Deuteronomy 1:20

KJV

And I said unto you, Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites, which the LORD our God doth give unto us.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I said {H559} unto you, Ye are come {H935} unto the mountain {H2022} of the Amorites {H567}, which the LORD {H3068} our God {H430} doth give {H5414} unto us.

Complete Jewish Bible

There I said to you, 'You have come to the hill-country of the Emori, which ADONAI our God is giving to us.

Berean Standard Bible

I said: “You have reached the hill country of the Amorites, which the LORD our God is giving us.

American Standard Version

And I said unto you, Ye are come unto the hill-country of the Amorites, which Jehovah our God giveth unto us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:20 captures a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, as Moses recounts to the new generation the original divine command to enter the Promised Land. This verse serves as a direct reminder of God's clear instruction and generous provision, emphasizing that the formidable territory, though occupied by the Amorites, was unequivocally a divine gift and inheritance for His people, signaling the immediacy of their opportunity to possess it and underscoring the certainty of God's covenant faithfulness despite human obstacles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the opening chapters of Deuteronomy, which comprise Moses' first major address to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they are to enter the Promised Land. Moses is recounting the history of their forty-year wilderness wandering, specifically focusing on the events surrounding their initial, failed attempt to enter Canaan from Kadesh-Barnea. The preceding verses [Deuteronomy 1:19](/deuteronomy/1-19 "Deuteronomy 1:19 - Journey to Kadesh-Barnea") describe their arrival at the edge of the land, having journeyed through the great and terrible wilderness. Moses' speech here is a retrospective, designed to remind the people of God's faithfulness, their past disobedience, and the conditions for future blessing as they stand on the threshold of their inheritance. It sets the stage for the renewed covenant instructions that follow in the rest of the book, establishing a foundation of historical precedent for the commands given to the new generation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is approximately 1406 BC (traditional dating) on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. The Israelites, having spent forty years in the wilderness due to their rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea [Numbers 13-14](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent to Canaan"), are now poised to enter Canaan. The "mountain of the Amorites" refers to the mountainous region of southern Canaan, a strategic and formidable area inhabited by various Canaanite tribes, including the Amorites, who were known as powerful warriors. Culturally, the concept of a "promised land" was deeply rooted in the Abrahamic covenant, where Yahweh pledged this specific territory to Abraham and his descendants as an eternal possession (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abram")). The act of "giving" land was understood as an act of divine sovereignty and fulfillment of covenant, often requiring the displacement of existing inhabitants, though uniquely framed here by divine decree and promise.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 1:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Fulfillment**. God's declaration, "which the LORD our God doth give unto us," underscores His unwavering commitment to the covenant promises made to the patriarchs, even after Israel's disobedience. This promise of land is central to Israel's identity and destiny, emphasizing that God's word is reliable. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**. Despite the formidable presence of the Amorites and the challenging "mountain," God asserts His ownership and power to bestow the land. This contrasts sharply with human weakness and fear, which led to the initial failure to enter (as detailed in [Numbers 13:31-33](/numbers/13-31-33 "Numbers 13:31-33 - The Spies' Bad Report")). Finally, it introduces the theme of **Imminent Possession and Human Responsibility**. "Ye are come unto the mountain" signifies that the moment for action had arrived, presenting a choice between faith and fear, obedience and rebellion, a choice that would determine their entry into the promised inheritance (see also [Deuteronomy 9:3](/deuteronomy/9-3 "Deuteronomy 9:3 - God Will Go Before You")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mountain (Hebrew, _har'_):** This term (H2022) denotes a mountain or range of hills, sometimes used figuratively. In this context, "the mountain of the Amorites" signifies not merely a geographical feature but a strategic stronghold and a symbol of the formidable natural and human obstacles Israel faced. It represents the elevated, defensible territory held by a powerful enemy, making the divine promise to "give" it all the more significant as an act of overcoming a great challenge. It implies a high, difficult, and well-defended region.
* **Amorites (Hebrew, _ʼĔmôrîy'_):** The Amorites (H567) were a prominent Semitic people group, likely meaning "mountaineer" due to their prominence in the hill country of Canaan. They are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as powerful and idolatrous adversaries. Their inclusion here emphasizes the strength of the opposition and the reality that the promised land was not an empty parcel but a territory fiercely defended by established nations. Their presence highlights the need for divine intervention and Israel's faith, as they were a formidable obstacle.
* **Give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This verb (H5414) is a primitive root meaning "to give," used with great latitude of application (e.g., put, make, bestow, grant). Its use here is crucial. It signifies God's sovereign act of bestowing the land as a gift, an inheritance, rather than something Israel would earn or conquer solely by their own might. It underscores the covenantal basis of their claim to the land and God's faithfulness to His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land is not merely to be taken, but to be received as a divine grant, emphasizing divine initiative and generosity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I said unto you,"**: This opening clause establishes the speaker as Moses, directly addressing the new generation of Israelites. It highlights the retrospective nature of his discourse, serving as a solemn reminder of God's past commands and their historical journey. Moses functions as the mediator of God's word, recounting the divine instruction that was given at a critical juncture, emphasizing the continuity of divine revelation.
* **"Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites,"**: This phrase emphasizes the immediate proximity of the Israelites to the Promised Land. They have physically arrived at the very threshold of their inheritance, standing before a significant geographical and strategic barrier. The "mountain of the Amorites" represents the tangible challenge and the powerful inhabitants they must confront to possess the land. It signifies the culmination of their journey to this point and the imminence of the next phase, demanding a response of faith.
* **"which the LORD our God doth give unto us."**: This is the theological core of the verse. It asserts God's sovereign ownership of the land and His active role in bestowing it upon Israel as a gift. The use of "the LORD" (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_ - H3068, the self-Existent or Eternal) and "our God" (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_ - H430, the supreme God, often implying covenant relationship) reinforces the covenant relationship and the certainty of the divine promise. The phrase "doth give" (present tense, implying an ongoing, assured act) underscores the certainty of the divine promise, transforming a formidable obstacle into a divinely ordained inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:20 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message. The primary device is **Recapitulation** or **Retrospection**, as Moses recounts past events to a new generation, providing historical context and theological lessons for their future. This entire opening section of Deuteronomy is framed as a long, reflective sermon, designed to instruct and motivate. The verse also uses **Direct Address** ("I said unto you, Ye are come unto..."), which creates an intimate and immediate connection between Moses and his audience, drawing them into the historical narrative and its implications for their present and future. There is a powerful implicit **Contrast** presented: the formidable "mountain of the Amorites" (representing human strength, natural obstacles, and fear) is juxtaposed against the divine declaration "which the LORD our God doth give unto us" (representing God's sovereign power, generous provision, and unwavering faithfulness). This contrast highlights the theological truth that God's gift transcends human limitations and opposition. Furthermore, the phrase "doth give" functions as a powerful **Affirmation** of God's faithfulness and the certainty of His covenant promises, serving as a foundational truth for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:20 is a profound theological statement on God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the land promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It underscores the truth that the Promised Land was not merely a territory to be conquered by human might, but a divine inheritance, graciously bestowed by a sovereign God. This verse challenges Israel, and by extension believers today, to align their perspective with God's, viewing obstacles not as insurmountable barriers but as opportunities to witness God's power in fulfilling His word. It emphasizes that divine provision often precedes human action, yet it also calls for faithful obedience to step into what God has already declared. The "giving" of the land is an act of grace that demands a response of trust and courageous action.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abram Confirmed")
* [Numbers 13:30](/numbers/13-30 "Numbers 13:30 - Caleb's Call to Action")
* [Joshua 1:3](/joshua/1-3 "Joshua 1:3 - God's Promise of Territory to Joshua")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 1:20 serves as a timeless reminder that God's promises are sure, even when the path to their fulfillment appears daunting. Just as Israel stood at the edge of their inheritance, facing the formidable "mountain of the Amorites," believers today often encounter significant challenges when pursuing God's call or stepping into His declared purposes for their lives. This verse encourages us to remember that what God has promised, He will enable us to receive. It calls for faith to move beyond merely being "come unto" a promise to actively taking possession of it, trusting in His power and provision rather than our own limited strength or perceived obstacles. It's a powerful call to courageous obedience, reminding us that God has already "given" us the victory or the provision we need to overcome the "mountains" in our lives, whether they be spiritual, emotional, relational, or practical. Our role is to believe His word, embrace His generous gift, and step forward in faith, knowing that His divine grant makes the impossible possible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mountains" or formidable obstacles are you currently facing in your life that God has promised you will overcome or possess?**
* **How does the truth that God "doth give" (rather than you having to earn or conquer alone) impact your perspective on these challenges?**
* **In what areas of your life are you "come unto" a promise, but perhaps hesitating to "take possession" due to fear or perceived difficulty?**
* **What specific action might God be calling you to take in faith, trusting in His provision and power to fulfill His word, even when the "mountain" seems insurmountable?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "mountain of the Amorites" in Deuteronomy 1:20?**

Answer: The "mountain of the Amorites" refers to the mountainous region of southern Canaan, particularly the hill country that served as a strategic stronghold for the Amorites, a powerful and warlike people group inhabiting the land. Its significance lies in two main aspects: geographically, it represented a natural barrier and a difficult terrain that would be challenging to conquer; and militarily, it symbolized the formidable human opposition Israel would face. By mentioning it, Moses highlights the reality of the obstacles, yet immediately counters it with the divine assurance that this very land, despite its inhabitants, was God's gift to Israel. It set the stage for the test of faith that Israel failed at Kadesh-Barnea, as recorded in [Numbers 13-14](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13-14 - The Spies and Israel's Rebellion"), underscoring the contrast between human fear and divine promise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 1:20, with its emphasis on a divinely promised land and the call to possess an inheritance despite formidable obstacles, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual resonance in Jesus Christ. The earthly Promised Land, though a physical inheritance for Israel, foreshadowed the greater spiritual inheritance and "rest" that believers receive in Christ. Just as the Lord "gave" the land to Israel, God has "given" us all spiritual blessings in Christ, making us heirs according to His promise (see [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ") and [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). The "mountain of the Amorites" can be seen as a type of the spiritual strongholds and adversaries that believers face, but through Christ's victory on the cross, we are empowered to overcome them (compare [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Jesus is the true Joshua who leads His people into their spiritual inheritance, not through physical conquest, but through His atoning work, granting us access to God's presence and the abundant life. The call to "come unto the mountain" and take possession is spiritually fulfilled in our call to enter God's rest through faith in Christ (as elaborated in [Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4 "Hebrews 4 - Entering God's Rest")), trusting that what God has "given" us in Him is already secured and ours to walk in by faith, even as we face spiritual battles in this world (see [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")).

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

Deuteronomy 1:7

Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all [the places] nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates.

Deuteronomy 1:8

Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them.