Deuteronomy 23:6

KJV

Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not seek {H1875} their peace {H7965} nor their prosperity {H2896} all thy days {H3117} for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So you are never to seek their peace or well being, as long as you live.

Berean Standard Bible

You are not to seek peace or prosperity from them as long as you live.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 23:6 delivers an uncompromising and perpetual divine injunction to ancient Israel concerning the Ammonites and Moabites: "Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever." This definitive prohibition, concluding a specific legal decree against these nations entering the Lord's assembly, underscores a unique and enduring divine judgment rooted in their historical malice and active opposition to God's chosen people during their vulnerable wilderness journey. It signifies God's lasting remembrance of their profound lack of hospitality and their attempt to supernaturally curse Israel, thereby establishing a permanent policy of non-cooperation and disfavor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 23:6 forms the climactic and most severe part of a legal section (Deuteronomy 23:1-8) that meticulously outlines who may and may not enter "the assembly of the Lord." This "assembly" signifies full participation in Israel's covenant community, encompassing spiritual worship, legal proceedings, and communal life. Verses [Deuteronomy 23:3-5](/deuteronomy/23-3-5 "Deuteronomy 23:3-5 - Exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites") explicitly state the exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites, providing the historical rationale that this verse then reinforces with an absolute, perpetual command. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 23:1-2) deal with exclusions based on physical defects or illegitimate birth, while the subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 23:7-8) offer a contrasting, more lenient approach to Edomites and Egyptians, allowing their third-generation descendants to enter the assembly. This stark juxtaposition highlights the singular gravity of the offenses committed by Ammon and Moab, emphasizing the unique and unyielding nature of the judgment against them, which extends beyond typical generational limitations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The severe injunction of Deuteronomy 23:6 is rooted in two egregious acts of hostility by the Ammonites and Moabites during Israel's exodus and wilderness wanderings, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 23:4-5](/deuteronomy/23-4-5 "Deuteronomy 23:4-5 - Reasons for Exclusion"). First, they failed to meet the vulnerable Israelites with essential provisions like bread and water. In the ancient Near East, offering hospitality to travelers, especially those in distress, was a sacred and deeply ingrained cultural obligation. Their refusal was not merely an oversight but a deliberate and hostile act against a people in dire need. Second, and more profoundly malicious, they hired Balaam, a Mesopotamian diviner, to curse Israel, as vividly recounted in [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balak and Balaam's Prophecies"). This act represented a direct spiritual assault, an attempt to supernaturally undermine God's redemptive plan for His chosen nation. The command in Deuteronomy 23:6 is thus a divine, enduring response to these specific, unprovoked, and deeply malevolent actions, ensuring that Israel would maintain a clear and permanent separation from nations that had demonstrated such profound animosity towards God's covenant purposes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It profoundly illustrates **Divine Justice**, demonstrating God's meticulous remembrance of and righteous response to the actions of nations, particularly those that actively oppose His covenant people and His redemptive purposes. The "for ever" clause underscores the lasting consequences of such opposition, reflecting a divine memory that transcends generations. It also reinforces the theme of **Separation and Purity**, which is vital for Israel as a holy nation set apart from the surrounding pagan peoples. This command prevents any compromise or assimilation with those who actively sought Israel's harm, thereby safeguarding their unique spiritual identity and distinctiveness as God's chosen instrument. Furthermore, it highlights the principle of **No Compromise with Persistent Hostility**. While Israel was generally commanded to treat sojourners and strangers kindly ([Leviticus 19:34](/leviticus/19-34 "Leviticus 19:34 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")), this specific injunction meant no diplomatic, economic, or social alliances that would further the well-being of these particular hostile nations. It was a clear prohibition against enabling or supporting entities that fundamentally opposed God's kingdom agenda, a principle later exemplified by Nehemiah in his efforts to purify the community ([Nehemiah 13:1-3](/nehemiah/13-1-3 "Nehemiah 13:1-3 - Nehemiah's Reforms")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **seek (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** This primitive root means to tread or frequent, but more commonly, to follow for pursuit or search. By implication, it means to seek, ask, inquire, or even worship. In this context, it denotes an active effort or desire to pursue or promote the peace and prosperity of these nations. The command is not merely passive indifference but an active prohibition against any initiative that would contribute to their well-being.
* **peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** More than simply the absence of conflict, _shalom_ is a comprehensive term encompassing wholeness, completeness, well-being, health, prosperity, and harmonious relationships. Not seeking their _shalom_ meant Israel was not to work for their overall welfare, diplomatic accord, or any state of flourishing that would imply a positive, cooperative relationship.
* **prosperity (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** Derived from the word for "good," _ṭôwb_ in this context refers to general welfare, success, and flourishing in all aspects of life—economic, social, and political. Not seeking their _ṭôwb_ meant Israel was not to contribute to their success, betterment, or general advantage in any sphere, reflecting a divine judgment that withheld favor from these nations.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This term signifies a perpetual, enduring, or lasting duration, often referring to time out of mind, eternity, or an indefinite future. Its inclusion emphasizes the permanent nature of this divine decree, signifying that the historical offenses of Ammon and Moab were so grievous and their malice so profound that the prohibition was to extend across generations, without expiration, marking a lasting divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not seek their peace":** This clause issues a direct, negative command, prohibiting Israel from actively pursuing or desiring the holistic well-being, harmonious relationships, or diplomatic accord of the Ammonites and Moabites. It implies a state of perpetual non-cooperation and disfavor, reflecting the divine judgment against their past actions.
* **"nor their prosperity":** Complementing the first clause, this prohibits Israel from contributing to, desiring, or enabling the general success, flourishing, or "goodness" (_ṭôwb_) of these nations. This extends beyond diplomatic peace to encompass economic, social, and political advantage, ensuring no action would benefit those who had shown such profound malice.
* **"all thy days for ever":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the absolute, uncompromising, and perpetual nature of the command. It signifies that this is not a temporary measure or a generational limitation, but a lasting decree, binding upon Israel throughout all their generations. This highlights the extreme severity of the offenses committed by Ammon and Moab, which warranted such an enduring and unyielding divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 23:6 employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful and enduring message. The phrase "all thy days for ever" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute and unending nature of the prohibition, rather than suggesting an infinite, literal duration. This serves to underscore the profound and lasting impact of the Ammonites' and Moabites' offenses in the eyes of God. The verse itself is a concise **Legal Formula**, characteristic of Deuteronomic law, presenting a direct and unambiguous divine command. This formal structure lends undeniable authority and permanence to the injunction. Furthermore, the command creates a stark **Contrast** with the general biblical principles of hospitality and kindness towards strangers and even enemies, highlighting the unique and exceptional nature of the judgment against these specific nations due to their particular historical acts of profound malice against God's covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 23:6 profoundly reveals God's meticulous justice and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It demonstrates that God takes seriously the actions of nations, especially when those actions directly oppose His redemptive plan and inflict harm upon His chosen instruments. While God is merciful and gracious, He is also perfectly righteous, and there are severe, lasting consequences for persistent, malicious opposition to His purposes. This verse underscores the critical importance of holiness and separation for Israel, reminding them that their unique identity as God's people necessitated distinct boundaries, particularly from those who actively sought their destruction. It teaches that not all relationships are to be pursued with the aim of "peace" and "prosperity" when those entities are fundamentally hostile to God's kingdom and His people. This is a divine declaration of non-conciliation with profound spiritual evil.

