Deuteronomy 1:21

KJV

Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up [and] possess [it], as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold {H7200}, the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hath set {H5414} the land {H776} before {H6440} thee: go up {H5927} and possess {H3423} it, as the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of thy fathers {H1} hath said {H1696} unto thee; fear {H3372} not, neither be discouraged {H2865}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look! ADONAI your God has placed the land before you. Go up, take possession, as ADONAI, the God of your ancestors, has told you. Don't be afraid, don't be dismayed.'

Berean Standard Bible

See, the LORD your God has placed the land before you. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

American Standard Version

Behold, Jehovah thy God hath set the land before thee: go up, take possession, as Jehovah, the God of thy fathers, hath spoken unto thee; fear not, neither be dismayed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:21 serves as a pivotal exhortation from Moses to the new generation of Israelites, standing at the precipice of the Promised Land. It powerfully encapsulates God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises by setting the land before them, coupled with an urgent divine command for human courage, active faith, and obedience to "go up and possess it," directly addressing and warning against the debilitating fear and discouragement that had previously hindered their fathers. This verse is a concise theological statement on divine initiative, human responsibility, and the necessity of trust in the face of daunting challenges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Moses' opening address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, as recorded in [Deuteronomy 1:1-4:43](/deuteronomy/1-1-43 "Deuteronomy 1-4 - Moses' First Discourse"). This discourse functions as a comprehensive review of Israel's forty-year wilderness journey, a profound recounting of God's steadfast faithfulness, and a solemn reminder of Israel's past failures and the consequences of disobedience. Specifically, [Deuteronomy 1:21](/deuteronomy/1-21 "Deuteronomy 1:21 - Go Up and Possess the Land") directly recalls the catastrophic events at [Kadesh-Barnea](/numbers/13-14 "Numbers 13-14 - The Spies and Israel's Rebellion"), detailed in Numbers 13-14. At that critical juncture, the previous generation, despite God's explicit promise and command to enter the land, succumbed to paralyzing fear after hearing the spies' report of formidable inhabitants and refused to advance. Moses is now presenting the identical divine directive to a new generation, urging them not to repeat the unbelief and disobedience of their predecessors. He emphasizes that God's promise and provision remain absolutely steadfast, requiring only their courageous faith and obedience for its realization.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this precise historical moment, the Israelites have completed their arduous wilderness wanderings and are encamped on the eastern side of the Jordan River, with the fertile plains and mountainous regions of Canaan stretching before them. This generation, having grown up under the direct tutelage of Moses, has witnessed God's miraculous provision, His righteous judgments, and the fulfillment of His word firsthand. The land of Canaan was far from an empty territory; it was inhabited by various peoples, some of whom, like the Anakim (mentioned in the earlier spy report in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Giants in the Land")), were renowned for their formidable stature and military prowess. Culturally, land inheritance was of paramount importance in the ancient Near East, signifying not only economic security but also tribal identity, social standing, and divine blessing. The concept of "possessing" the land, as mandated by God, often involved military conquest and the displacement of existing inhabitants, underscoring the immense challenge and the absolute necessity of divine assurance and human courage in the face of such a daunting task.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 1:21](/deuteronomy/1-21 "Deuteronomy 1:21 - Go Up and Possess the Land") powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Promise-Keeping**, as "the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee," reiterating the ancient covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham") and [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). Secondly, it underscores **Human Responsibility and Obedience**, as the imperative "go up and possess it" demands active faith and courageous action, not passive waiting for God to act alone. Thirdly, the crucial command "fear not, neither be discouraged" directly addresses the pervasive theme of **Trust vs. Unbelief**, serving as a direct counterpoint to the previous generation's catastrophic failure at [Kadesh-Barnea](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and Punishment"). This emphasizes that genuine faith involves overcoming psychological and emotional barriers through unwavering reliance on God's presence, power, and promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** While often translated as "to give" or "to place," in this context, _nâthan_ (H5414) implies a divine act of presentation, establishment, or setting something definitively before someone. It conveys the idea that God has already accomplished the preparatory work; the land is not merely a possibility but a divinely established reality, already designated and made available by God's sovereign will and power. This underscores God's initiative and the certainty of His provision, emphasizing that the land is a secured gift.
