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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 6:17–25. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here, I. Moses charges them to keep God's commandments themselves: You shall diligently keep God's commandments, Deu 6:17-19. Note, It requires a great deal of care and pains to keep up religion in the power of it in our hearts and lives. Negligence will ruin us; but we cannot be saved without diligence. To induce them to this, he here shows them, 1. That this would be very acceptable to God: it is right and good in the sight of the Lord; and that is right and good indeed that is, so in God's sight. If we have any regard to the favour of our Creator as our felicity, and the law of our creation as our rule, we shall be religious. 2. That it would be very advantageous and profitable to themselves. It would secure to them the possession of the land of Canaan, prosperity there, and constant victory over those that stood in their way. In short, "Do well, and it shall be well with thee."
II.He charges them to instruct their children in the commands of God, not only that they might in their tender years intelligently and affectionately join in religious services, but that afterwards they might in their day keep up religion, and convey it to those that should come after them. Now,
1.Here is a proper question which it is supposed the children would ask (Deu 6:20): "What mean the testimonies and the statutes? What is the meaning of the feasts we observe, the sacrifices we offer, and the many peculiar customs we keep up?" Observe,
(1.)All divine institutions have a certain meaning, and there is something great designed in them.
(2.)It concerns us to know and understand the meaning of them, that we may perform a reasonable service and may not offer the blind for sacrifice.
(3.)It is good for children betimes to enquire into the true intent and meaning of the religious observances they are trained up in. If any are thus inquisitive in divine things it is a good sign that they are concerned about them, and a good means of their attaining to a great acquaintance with them. Then shall we know if thus we follow on to know.
2.Here is a full answer put into the parents' mouths to be given to this good question. Parents and teachers must give instruction to those under their charge, though they do not ask it, nay, though they have an aversion to it; much more must they be ready to answer questions, and to give instruction when it is desired; for it may be hoped that those who ask it will be willing to receive it. Did the children ask the meaning of God's laws? Let them be told that they were to be observed,
(1.)In a grateful remembrance of God's former favours to them, especially their deliverance out of Egypt, Deu 6:21-23. The children must be often told of the deplorable state their ancestors were in when they were bondmen in Egypt, the great salvation God wrought for them in fetching them out thence, and that God, in giving them these peculiar statutes, meant to perpetuate the memorial of that work of wonder, by which they were formed into a peculiar people.
(2.)As the prescribed condition of his further favours (Deu 6:24): The Lord commanded us all these statutes for our good. Note, God commands us nothing but what is really for our good. It is our interest as well as our duty to be religious.
[1.]It will be our life: That he might preserve us alive, which is a great favour, and more than we could expect, considering how often we have forfeited life itself. Godliness has the promise of the continuance and comfort of the life that now is as far as it is for God's glory.
[2.]It will be our righteousness. Could we perfectly fulfil but that one command of loving God with all our heart, soul, and might, and could we say, "We have never done otherwise," this would be so our righteousness as to entitle us to the benefits of the covenant of innocency; had we continued in every thing that is written in the book of the law to do it, the law would have justified us. But this we cannot pretend to, therefore our sincere obedience shall be accepted through a Mediator to denominate us, as Noah was, righteous before God, Gen 7:1; Luk 1:6; and Jo1 3:7. The Chaldee reads it, There shall be a reward to us if we observe to do these commandments; for, without doubt, in keeping God's commandments there is great reward.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
As the law teaches, “You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart and your whole soul.” But the person who puts his entire hope in the Lord also praises with his whole heart. He does not put his trust in the transient consolations of the world, once he has trained himself on the Lord with total purity of mind.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 6:19 offers a powerful divine assurance to the Israelites, standing on the threshold of the Promised Land, that the LORD Himself would actively and decisively fulfill His ancient covenant promises by expelling all their formidable enemies. This verse profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness, His sovereign power, and His direct intervention in securing the inheritance for His chosen people, guaranteeing that the land would be cleared for their possession precisely as He had declared generations prior.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 6:19 serves as a concluding promise within a critical section (6:10-19) of Moses's second major address to Israel on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into Canaan. This chapter is framed by the foundational declaration of the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, which calls Israel to absolute devotion to the LORD. Verses 10-15 provide a solemn warning against the perils of prosperity, cautioning them not to forget God once they settle in the land of abundance, lest they fall into idolatry. Verse 16 specifically warns against testing the LORD, recalling the incident at Massah. In this flow, verse 19 functions as a divine guarantee, reinforcing the call to obedience and remembrance by assuring Israel that God's future faithfulness in clearing the land is as certain as His past deliverance from Egypt (Deuteronomy 6:12). The promise of God casting out enemies is thus presented as an assured outcome, providing the necessary security and confidence for Israel to live out the covenant commands in the land.