* [Numbers 22:5-6](/numbers/22-5-6 "Balak Hires Balaam to Curse Israel")
* [Nehemiah 13:1-3](/nehemiah/13-1-3 "Nehemiah Expels Foreigners from the Assembly")
* [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "The Blessed Man Avoids the Ungodly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the modern believer, Deuteronomy 23:6 is not a blanket command to harbor perpetual hatred or to deny humanitarian aid to any group. The New Testament, particularly the teachings of Jesus, calls believers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")). Instead, this verse offers profound insights into spiritual discernment, the nature of divine justice, and the necessity of protecting the integrity of God's community. It highlights the imperative to identify and refuse to compromise with systems, ideologies, or spiritual forces that are fundamentally hostile to God's truth, His people, and the advancement of His kingdom. While we are unequivocally called to love individuals, we are not to enable, support, or seek the "peace" or "prosperity" of that which actively opposes righteousness and seeks to corrupt or destroy the church. This command serves as a powerful reminder that actions against God's purposes have serious and lasting consequences in divine judgment, and that believers must maintain a clear distinction between the values of the kingdom of God and those of the world that stands in opposition to it, safeguarding the purity and mission of the church from compromising influences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our understanding of divine justice and its long-term implications for nations and for spiritual opposition?**
* **In what ways might believers today be tempted to "seek the peace or prosperity" of ideologies, cultural trends, or spiritual forces that are fundamentally hostile to God's truth and His kingdom?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the importance of spiritual discernment and protecting the purity and distinctiveness of the faith community from compromising influences?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse contradict New Testament commands to love our enemies?**

