Deuteronomy 11:11

But the land, whither ye go to possess it, [is] a land of hills and valleys, [and] drinketh water of the rain of heaven:

But the land {H776}, whither ye go {H5674} to possess {H3423} it, is a land {H776} of hills {H2022} and valleys {H1237}, and drinketh {H8354} water {H4325} of the rain {H4306} of heaven {H8064}:

But the land you are crossing over to take possession of is a land of hills and valleys, which soaks up water when rain falls from the sky.

But the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks in the rain from heaven.

but the land, whither ye go over to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven,

Commentary

Commentary on Deuteronomy 11:11

Deuteronomy 11:11 describes the Promised Land, Canaan, contrasting it with the land of Egypt and highlighting its unique geographical and hydrological characteristics. Moses, speaking to the Israelites on the verge of entering Canaan, emphasizes that their prosperity in this new land will depend directly on God's provision, rather than on human ingenuity or the predictable flooding of a river.

Context

This verse is part of Moses' second major discourse in the book of Deuteronomy, where he reiterates God's law and covenant stipulations to the new generation of Israelites. Immediately preceding this verse, Deuteronomy 11:10 describes Egypt as a land watered by manual irrigation, "where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs." Verse 11 then presents a stark contrast: the land they are about to enter is different. It is a "land of hills and valleys," naturally irregular, and its water supply comes directly from "the rain of heaven." This sets the stage for Moses to explain the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience, directly linking their prosperity to God's faithfulness in sending rain.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Dependence: Unlike the Nile-dependent agriculture of Egypt, the Promised Land relies on rainfall. This means the Israelites' sustenance would be a direct act of God's provision, fostering a constant dependence on Him. Their very survival and prosperity would be tied to their obedience and His faithfulness in sending the seasonal rains.
  • Geographical Reality: The phrase "a land of hills and valleys" accurately describes the diverse topography of Canaan. This varied landscape was not conducive to the extensive irrigation systems used in flat river deltas like the Nile. Instead, it was naturally watered by precipitation, showcasing God's design for the land and its people.
  • Covenantal Relationship: The reliance on "the rain of heaven" underscores the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. God promises to send rain as a blessing for obedience, as further elaborated in Deuteronomy 11:13-15. This system ensured that their prosperity was directly linked to their spiritual faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "rain of heaven" (Hebrew: matar ha-shamayim) emphasizes the divine origin of the water. It highlights that the rain is not merely a natural phenomenon but a direct gift from God's hand, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty and provision over the land and its inhabitants.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 11:11 serves as a profound reminder that God's provision for His people is often unique and tailored to their specific needs, even if it requires a deeper trust than conventional methods. For believers today, this verse encourages us to:

  • Trust in God's Direct Provision: Just as Israel depended on God for rain, we are called to trust God for our needs, recognizing that our sustenance comes from His hand, not solely from our efforts or predictable systems.
  • Cultivate Dependence on God: This verse challenges us to move beyond self-reliance and embrace a posture of humble dependence on God, knowing that He is the ultimate source of all blessings.
  • Recognize God's Sovereignty: It reminds us that God works in diverse ways, often outside our comfort zones, to provide for us and draw us closer to Him. His provision is not always through predictable, human-controlled means, but often through His direct, sovereign hand, as seen in Psalm 104:13.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 6:7 (17 votes)

    For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

  • Deuteronomy 8:7 (15 votes)

    For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;

  • Deuteronomy 8:9 (15 votes)

    A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any [thing] in it; a land whose stones [are] iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.

  • Psalms 65:12 (14 votes)

    They drop [upon] the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.

  • Psalms 65:13 (14 votes)

    The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.

  • Genesis 27:28 (12 votes)

    Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:

  • Psalms 104:10 (6 votes)

    ¶ He sendeth the springs into the valleys, [which] run among the hills.