Deuteronomy 10:11

KJV

And the LORD said unto me, Arise, take [thy] journey before the people, that they may go in and possess the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto me, Arise {H6965}, take {H3212} thy journey {H4550} before {H6440} the people {H5971}, that they may go in {H935} and possess {H3423} the land {H776}, which I sware {H7650} unto their fathers {H1} to give {H5414} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then ADONAI said to me, 'Get up, and go on your way at the head of the people, so that they can enter and take possession of the land I swore to their ancestors that I would give them.'

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to me, “Get up. Continue your journey ahead of the people, that they may enter and possess the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto me, Arise, take thy journey before the people; and they shall go in and possess the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 10:11 records a pivotal divine command from the LORD to Moses, instructing him to resume the journey and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. This directive, issued after a period of covenant reaffirmation following Israel's profound rebellion at Mount Horeb, powerfully underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His ancient promises made to the patriarchs, His active involvement in the destiny of His chosen people, and the essential role of human obedience and action in the ultimate fulfillment of His sovereign redemptive plan for their inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Moses' second major discourse in the book of Deuteronomy, delivered to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land. It immediately follows a crucial period of covenant renewal at Mount Horeb (Sinai). Moses recounts God's profound grace in restoring the covenant after the catastrophic golden calf incident, where the first set of tablets was shattered due to Israel's idolatry. The LORD, in His boundless mercy, commanded Moses to hew a second set of stone tablets, upon which He re-inscribed the Ten Commandments, a testament to His enduring commitment to His people, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 10:1-5](/deuteronomy/10-1-5 "Deuteronomy 10:1-5 - The Restoration of the Tablets"). Following this profound act of covenant restoration and the subsequent appointment of the Levites, Deuteronomy 10:11 marks the divine signal for the Israelites to finally depart from Horeb, where they had encamped for nearly a year, and continue their journey toward Canaan. It is a direct, urgent command, signifying the transition from a period of theological instruction and covenant reaffirmation to active obedience and the tangible fulfillment of God's promise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the wilderness journey, approximately 40 years after the Exodus from Egyptian bondage. The Israelites, a vast multitude, had experienced both miraculous divine provision and severe divine judgment throughout their wanderings. Mount Horeb (Sinai) was the sacred site of the initial covenant, where God formally established Israel as His special, holy people. The golden calf incident, vividly narrated in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf and God's Wrath"), represented a profound act of apostasy that threatened to irrevocably sever the covenant relationship. God's subsequent renewal of the covenant, despite their egregious sin, profoundly highlighted His steadfast love, patient endurance, and unwavering commitment to His chosen nation. Culturally, the concept of a "promised land" was deeply significant in the ancient Near East; land was not merely territory but integral to a people's identity, security, economic stability, and the fulfillment of divine blessing. The command to "possess" implied not just physical occupation but the establishment of a national identity, a divinely sanctioned claim to the territory, and often involved military conquest against existing inhabitants, which was a common means of establishing dominion in that era.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 10:11 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphatically highlights **God's Unwavering Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**. Despite Israel's repeated failures and profound acts of disobedience, God remains immutably committed to the sacred oath He swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land, as first recorded in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). Secondly, the verse beautifully illustrates the dynamic interplay between **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**. While God has sovereignly promised the land and guaranteed its possession, its actualization requires the active obedience and participatory engagement of His people, led by Moses, to "go in and possess" it. This is not a passive reception but an active, courageous engagement under divine guidance. Thirdly, the verse unequivocally underscores **Moses' Divinely Appointed Leadership**. The command "Arise, take thy journey before the people" reaffirms Moses' unique and indispensable role as the mediator, prophet, and guide, specifically chosen by God to lead Israel into their promised inheritance, echoing his initial, momentous commission in [Exodus 3:10](/exodus/3-10 "Exodus 3:10 - Moses' Commission and the Burning Bush").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Arise (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** This Hebrew verb (H6965) often carries a powerful sense of urgency, readiness, or the initiation of decisive action. It is more than merely standing up; it signifies a command to "get up and go," implying a decisive movement from a state of rest, waiting, or even stagnation, to one of active, purposeful engagement. In this specific context, it signifies the immediate divine imperative for Moses and the people to break their prolonged encampment at Horeb and move forward in their journey. It is a direct call to action after a significant period of reflection, covenant renewal, and preparation.
* **Possess (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** This verb (H3423) is rich in meaning, signifying not just to occupy or inherit, but to take full, rightful, and often forceful possession, typically implying the dispossessing or driving out of previous inhabitants. It speaks of a complete and legitimate claim to the land, established through divine decree and actualized through human action. It underscores the idea of an inheritance that must be actively claimed and secured, not passively received, and implies the establishment of dominion, ownership, and the exercise of authority over the territory.
