wandering, a period marked by both divine provision and human rebellion. The generation that rebelled at Kadesh-Barnea and was condemned to die in the wilderness has passed away, and a new generation, born in the wilderness, stands ready to inherit the land. The Plains of Moab, east of the Jordan, served as their final encampment before the conquest. Culturally, multiplication and numerous offspring were considered a primary sign of divine blessing and favor, directly linked to the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For a nomadic people about to settle and establish a nation, numerical strength was also vital for defense, governance, and the fulfillment of their national destiny. Moses' prayer reflects this deep-seated cultural value and the theological understanding that God's blessing was foundational to their success.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Promise**. Moses' prayer, "as he hath promised you," directly invokes the Abrahamic covenant, where God promised Abraham countless descendants and a land (e.g., [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham"), [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - Abraham's Countless Descendants"), [Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "Genesis 22:17 - God's Oath to Abraham")). This demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His word across generations. Secondly, the theme of **Abundant Blessing and Multiplication** is paramount. The phrase "a thousand times so many more" emphasizes God's desire to bless His people far beyond human expectation, not just numerically but holistically, ensuring their flourishing in the Promised Land. Thirdly, the verse showcases **Pastoral Leadership and Intercession**. Despite the Israelites' past rebellions and the burdens of leadership, Moses' heart is evident in his fervent prayer for their future prosperity, embodying the role of a faithful intercessor (cf. [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11 "Exodus 32:11 - Moses' Intercession")). Finally, it subtly points to the theme of **Inheritance and Fulfillment**, as this blessing is sought specifically for a people about to enter and possess the land promised to their ancestors.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD God of your fathers (Hebrew, _Yahweh Elohei Avoteikhem_):** This specific divine title is profoundly significant. "Yahweh" (LORD) is the covenant name of God, revealing His personal, relational, and unchanging character. "Elohei Avoteikhem" (God of your fathers) emphasizes God's continuity and faithfulness across generations, specifically recalling His covenant relationship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It assures the new generation that the same powerful and faithful God who initiated and sustained their ancestors' journey is still actively involved in their present and future. This title grounds Moses' prayer in God's historical and covenantal reliability.
* **thousand times (Hebrew, _eleph pe'amim_):** This phrase is a powerful example of **hyperbole**, not a literal mathematical calculation. It signifies an immeasurable, exponential increase, far beyond any human expectation or current reality. It conveys the boundless generosity and power of God to bless His people in an overwhelming manner. This echoes earlier promises of multiplication, like descendants as numerous as the stars of heaven or sand on the seashore, emphasizing God's capacity to bring about a level of fruitfulness that defies human limitation.
* **promised (Hebrew, _dibber_):** The Hebrew verb _dibber_ refers to speaking, declaring, or promising. Here, it underscores the divine origin and binding nature of God's word. It points directly to the solemn, unconditional promises made to the patriarchs regarding their descendants and the land. Moses' appeal is not based on Israel's merit but on God's own prior, unchangeable commitments. This highlights the foundational principle of God's faithfulness to His covenant word as the basis for all blessings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye [are],":** This opening clause functions as a fervent prayer and benediction from Moses. The subject, "The LORD God of your fathers," immediately establishes the source of the blessing as the covenant-keeping God of Israel's history. The verb "make" (Hebrew, _yosef_, "add" or "increase") expresses a desire for active divine intervention. The object "you" refers to the entire Israelite community. The phrase "a thousand times so many more as ye [are]" is the core of the numerical blessing, praying for an exponential, overwhelming increase in their population. This numerical growth was essential for their strength as a nation and for fulfilling the promise of filling the land.
* **"and bless you, as he hath promised you!)":** This second clause expands the scope of the blessing beyond mere numbers to encompass comprehensive well-being and prosperity. The verb "bless" (Hebrew, _barak_) is broad, implying divine favor, prosperity, fruitfulness, and success in all aspects of life—spiritual, physical, social, and economic. The crucial qualifier "as he hath promised you" anchors this comprehensive blessing firmly in God's prior covenantal commitments. It signifies that the blessing is not arbitrary but is the faithful fulfillment of God's own word, particularly the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding their descendants and their inheritance of the land.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:11 employs several significant **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, seen in the phrase "a thousand times so many more." This exaggeration is not meant to be taken literally but serves to convey the immense, overwhelming, and boundless nature of God's potential blessing. It elevates the prayer beyond a simple request for increase to an expression of faith in God's limitless generosity. The verse also functions as a powerful **Intercession**, demonstrating Moses' role as a mediator and his deep pastoral heart for the people. His prayer is a model of advocating for God's people based on God's own character and promises. Furthermore, the use of **Covenantal Language** ("The LORD God of your fathers," "as he hath promised you") strongly emphasizes the historical and theological continuity of God's relationship with Israel. This language serves as a constant reminder of God's faithfulness to His ancestral pledges, reinforcing the foundation of Israel's identity and hope. The verse itself is a form of **Benediction**, a solemn blessing pronounced by a spiritual leader, invoking divine favor upon the community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:11 is a profound statement about God's character and His relationship with humanity. It reveals a God who is not only faithful to His word but also desires to bless His people abundantly, beyond their current state or even their imagination. This desire for multiplication and flourishing is rooted in His covenant promises, establishing a pattern where divine blessing flows from divine initiative and faithfulness, not human merit. Moses' intercessory prayer underscores the importance of prayer that aligns with God's revealed will and promises, demonstrating a leader's heart for the well-being and growth of the community. The verse encourages believers to trust in God's past faithfulness as a guarantee for future blessings, understanding that His promises are steadfast and His power to bring them to fruition is limitless. It also highlights the holistic nature of God's blessing, encompassing both numerical growth and overall prosperity, ultimately for the purpose of His people fulfilling their divine calling.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham: Great Nation and Blessing")
* [Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "God's Oath to Abraham: Countless Descendants and Victory")
* [Psalm 115:14](/psalms/115-14 "The LORD will increase you more and more, you and your children.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 1:11 offers timeless encouragement and challenges for believers today. Just as God was faithful to His promises to ancient Israel, He remains faithful to His covenant with us through Christ. This verse invites us to cultivate a profound trust in God's character as a generous and promise-keeping God, believing that He desires our flourishing in all dimensions of life—spiritual, relational, and even physical. It calls us to bold and expansive prayer, much like Moses, who prayed for an exponential blessing far beyond the current reality. We are encouraged to pray not only for our personal needs but also for the multiplication and comprehensive blessing of our families, churches, communities, and even nations, grounding our petitions in God's revealed will and His past faithfulness. Understanding that God desires our "thousand times so many more" reminds us that our God is a God of abundance, not scarcity, and that His blessings are designed to enable us to fulfill His purposes in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as "the God of your fathers" (and our spiritual ancestors) deepen your trust in His faithfulness and promises for your life today?**
* **In what areas of your life or ministry are you seeking God's "thousand times so many more" blessing, and how does this verse encourage you to pray with greater boldness and expectation?**
* **Considering Moses' example, how can you cultivate a more consistent and fervent practice of intercessory prayer for your family, church, or community?**