* **Possess (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This verb (H3423) is multifaceted, meaning "to inherit," "to dispossess," or "to take possession of." It signifies more than just occupying a territory; it implies asserting ownership, often through active conquest and the displacement of previous inhabitants. It highlights the dynamic, active, and sometimes forceful role Israel was required to play in actualizing God's gift, transforming a divine promise into a tangible reality through their obedient and courageous engagement.
* **Discouraged (Hebrew, _châthath'_):** The root _châthath_ (H2865) means "to prostrate," and by extension, "to break down," either literally by violence or figuratively by confusion and fear. In this context, "be discouraged" refers to a state of inner dismay, faintheartedness, or terror that leads to paralysis and inaction. It speaks to the psychological and spiritual battle against doubt and despair, which can undermine faith and prevent God's people from stepping into their divine inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee:"** This opening clause serves as a declarative statement, drawing immediate attention to God's sovereign action and provision. The "Behold" (Hebrew, _re'eh_) is an exclamation demanding observation, emphasizing that the land is not a distant dream but a present reality, already positioned by Yahweh (H3068) Himself for Israel's taking. It highlights God's initiative and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, making the inheritance a divine certainty, a gift already prepared and presented.
* **"go up [and] possess [it],"** This is a direct, imperative command, a call to immediate and decisive action. The phrase "go up" (Hebrew, _'âlâh_) suggests ascending into the mountainous regions of Canaan, indicating a challenging but necessary movement. "Possess it" (Hebrew, _yârash_) underscores the active, often confrontational, role Israel must play; while the land is a gift, its acquisition requires their courageous engagement, faith-filled obedience, and willingness to confront obstacles and dispossess existing inhabitants.
* **"as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee;"** This clause firmly grounds the present command in the historical continuity and unwavering reliability of God's covenant promises. It reminds the new generation that this directive is not new or arbitrary but is consistent with the eternal word of God (H1696, _dâbar_) given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (H1, _'âb_). This reference to the "God of thy fathers" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_) reinforces divine faithfulness across generations and provides a powerful motivation for obedience, linking their present task to a sacred, ancestral legacy and an unchanging divine decree.
* **"fear not, neither be discouraged."** This final, crucial command directly addresses the primary obstacle to their obedience: unbelief manifested as fear and faintheartedness. "Fear not" (Hebrew, _yârêʼ_, H3372, _lo tira'_) and "neither be discouraged" (Hebrew, _châthath_, H2865, _v'lo tehat_) are parallel prohibitions against a spirit of cowardice or dismay. This is a direct lesson from the previous generation's failure at Kadesh-Barnea, urging the new generation to trust in God's presence and power, which alone can overcome the natural human tendency to shrink from daunting challenges and embrace the divine mandate.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:21 employs several effective literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Exhortation**, as Moses directly urges the people to action and courage, using imperative verbs ("go up," "possess," "fear not," "be discouraged"). This strong, direct address aims to motivate and counteract the historical pattern of past failures. There is also a clear **Contrast** established between the previous generation's failure due to fear and unbelief, and the present generation's unparalleled opportunity for success through faith and obedience. The phrase "as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee" functions as a powerful appeal to **Divine Authority** and **Covenant Continuity**, grounding the present command in the established divine word and God's historical faithfulness to His promises. Finally, the pairing of "fear not" and "neither be discouraged" is an example of **Parallelism** (specifically, synonymous parallelism), reinforcing the singular idea of overcoming inner apprehension, dismay, and faintheartedness through unwavering trust in God's presence and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:21 stands as a powerful testament to the intricate interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the outworking of God's redemptive plan. God's faithfulness is unequivocally declared ("hath set the land before thee"), establishing the land as a divine gift and an assured reality, a promise already secured in His will. Yet, this divine provision does not negate the necessity of human action; Israel is commanded to "go up and possess it," highlighting that the inheritance of God's blessings often requires courageous obedience and active participation. The injunction "fear not, neither be discouraged" underscores that unbelief, manifested as fear and faintheartedness, is a primary barrier to experiencing God's promises. This verse thus teaches that true faith involves not only believing in God's power and promises but also acting upon them, trusting that His presence will overcome all obstacles and enable the fulfillment of His divine purposes.

* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Hebrews 3:18-19](/hebrews/3-18-19 "Hebrews 3:18-19 - The Disobedient Did Not Enter God's Rest")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 1:21 offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today. Just as God "set the land before" Israel, He has prepared spiritual inheritances, callings, and opportunities for us. These are not earned but are gifts of His grace, established by His divine will and secured through Christ. However, like Israel, we are called to "go up and possess" these blessings, which requires active faith, courage, and obedience. This means stepping out of our comfort zones, confronting our fears, and trusting in God's unfailing presence and power, rather than succumbing to discouragement when faced with challenges or the daunting nature of His call. Whether it's pursuing a new ministry, overcoming a personal struggle, embracing a difficult truth, or stepping into a new season of life, God's command to "fear not, neither be discouraged" resonates deeply, reminding us that His provision precedes our action, and His presence empowers our steps. Our spiritual journey is not passive; it demands courageous engagement with the promises of God, knowing that He has already prepared the way.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "promised lands" or opportunities might God be setting before you today that require you to "go up and possess" them with active faith?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you most prone to "fear" or "discouragement," and how might remembering God's explicit command and His faithful presence help you overcome these?**
* **How does the biblical balance between God's sovereign provision and your active obedience challenge or comfort you in your walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why is Moses recounting this history and giving this command to a new generation?**

Answer: Moses is addressing a new generation of Israelites who did not personally experience the initial Exodus or the disastrous rebellion at [Kadesh-Barnea](/numbers/13-14 "Numbers 13-14 - The Spies and Israel's Rebellion"). The previous generation, due to their profound unbelief and paralyzing fear, forfeited their right to enter the Promised Land and perished in the wilderness. Moses's recounting serves as a crucial historical lesson and a solemn warning. He emphasizes God's consistent faithfulness to His covenant promises and the severe consequences of disobedience, urging this new generation to learn from the past and act with unwavering faith and courage. His aim is to ensure they do not repeat their fathers' mistakes but instead fulfill God's divine purpose for them to inherit the land, which remains God's unchanging will. It's a powerful call to remember, learn, and obey.

**What does "possess it" imply beyond simply occupying the land?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _yârash_ ("possess," H3423) carries a strong connotation of active, often forceful, acquisition and assertion of ownership. It implies more than just moving into an empty space; it means dispossessing the current inhabitants through military engagement, establishing permanent control, and claiming the land as their rightful inheritance under God's grant. This was not a passive inheritance where the land would simply be handed over; it required Israel to "go up" and actively take possession, engaging in battles and asserting their claim as God's chosen people. It highlights that while the land was a divine gift, its actualization required their courageous and obedient participation, demonstrating their trust in God's power to grant them victory over formidable foes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 1:21, with its urgent call to "go up and possess" the promised land without fear, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the spiritual inheritance He secures for believers. The earthly Promised Land, a physical inheritance acquired through battle and human effort, foreshadows the infinitely richer and eternal spiritual inheritance of the New Covenant, which is freely given through Christ's finished work on the cross. We, as New Testament believers, are not called to conquer a physical land, but to "possess" every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing")). The command "fear not, neither be discouraged" takes on new depth in Christ, for our confidence is not in our own strength or military might, but in the resurrected Lord who has already overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and disarmed the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Evil Powers")). Our "possession" of this spiritual inheritance is by faith, as we are "rooted and built up in him" ([Colossians 2:6-7](/colossians/2-6-7 "Colossians 2:6-7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ")), entering into His rest not through physical conquest, but through trusting in His completed work ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4 "Hebrews 4 - The Promise of Rest")). Thus, the ultimate "land" set before us is the Kingdom of God, and our entry is secured by the Lamb of God, who leads us into eternal life and abundant grace, empowering us to live fearlessly in the face of spiritual opposition.

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

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Psalms 46:1

¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Hebrews 13:6

So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Numbers 14:8

If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.

Numbers 14:9

Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they [are] bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD [is] with us: fear them not.

Numbers 13:30

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

Joshua 1:6

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.