* **Fathers (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_):** This noun (H1) refers to the patriarchal ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to whom God originally swore the covenant promises concerning the land. The reference to "fathers" anchors the present command in the ancient, foundational promises of God, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive plan across generations. It highlights the covenantal basis of Israel's claim to the land, underscoring God's faithfulness to His sworn word and the unbreakable nature of His commitment to His chosen lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto me, Arise,"**: This opening clause unequivocally establishes the divine origin and supreme authority of the command. The LORD Himself (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) is speaking directly to Moses, emphasizing the immense weight, immediacy, and personal nature of this instruction. The imperative "Arise" is a direct, urgent call, signaling a critical transition from their current state of encampment to active, forward movement.
* **"take [thy] journey before the people,"**: This specifies Moses' indispensable role as the divinely appointed leader. He is not merely to go, but to lead "before the people," indicating his position as their vanguard, guide, and shepherd. This highlights his profound responsibility to direct, organize, and shepherd the vast Israelite nation, setting the pace and determining the direction for their advance into the promised territory.
* **"that they may go in and possess the land,"**: This clause clearly states the immediate, overarching purpose of the journey: for the people to enter and take full, rightful ownership of the promised territory. The dual verbs "go in" (bôwʼ, H935) and "possess" (yârash, H3423) emphasize both the physical entry into the geographical space and the subsequent establishment of dominion, inheritance, and permanent settlement. It clarifies that Moses' leadership is instrumental in enabling the entire nation to achieve this divinely ordained goal.
* **"which I sware unto their fathers to give unto them."**: This final clause provides the ultimate theological grounding and covenantal basis for the entire command. The land is not merely a destination but the direct fulfillment of a sacred, unbreakable oath (shâbaʻ, H7650) made by God to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This powerful reiteration of the divine oath underscores God's immutable faithfulness, His covenantal commitment, and the eternal certainty of Israel's claim to the land, assuring them that their efforts are perfectly aligned with God's eternal, sovereign purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 10:11 masterfully employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, where God issues a direct, authoritative imperative to Moses, highlighting His absolute sovereignty and active, personal involvement in the unfolding narrative of His people. This command is firmly framed within **Covenant Language**, specifically referencing the sacred oath sworn to the patriarchs, which grounds the immediate instruction in the broader, enduring, and unbreakable promises of God. The phrase "go in and possess" functions as a powerful **Hendiadys**, where two distinct words are used to express a single, more complex idea—not merely entering the land, but entering *for the explicit purpose of taking full and complete possession* of it. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Foreshadowing**, as this divine command sets the stage for the subsequent narratives of conquest and settlement found in the book of Joshua, where the people indeed "go in and possess" the land under divine guidance and leadership, fulfilling the very words spoken in this verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 10:11 stands as a powerful testament to God's steadfast faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even in the face of profound human failure and rebellion. It profoundly demonstrates that God's sovereign plans are not ultimately thwarted by human sin, but rather, His boundless mercy provides a pathway for restoration, reconciliation, and the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes. The command to "arise" and "possess" reveals a dynamic and essential relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility: God graciously grants the inheritance, but His people must actively step into it through courageous obedience and unwavering faith. This foundational principle resonates throughout the entirety of scripture, emphasizing that God's blessings and purposes are often realized through our active participation in His revealed will, trusting implicitly in His divine leadership and provision.
* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - The Abrahamic Covenant Promise")
* [Numbers 13:30](/numbers/13-30 "Numbers 13:30 - Caleb's Call to Possess")
* [Joshua 1:3](/joshua/1-3 "Joshua 1:3 - God's Promise of Land to Joshua")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 10:11 serves as a profound and enduring reminder that God's promises are absolutely secure and His faithfulness remains unwavering, even when our past actions, failures, or periods of stagnation might suggest otherwise. Just as God, in His infinite mercy, graciously renewed His covenant with Israel after their devastating idolatry and commanded them to move forward into their promised inheritance, so too does He call believers today to "arise" and courageously step into the spiritual inheritance and divine purposes He has meticulously prepared for us. This verse powerfully encourages us to move beyond past failures, periods of spiritual lethargy, or self-imposed limitations, trusting fully in God's unwavering faithfulness and His empowering grace. It reminds us that while our spiritual blessings and inheritance are a pure gift of grace, their full experience and realization often require active faith, courageous obedience, and decisive steps forward under the guidance of His Spirit. We are called not to passively wait, but to actively "possess" the spiritual ground God has given us—whether that involves overcoming a persistent personal struggle, faithfully pursuing a divine calling, courageously engaging in evangelism, or diligently committing to discipleship and spiritual growth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "promised land" or spiritual inheritance might God be calling me to "arise" and "possess" in my life today, and what active steps of faith are required?**
* **How might past failures, fears, or periods of spiritual stagnation be hindering me from moving forward in God's divine plan, and how can I embrace God's mercy to press on with renewed courage?**
* **In what specific ways am I being called to trust God's leadership and take active steps of obedience, even when the path ahead seems daunting, uncertain, or requires significant personal sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God commanding Moses to lead the people, rather than simply telling the people to go themselves?**