### FAQ
**Is the "thousand times" a literal number that God was expected to achieve for Israel?**

Answer: No, the "thousand times" is not meant to be a literal, mathematical calculation. It is a powerful example of **hyperbole**, a literary device used to express an immeasurable, exponential, and overwhelming increase. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, and throughout the Bible, large numbers like "thousand" or "ten thousand" often signify immense quantity or completeness rather than a precise count. Moses' prayer is for a blessing so vast and abundant that it far exceeds their already numerous population, which was described as being "as the stars of heaven for multitude" in [Deuteronomy 1:10](/deuteronomy/1-10 "Deuteronomy 1:10 - Israel's Multitude"). This hyperbole emphasizes God's boundless generosity and His ability to bless beyond human comprehension, fulfilling His promise to make Abraham's descendants countless (e.g., [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "Genesis 15:5 - God's Promise of Countless Descendants")).

**What specific promises is Moses referring to when he says, "as he hath promised you!"?**

Answer: Moses is primarily referring to the **Abrahamic Covenant** and its subsequent reaffirmations to Isaac and Jacob. The core of this covenant included promises of numerous descendants and the inheritance of the land of Canaan. Key passages include:
* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham"): "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing."
* [Genesis 13:16](/genesis/13-16 "Genesis 13:16 - Abraham's Descendants Like Dust"): "And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered."
* [Genesis 22:17](/genesis/22-17 "Genesis 22:17 - God's Oath to Abraham: Countless Descendants"): "That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies."
These promises were reiterated to Isaac in [Genesis 26:3-4](/genesis/26-3 "Genesis 26:3 - God's Covenant with Isaac") and to Jacob in [Genesis 28:14](/genesis/28-14 "God's Covenant with Jacob"). Moses' statement underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His word across generations, assuring the new generation that the blessings they are about to receive are a direct fulfillment of these ancient, divine commitments.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 1:11, with its emphasis on divine blessing, exponential multiplication, and the fulfillment of covenant promises, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "thousand times so many more" blessing, initially understood in terms of physical descendants and national prosperity, is transcended and spiritualized in the New Covenant. Through Christ, the true "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ, the Seed of Abraham")), God's promise to bless "all the families of the earth" is realized not through physical lineage alone, but through spiritual adoption into God's family ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). The multiplication is no longer merely demographic but spiritual, as the church grows exponentially through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). The comprehensive blessing Moses prayed for is found in Christ, in whom believers are "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")). Furthermore, Moses' intercessory heart foreshadows Christ's ultimate and eternal intercession for His people before the Father ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us"), [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Lives to Intercede")). The inheritance promised to Israel in the land finds its spiritual reality in the eternal inheritance believers have in Christ, who is our true "Promised Land" and the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 115:14

The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.

Genesis 22:17

That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

Genesis 26:4

And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;

Numbers 6:27

And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

2 Samuel 24:3

And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see [it]: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?

Genesis 49:25

[Even] by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:

Exodus 32:13

Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit [it] for ever.