Deuteronomy 15:6

KJV

For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} blesseth {H1288} thee, as he promised {H1696} thee: and thou shalt lend {H5670} unto many {H7227} nations {H1471}, but thou shalt not borrow {H5670}; and thou shalt reign {H4910} over many {H7227} nations {H1471}, but they shall not reign {H4910} over thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, ADONAI your God will bless you, as he promised you - you will lend money to many nations without having to borrow, and you will rule over many nations without their ruling over you.

Berean Standard Bible

When the LORD your God blesses you as He has promised, you will lend to many nations but borrow from none; you will rule over many nations but be ruled by none.

American Standard Version

For Jehovah thy God will bless thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 15:6 encapsulates a magnificent promise of divine blessing for ancient Israel, contingent upon their faithful obedience to the Mosaic Covenant. It portrays a future where the Lord, true to His foundational promises, elevates Israel to a position of unparalleled economic prosperity and political sovereignty, enabling them to be a source of blessing and influence among the nations rather than being subject to them. This verse serves as a powerful motivation, assuring the people that their adherence to God's compassionate and just laws would result in national preeminence and a reversal of traditional power dynamics.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 15:6 is strategically positioned within a broader section of covenant stipulations (Deuteronomy 14:22-16:17) that delineate Israel's responsibilities concerning social and economic justice. Specifically, it immediately follows the detailed instructions regarding the "Year of Release" (Deuteronomy 15:1-5), a sabbath for the land and a mandated cancellation of debts among Israelites every seven years. The preceding verses emphasize God's profound desire that "there should be no poor among you" (Deuteronomy 15:4). Verse 6 then functions as a direct, powerful incentive and a promised outcome for Israel's faithful adherence to these commands, particularly those demonstrating radical generosity and compassion towards their impoverished brethren. It underscores the reciprocal relationship between Israel's covenant fidelity—especially in matters of social justice—and the outpouring of divine blessing, promising national abundance and dominance as a direct consequence of their obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the measure of a nation's power and prestige was inextricably linked to its economic vitality and political autonomy. The prevailing geopolitical landscape was characterized by a hierarchical system where dominant empires exacted tribute and subjugated weaker states, often trapping them in cycles of debt and dependency. To "lend unto many nations" was the hallmark of an economically superior power, indicating a surplus of resources and a position of financial influence. Conversely, to "borrow" signified vulnerability and subservience. Similarly, "reigning over nations" denoted supreme political authority and independence, while being "reigned over" implied vassalage and subjugation. Against this backdrop, the promise in Deuteronomy 15:6 was truly revolutionary. It envisioned Israel not as a typical vassal state, but as a preeminent power, economically self-sufficient and politically sovereign, a stark contrast to the typical power dynamics of the era. This promise would have profoundly resonated with a people poised to enter a land surrounded by formidable, often hostile, kingdoms.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully reiterates the theme of **Divine Blessing and Promise Fulfillment**, affirming that the LORD will bless Israel "as he promised thee," a direct reference to the foundational covenant promises made to [Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "Genesis 12:2-3 - God's Promise to Abraham to Bless and Make Great"), concerning his descendants' multiplication, prosperity, and status as a blessed nation. Secondly, it highlights **Economic Preeminence**, where Israel would be a creditor nation, not a debtor, signifying remarkable economic strength and influence. Thirdly, the verse speaks to **Political Sovereignty**, promising that Israel would "reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee," assuring national security and authority, free from foreign subjugation. This theme of dominance and blessing is powerfully echoed in [Deuteronomy 28:12-13](/deuteronomy/28-12-13 "Deuteronomy 28:12-13 - Blessings for Obedience"), which links such blessings directly to diligent obedience. Finally, it underscores the **Conditional Nature of Covenant Blessings**, implying that while the blessings flow from God's faithful character, their realization is contingent upon the people's obedience to the covenant. Disobedience, as warned elsewhere in Deuteronomy, would lead to the reversal of these roles, where Israel would borrow and be subjugated, as seen in [Deuteronomy 28:44](/deuteronomy/28-44 "Deuteronomy 28:44 - Consequences of Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blesseth (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to kneel," this verb signifies the act of bestowing divine favor, prosperity, and abundance. In this context, it implies God's active intervention to grant material wealth, national strength, and overall well-being to Israel. It's not merely a passive state of being fortunate but an active, intentional impartation of good from God, often in response to obedience.
* **Lend (Hebrew, _ʻâbaṭ'_):** This primitive root means "to pawn" or, causatively, "to lend (on security)." Its usage here, contrasted with "borrow," emphasizes Israel's position of economic strength and self-sufficiency. To be able to lend to many nations signifies a surplus of resources and a position of financial power and influence, rather than dependence or entanglement in debt.
* **Reign (Hebrew, _mâshal'_):** This primitive root signifies "to rule," "to have dominion," or "to exercise authority." In the context of nations, it implies political supremacy, sovereignty, and the ability to dictate terms rather than be dictated to. It speaks to Israel's destined role as a leading power, free from foreign oppression and capable of exercising authority over others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee:"** This opening clause establishes the divine source, unwavering faithfulness, and covenantal basis of the promises that follow. It emphasizes that the blessings are not accidental or self-generated but flow directly from the character and commitment of Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), Israel's covenant God (H430, ʼĕlôhîym), who is actively involved in the life of His people. The phrase "as he promised thee" explicitly links this immediate blessing to the foundational Abrahamic covenant promises of blessing and multiplication, underscoring God's reliability and consistency.
* **"and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow;"** This phrase articulates the economic dimension of God's promised blessing and preeminence. It paints a vivid picture of Israel as a nation of such remarkable prosperity and resourcefulness that it would be in a position to provide financial assistance and resources to other nations, rather than being in a state of financial need or indebtedness to them. This signifies economic independence, abundance, and a position of influence and strength in the ancient world's financial landscape.
* **"and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee."** This final clause describes the political dimension of the promised preeminence and sovereignty. It assures Israel of national autonomy and dominance. They would be the ones exercising authority and leadership over surrounding nations, rather than being subjugated, paying tribute, or being dictated to by foreign powers. This speaks to a future of security, self-determination, and strategic importance on the world stage, a direct reversal of the typical power dynamics of the ancient Near East.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 15:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine blessing and national preeminence. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, seen in the pairing of "and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow" with "and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee." This structure reinforces the central idea of Israel's elevated status by presenting it through two complementary lenses: economic and political dominance. The use of **Antithesis** within each parallel clause ("lend" vs. "borrow," "reign" vs. "not reign over thee") vividly highlights the complete reversal of typical power dynamics, emphasizing Israel's elevated and independent status. Furthermore, the phrase "many nations" can be understood as a form of **Hyperbole**, signifying a vast and comprehensive sphere of influence rather than a literal numerical count, underscoring the immense extent of the promised blessing. The entire verse functions as a **Conditional Promise**, implicitly linking these extraordinary blessings to Israel's obedience to the covenant, a pervasive and foundational theme throughout the book of Deuteronomy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 15:6 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His desire to bless His people abundantly when they walk in obedience. It connects deeply with the foundational promises made to Abraham, where God pledged to make him a great nation and a source of blessing to all the families of the earth. This verse reiterates that Israel's national prosperity and preeminence were not ends in themselves, but a means by which God's glory would be displayed to the nations, demonstrating the benefits of living under divine rule. It highlights the principle that true prosperity, both material and spiritual, flows from a right relationship with God and a commitment to His justice and compassion, particularly towards the vulnerable. The economic and political dominance promised here is a tangible manifestation of God's favor, intended to establish Israel as a model nation, a light to the Gentiles, showcasing the wisdom and power of their God.

* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "Genesis 12:2-3 - God's Promise to Abraham to Bless and Make Great")
* [Deuteronomy 28:12-13](/deuteronomy/28-12-13 "Israel as Head, Not Tail")
* [Proverbs 22:7](/proverbs/22-7 "Proverbs 22:7 - The Borrower is Servant to the Lender")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 15:6, while a specific promise to ancient Israel within their unique covenant context, offers enduring principles for believers today, inviting us to consider how God's character and principles of blessing remain relevant. It reminds us that God delights in blessing His people when they walk in faithfulness and obedience, not necessarily with national preeminence in a geopolitical sense, but with spiritual and often material provision that enables them to be a blessing to others. The call to "lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow" can be understood metaphorically as a call to be a source of spiritual and practical generosity, to be givers rather than perpetual receivers, to be those who enrich the lives of others through their resources, gifts, and witness, reflecting God's own generosity. Similarly, "reigning over many nations" can be interpreted as a call to spiritual influence and leadership in a world often enslaved by sin and false ideologies. Christians are called to be salt and light, transforming culture and society through godly character and actions, rather than being conformed to the world's patterns. This verse ultimately underscores that divine favor and blessing are often tied to our obedience to God's commands and principles, including those pertaining to justice, compassion, and wise stewardship of all that He entrusts to us, positioning us to be channels of His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of "lending to many nations" challenge my current understanding of personal finances and generosity within my sphere of influence?**
* **In what ways can I, as a believer, "reign over" or positively influence the "nations" (my spheres of influence—family, work, community, church) for God's glory, demonstrating spiritual authority in Christ?**
* **What specific areas of my life might need greater obedience to God's commands and principles in order to experience more of His promised blessings and be a greater blessing to others?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that seeks to be a source of blessing and provision to others, reflecting God's character, rather than always being in a posture of need or consumption?**

### FAQ

**Did Israel ever fully experience the promises of Deuteronomy 15:6?**

Answer: While Israel experienced periods of significant prosperity and political influence under kings like David and Solomon (e.g., [1 Kings 4:21](/1_kings/4-21 "1 Kings 4:21 - Solomon's Dominion Over All Kingdoms")), their history was also marked by cycles of disobedience, idolatry, and subsequent foreign domination. This included periods of borrowing and being reigned over, as explicitly warned in [Deuteronomy 28:43-44](/deuteronomy/28-43-44 "Deuteronomy 28:43-44 - The Alien Shall Rise Above You"). The full, unconditional realization of this promise was tied to their consistent corporate covenant obedience, which they often failed to maintain. Therefore, while glimpses of this promise were seen, its complete fulfillment in a geopolitical sense remained elusive due to their corporate unfaithfulness. The ultimate and perfect fulfillment of God's promises to His people is found in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 15:6, with its promises of economic preeminence and political sovereignty for Israel, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His New Covenant people. While the Old Testament promise was largely geopolitical and conditional upon national obedience, its essence—God's desire to bless His people and make them a source of blessing and influence to the nations—is profoundly realized in Christ. Jesus, the true Israel, perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and obedience, thereby inheriting all the promises of God. Through His atoning work on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Christ conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness, establishing His eternal reign and demonstrating ultimate dominion over all "nations" and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Believers, united with Christ by faith, become part of a "royal priesthood, a holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), called not to geopolitical dominance, but to spiritual influence and abundant life. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to "lend" spiritual riches—the Gospel of grace, truth, and hope—to a world impoverished by sin, becoming channels of God's blessing to "many nations" through the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Our "reigning" is spiritual, exercising authority in Christ over sin and darkness, and living as ambassadors of His Kingdom, shining as lights in the world ([Philippians 2:15](/philippians/2-15 "Philippians 2:15 - Shining as Lights in the World")). Thus, the promise of Deuteronomy 15:6 is transformed and elevated in Christ, moving from a national, earthly preeminence to a global, spiritual reign rooted in the abundance of God's grace and the victorious spread of His glorious Gospel.

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 28:12

The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

Deuteronomy 28:13

And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do [them]:

Luke 6:35

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.

1 Kings 4:21

And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.

Proverbs 22:7

¶ The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower [is] servant to the lender.

Ezra 4:20

There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all [countries] beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.

Psalms 37:21

¶ The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.