Answer: The divine command directly to Moses ("unto me") highlights his indispensable and unique role as the divinely appointed mediator, prophet, and leader of Israel. God's direct address underscores the profound relationship and the specific authority bestowed upon him. Moses was not merely a guide; he was the one through whom God communicated His divine will, delivered His sacred law, and meticulously orchestrated the nation's movements. This emphasis on Moses' singular leadership reinforces the profound biblical principle that God often chooses to work through specific, commissioned individuals to accomplish His grand purposes, requiring both divine commissioning and faithful human obedience from the chosen leader. It also ensured that the people would be led by someone who had intimately experienced God's presence, received His direct instructions, and possessed the wisdom and authority to navigate the challenges ahead, providing them with essential confidence and clear direction as they prepared to "go in and possess the land" as commanded in [Deuteronomy 10:11](/deuteronomy/10-11 "Deuteronomy 10:11 - The Command to Proceed to the Promised Land").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 10:11, with its profound emphasis on a divinely appointed leader guiding God's people into a promised inheritance, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Moses, as the faithful servant who brought the law and led Israel to the very threshold of the physical promised land, serves as a powerful type and foreshadowing of Christ. Jesus, the "prophet like Moses" foretold in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Promise of a Prophet Like Moses"), is the true and ultimate leader who does not merely lead us to a physical land but into a spiritual, eternal, and far more glorious inheritance. He is the one who enables us to "possess" the immeasurable blessings of the new covenant, not through military conquest or human effort, but through His perfect obedience, His atoning sacrifice on the cross, and His triumphant resurrection. Through Christ, believers are graciously given "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - All Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Heavenly and Secure Inheritance")). Just as God's unwavering faithfulness ensured Israel's entry into Canaan despite their repeated failures, so Christ's perfect faithfulness guarantees our entry into God's eternal rest and the full realization of His spiritual promises, not based on our flawed obedience to the law, but on His perfect obedience and the transformative power of His indwelling Spirit who enables us to "arise" and walk in glorious newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Walking in Newness of Life Through 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

Exodus 32:34

Therefore now go, lead the people unto [the place] of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.

Exodus 33:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Depart, [and] go up hence, thou and the people which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, Unto thy seed will I give it: