Deuteronomy 26:9

And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, [even] a land that floweth with milk and honey.

And he hath brought {H935} us into this place {H4725}, and hath given {H5414} us this land {H776}, even a land {H776} that floweth {H2100} with milk {H2461} and honey {H1706}.

Now he has brought us to this place and given us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.

And He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.

and he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 26:9 is a pivotal verse within the context of Israel's ritual confession upon bringing the firstfruits of the harvest to the Lord. It encapsulates the nation's profound gratitude and remembrance of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises.

Context of Deuteronomy 26:9

This verse is part of the declaration a worshiper was to make when presenting their first harvest fruits at the tabernacle. The entire chapter 26 outlines this ceremony, emphasizing that the offering was not merely a ritual but an act of worship and remembrance. The confession recounts Israel's humble beginnings as a "perishing Syrian" (Deuteronomy 26:5), their affliction in Egypt, God's deliverance, and finally, their entrance into the promised land. Deuteronomy 26:9 specifically highlights the culmination of God's redemptive work: bringing them into the land He promised.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Faithfulness and Provision: The phrases "he hath brought us" and "hath given us" powerfully underscore God's active role as the provider and fulfiller of promises. It is a testament to His unwavering commitment to His people, a theme central to the entire book of Deuteronomy.
  • The Promised Land: The land of Canaan was not conquered by Israel's might but was a divine inheritance, a gift from God. This verse emphasizes the gracious nature of this possession, reminding them that their prosperity was a direct result of God's benevolent hand.
  • A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey: This iconic phrase signifies extraordinary abundance, fertility, and prosperity. It paints a vivid picture of a land capable of sustaining life richly, far beyond mere subsistence. It represents the fulfillment of God's promise to transform a nomadic, wilderness-wandering people into a settled, flourishing nation. This promise was first given to Moses in Exodus 3:8 as a sign of deliverance.
  • Gratitude and Remembrance: The act of reciting this confession instilled a deep sense of gratitude and ensured that future generations would remember God's mighty acts of deliverance and provision. It's a call to acknowledge the source of all blessings.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a land that floweth with milk and honey" is a direct translation of the Hebrew eretz zavat chalav u'devash (ืึถืจึถืฅ ื–ึธื‘ึทืช ื—ึธืœึธื‘ ื•ึผื“ึฐื‘ึธืฉื). This idiom, used frequently throughout the Pentateuch, describes not just agricultural richness but an overall state of blessing and divine favor. "Milk" would refer to dairy products from cattle and goats, symbolizing pastoral wealth, while "honey" likely refers to date syrup or wild honey, representing the richness of the land's flora and fruitfulness. It's a comprehensive picture of a land of plenty.

Practical Application and Reflection

Deuteronomy 26:9 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today to cultivate a spirit of gratitude. Just as ancient Israel was called to remember God's faithfulness in bringing them into their promised land, we are encouraged to reflect on God's past and present provisions in our own lives. Whether it's deliverance from hardship, daily sustenance, or the spiritual blessings found in Christ, acknowledging God as the source of our "land flowing with milk and honey" fosters humility and strengthens faith. It prompts us to remember that all good gifts come from above (James 1:17) and to respond with worship and obedience.

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

Cross-References

  • Exodus 3:8

    And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

  • Ezekiel 20:15

    Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given [them], flowing with milk and honey, which [is] the glory of all lands;

  • Ezekiel 20:6

    In the day [that] I lifted up mine hand unto them, to bring them forth of the land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey, which [is] the glory of all lands:

  • Psalms 105:44

    And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people;

  • 1 Samuel 7:12

    Then Samuel took a stone, and set [it] between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.

  • Joshua 23:14

    And, behold, this day I [am] going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, [and] not one thing hath failed thereof.

  • Acts 26:22

    Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
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