Historical & Cultural Context
At the time of this address, the Israelites were encamped on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, poised to cross into the land of Canaan. This land was not empty but inhabited by various powerful nations, including the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, as explicitly mentioned in Deuteronomy 7:1. These indigenous peoples possessed fortified cities and, in some cases, superior military technology, presenting a formidable challenge to Israel's entry and settlement. In the broader ancient Near East, land possession was typically achieved through military conquest, and it was commonly believed that a nation's deity fought on its behalf. However, Deuteronomy radically reframes this understanding, consistently emphasizing that Israel's success would not be due to their own strength, numbers, or military prowess (Deuteronomy 7:7), but solely due to the LORD's direct, sovereign intervention and His unwavering covenant faithfulness. This context highlights the unique nature of Yahweh as the ultimate Divine Warrior, whose power transcends all other gods and nations.
Key Themes
Deuteronomy 6:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Promise and Faithfulness. The phrase "as the LORD hath spoken" directly links this immediate promise of conquest to the ancient, unwavering covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, regarding the land inheritance (Genesis 15:18). It underscores the absolute reliability and certainty of God's word across generations and His commitment to His covenant people. Secondly, the theme of Conquest and Inheritance is central, as the verse speaks directly to the physical possession of the land of Canaan, which was the promised inheritance for Israel. The "enemies" are the indigenous inhabitants who must be removed for Israel to fully settle and enjoy the land God had prepared for them. Finally, the verse highlights God's Sovereignty in Action. The decisive action "to cast out" is explicitly attributed to the LORD, emphasizing that the ultimate victory and security were not dependent on Israel's military might or strategic prowess, but on God's omnipotent power working on their behalf. This reinforces the idea that Israel's primary role was one of obedience and trust, rather than self-reliance, as seen throughout Deuteronomy.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies to push away or down, to drive out, expel, or thrust away. In Deuteronomy 6:19, it emphasizes the decisive, forceful, and complete removal of the Canaanite inhabitants from the land. It highlights God's active and powerful agency in clearing the way for Israel, underscoring that the divine initiative is paramount in this process, rather than merely assisting Israel in their own efforts.
This active participle, derived from a root meaning "to hate," refers to adversaries or hostile forces. Here, it specifically designates the various Canaanite nations inhabiting the land, who were seen as direct obstacles to Israel's divine inheritance and a threat to their covenant purity and faithfulness. The use of "all thine enemies" suggests a comprehensive and total victory ordained by God, ensuring no hostile presence would remain.
This primitive root primarily means to speak, declare, or promise. Its perfect tense ("hath spoken") indicates a completed action with ongoing validity, pointing to God's prior, definitive declarations and covenant commitments. This phrase anchors the present promise in the unchangeable word of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and the absolute certainty of His covenant commitments, particularly those related to the land and Israel's secure possession of it.
Verse Breakdown
"To cast out all thine enemies from before thee"
This clause presents the primary divine action and its direct beneficiaries. "To cast out" signifies a powerful, decisive act of expulsion, indicating God's direct intervention rather than merely Israel's military effort. "All thine enemies" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this divine intervention, assuring Israel that no hostile presence would remain to threaten their secure possession of the land. "From before thee" suggests God clearing the path directly in front of Israel as they advance, making their entry and settlement unhindered by these formidable foes. This highlights God's active role as the vanguard for His people, paving the way for their inheritance.
"as the LORD hath spoken"
This phrase serves as the divine guarantee and the unbreakable foundation for the preceding promise. It points back to God's numerous prior covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan (Genesis 15:18), and subsequently reaffirmed to Isaac, Jacob, and Moses. This clause underscores the absolute reliability, immutability, and certainty of God's word, assuring Israel that the fulfillment of this promise is not contingent on their strength or merit but solely on God's own integrity and faithfulness to His established declarations.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:19 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful and reassuring message. Divine Agency is paramount, as the verse explicitly attributes the action of "casting out" to "the LORD," emphasizing His sovereign power, initiative, and active involvement over Israel's own efforts. This highlights that the ultimate victory and secure possession of the land are a divine gift, not a human achievement. The phrase "as the LORD hath spoken" functions as a clear instance of Covenant Language, directly referencing God's prior, established promises to His people regarding the land. This serves as a powerful Assurance or Guarantee, grounding the future certainty of the conquest in the unchangeable character and infallible word of God. Furthermore, the use of "all thine enemies" employs Hyperbole to convey the completeness and decisiveness of God's intended victory, assuring Israel that no foe would ultimately stand in their way, thereby instilling courage and trust.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 6:19 is deeply rooted in the theological framework of the Old Testament, particularly the concept of God's covenant faithfulness and His role as the divine warrior. It reinforces the truth that God is not merely a distant observer but an active, immanent participant in the history of His people, fulfilling His promises with power and precision. The promise of casting out enemies is a direct outworking of the Abrahamic covenant, where God pledged the land to Abraham's descendants. This act of divine dispossession also establishes the principle of God's sovereignty over all nations and His justice in judging the wickedness of the Canaanite inhabitants. The security and peace that would follow the expulsion of enemies were intended to enable Israel to live faithfully within the covenant, serving the LORD alone in the land He provided, free from the corrupting influences of the surrounding nations.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 6:19 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us of God's unwavering faithfulness and His active power in our lives. Just as God was committed to clearing the way for Israel to inherit their promised land, He remains faithful to His promises to us, whether they pertain to spiritual victory, provision, guidance, or the ultimate inheritance of eternal life. This verse calls us to trust in God's sovereign ability to overcome obstacles that often seem insurmountable from a human perspective. While our "enemies" may not be physical armies, we face spiritual adversaries (Ephesians 6:12), persistent sins, overwhelming fears, societal pressures, and personal struggles that seek to hinder our walk with God and our pursuit of His purposes. This passage assures us that God is the one who ultimately grants victory and clears the path for us to walk in His divine will. Remembering God's past faithfulness in our own lives, and in the grand narrative of redemption, strengthens our faith for current and future challenges, empowering us to obey and rely on Him fully, rather than on our own limited strength or wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is this promise only for ancient Israel, or does it apply to believers today?
While the immediate historical and literary context of Deuteronomy 6:19 is specific to ancient Israel's physical conquest and inheritance of the land of Canaan, the underlying theological principles are timeless and profoundly relevant for believers today. The verse primarily reveals God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, His sovereign power to overcome all obstacles, and His active intervention on behalf of His people. For Christians, this translates into confidence in God's ability to overcome spiritual enemies (such as sin, temptation, and the forces of darkness, as described in Ephesians 6:12), to clear paths for His purposes in our lives, and to fulfill His greater redemptive promises through Christ. We are part of a new covenant through Jesus, and God's character as the one who "casts out" obstacles for His people remains constant, though the nature of the "enemies" and the "inheritance" has been transformed spiritually.
What does "as the LORD hath spoken" refer to?
The phrase "as the LORD hath spoken" refers to the numerous definitive promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and later reaffirmed to Moses, regarding the inheritance of the land of Canaan and the expulsion of its inhabitants. Key examples include God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15:18-21, where He promised the land from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates, and later promises of driving out the nations found in Exodus 23:27-30 and Deuteronomy 7:1-2. This phrase underscores God's unwavering commitment to His divine word, established generations before, highlighting the absolute certainty and reliability of His declarations and covenant commitments. It assures Israel that the future conquest is not a mere possibility but a guaranteed fulfillment of God's established plan.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 6:19, with its powerful promise of God casting out enemies to secure an inheritance, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The physical conquest of Canaan by Israel, led by Joshua, serves as a profound type or foreshadowing of the greater spiritual conquest achieved by Jesus, the true Joshua, who leads His people into a far more glorious and eternal inheritance. Christ's mission was precisely "to cast out" the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus decisively disarmed and triumphed over the spiritual powers that held humanity captive, making a public spectacle of them (Colossians 2:15). He came into the world specifically to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) and to deliver us from the dominion of darkness and transfer us into His beloved kingdom (Colossians 1:13). The promised rest in Canaan, secured by God's expulsion of enemies, points to the eternal rest and secure inheritance believers find in Christ, who has secured our place in the heavenly kingdom (Hebrews 4:8-10). Thus, the ancient promise "as the LORD hath spoken" is most profoundly fulfilled in the Person and redemptive work of Christ, through whom all God's promises find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20), guaranteeing our spiritual victory and eternal inheritance.