Answer: No, it does not. The apparent tension arises from different contexts and levels of application. Deuteronomy 23:6 is a specific, national, punitive decree against two nations (Ammon and Moab) for their historical, egregious acts of malice against God's covenant people and His redemptive plan (lack of hospitality during a vulnerable period and hiring Balaam to curse Israel). It's a command regarding national policy and divine judgment, reflecting God's response to corporate evil. New Testament commands, such as [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies") ("love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you") and [Romans 12:17-21](/romans/12-17-21 "Romans 12:17-21 - Overcome Evil with Good"), primarily address individual ethics and personal relationships, urging believers to respond to personal animosity with grace and good. The New Testament does not negate God's ultimate justice against corporate evil or systems that fundamentally oppose Him, but it reorients the believer's personal response to those who wrong them, reflecting Christ's sacrificial love and the call to evangelism.

**Why were the Ammonites and Moabites singled out for such a severe and perpetual prohibition?**

Answer: The severe and perpetual prohibition against the Ammonites and Moabites was due to two specific, grave offenses detailed in [Deuteronomy 23:4-5](/deuteronomy/23-4-5 "Deuteronomy 23:4-5 - Reasons for Exclusion"). First, they demonstrated a profound lack of hospitality by failing to provide Israel with bread and water during their vulnerable wilderness journey from Egypt, a direct violation of ancient Near Eastern cultural norms and a hostile act against a people in dire need. Second, and more critically, they actively sought Israel's destruction by hiring Balaam to curse them, as recorded in [Numbers 22-24](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balak and Balaam"). This act was a direct spiritual assault against God's chosen people and His divine purposes. These actions were not mere political disagreements but direct expressions of deep-seated malice and opposition to God's covenant and His people, warranting a unique and lasting divine judgment that set them apart from other nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 23:6, with its perpetual command against seeking the peace or prosperity of the Ammonites and Moabites, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal perpetuation of national animosity, but in the profound spiritual realities of the New Covenant. The "assembly of the Lord" which these nations were forbidden to enter foreshadows the spiritual community of God's people, the Church, which is ultimately constituted by those who are "in Christ" ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). While the Old Covenant established physical boundaries and specific exclusions to maintain holiness, Christ's atoning work on the cross breaks down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), inviting all, Jew and Gentile, to find true peace and spiritual prosperity in Him. However, this universal invitation does not negate the reality of spiritual opposition. Just as Ammon and Moab stood against God's people, there remain spiritual forces, ideologies, and systems fundamentally opposed to Christ and His kingdom. The "not seeking their peace or prosperity" is fulfilled in the believer's call to discern and distance from such spiritual darkness, refusing to compromise with systems that deny Christ's Lordship or corrupt the gospel ([2 Corinthians 6:14-18](/2_corinthians/6-14-18 "2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")). Ultimately, the judgment against those who persistently reject God's peace offered in Christ is far more severe than any earthly prohibition, culminating in eternal separation from His presence, where there is no true peace or prosperity for those who remain in opposition to the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") ([Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - The Sheep and the Goats")).

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

Ezra 9:12

Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave [it] for an inheritance to your children for ever.

2 Samuel 12:31

And he brought forth the people that [were] therein, and put [them] under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 13:23

¶ In those days also saw I Jews [that] had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, [and] of Moab:

Nehemiah 13:25

And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, [saying], Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.

2 Samuel 8:2

And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And [so] the Moabites became David's servants, [and] brought gifts.