Deuteronomy 6:23

KJV

And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he brought us out {H3318} from thence, that he might bring us in {H935}, to give {H5414} us the land {H776} which he sware {H7650} unto our fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He brought us out from there in order to bring us to the land he had sworn to our ancestors that he would give us.

Berean Standard Bible

But He brought us out from there to lead us in and give us the land that He had sworn to our fathers.

American Standard Version

and he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 6:23 powerfully distills the core of God's redemptive history with Israel, encapsulating His sovereign act of deliverance from bondage and His faithful fulfillment of covenant promises by bringing His people into their promised inheritance. This verse serves as a foundational reminder for the Israelites, and for all believers, that God's actions are purposeful, rooted in His unchanging character, and aimed at establishing His people in the blessings He has sworn to bestow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Moses' second major address to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they stood poised to enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy, meaning "second law," is largely a restatement and exposition of the Mosaic Law to a new generation—those who had not experienced the Exodus firsthand but were about to inherit the covenant promises. Deuteronomy 6:23 immediately follows the foundational command to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might" ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment")), which is part of the "Shema" (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Moses emphasizes that their obedience and devotion are not arbitrary but are a grateful response to God's mighty acts of salvation. The verse provides the historical and theological basis for the preceding commands, urging parents to teach their children this divine narrative, ensuring that future generations understand their identity as a people redeemed by God's powerful hand.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience for Moses' speech was the generation born during the forty years of wilderness wandering, now on the cusp of a monumental transition. They were about to move from a nomadic existence to settling in a land promised centuries earlier to their patriarchs. The memory of Egyptian slavery and the miraculous Exodus, though not personally experienced by all, was the defining event of their national identity. The concept of "the land" was not merely geographical but deeply theological, representing God's tangible blessing, a place of rest, provision, and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Their entry into Canaan was a direct act of divine faithfulness, distinguishing them from all other nations. Culturally, the emphasis on remembering and teaching (Deuteronomy 6:7) was crucial for maintaining their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh amidst the idolatrous practices of the surrounding Canaanite peoples.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 6:23 encapsulates several pervasive themes throughout the Pentateuch and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Deliverance** is paramount, referring directly to the miraculous [Exodus from Egyptian bondage](/exodus/13 "Exodus 13 - The Exodus from Egypt"). This highlights God's sovereign power and His active intervention to rescue His people from oppression. Secondly, **Covenant Faithfulness** is central, as God's promise to give them "the land which he sware unto our fathers" underscores His unwavering commitment to the [Abrahamic Covenant](/genesis/15 "Genesis 15 - God's Covenant with Abraham"). This was not a new or arbitrary decision but the fulfillment of an oath made generations prior to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Thirdly, **Purposeful Redemption** is evident in the dual action of "brought us out... that he might bring us in," emphasizing that God's salvific acts are always teleological, leading to a specific, intended outcome—an inheritance and a new relationship. Finally, **Inheritance and Promise** are embodied by the land itself, representing the tangible blessing and fulfillment of God's word, a place of rest and provision that serves as a constant reminder of God's ultimate blessing for His redeemed people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brought us out (Hebrew, _vayyotzi'enu'_):** This verb is a Hiphil imperfect form of יָצָא (yatsa'), meaning "to go out," but in the Hiphil, it means "to cause to go out" or "to bring out." The prefixed *waw* indicates a consecutive action. The suffix "-enu" means "us." This construction emphasizes God as the active, initiating agent of the Exodus. It highlights His sovereign power and deliberate intervention in rescuing Israel from bondage in Egypt.
* **bring us in (Hebrew, _lehābi' otanu'_):** This is a Hiphil infinitive construct of בּוֹא (bo'), meaning "to come" or "to go in," but in the Hiphil, "to cause to come in" or "to bring in." The prefixed *lamed* indicates purpose ("in order to"). The suffix "otanu" means "us." This phrase underscores the teleological nature of God's actions: the Exodus was not an end in itself but a means to a greater purpose—bringing Israel into their promised inheritance. It speaks of God's sustained guidance and ultimate goal for His people.
* **sware (Hebrew, _nishba'_):** This is a Niphal perfect form of שָׁבַע (shava'), meaning "to swear" or "to take an oath." The Niphal stem here indicates a passive or reflexive sense, "he was sworn" or "he bound himself by an oath." This emphasizes the solemn, binding, and unbreakable nature of God's covenant promise. It highlights the divine commitment and reliability, assuring Israel that their inheritance was guaranteed by God's own integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he brought us out from thence":** This clause directly references the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. "Thence" refers specifically to Egypt, a place of severe oppression and bondage. The active verb "brought us out" attributes this monumental act directly to Yahweh, underscoring His sovereign power, compassion, and initiative in rescuing His people from a situation from which they could not free themselves. It is a foundational statement of God's redemptive character.
* **"that he might bring us in":** This phrase articulates the divine purpose behind the Exodus. God's act of bringing them out was not merely for freedom *from* slavery, but freedom *for* a specific destination and destiny. It reveals God's long-term plan and His deliberate intention to establish His people in a new relationship and a new dwelling place. This "bringing in" signifies the next phase of His redemptive work, leading them toward the fulfillment of His promises.
* **"to give us the land":** This specifies the tangible object of God's purpose and promise. The "land" (Canaan) represents the physical inheritance, a place of rest, provision, and blessing. It is the concrete manifestation of God's faithfulness and generosity, a place where Israel could live in covenant relationship with Him, enjoying the fruits of His promise. It is a gift, freely given by God's initiative.
* **"which he sware unto our fathers":** This final clause provides the ultimate theological grounding for God's actions. The land was not a new or arbitrary gift but the fulfillment of a solemn, binding oath made centuries earlier to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the "fathers"). This emphasizes the continuity and unwavering nature of God's covenant promises across generations. It assures Israel that God's word is utterly dependable and His faithfulness spans history, making His promises utterly reliable.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of complementary or antithetical parallelism, seen in the contrasting yet interconnected actions of "brought us out" and "bring us in." This highlights the two-fold nature of God's redemptive work: deliverance *from* bondage leading to entrance *into* blessing. This structure emphasizes the purposeful progression of God's plan. The verse also utilizes **Recapitulation**, as it concisely summarizes the grand narrative of the Exodus and the journey to the Promised Land, a narrative frequently reiterated throughout Deuteronomy to impress upon the new generation their unique history and identity. Furthermore, it employs **Covenant Language**, particularly in the phrase "which he sware unto our fathers," invoking the ancient, foundational oaths made to the patriarchs. This language underscores the binding and unbreakable nature of God's promises, grounding the present reality in the historical faithfulness of God. The verse functions as a powerful **Summary Statement** of God's redemptive action, serving as a theological anchor for the commands and exhortations that surround it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 6:23 serves as a profound theological touchstone, illustrating God's consistent pattern of redemptive action throughout salvation history. It reveals a God who is not only powerful enough to deliver His people from overwhelming oppression but also faithful enough to bring them into the full inheritance He has promised. This dual movement—deliverance *from* and entrance *into*—is a recurring motif, demonstrating that God's salvation is always purposeful and teleological, leading His people to a place of blessing, rest, and covenant relationship. It underscores the reliability of God's word, showing that His ancient oaths are fulfilled in tangible ways across generations, providing a firm foundation for trust and obedience. The verse encapsulates the essence of God's character as both mighty Deliverer and faithful Covenant-Keeper.

* [Exodus 6:6-8](/exodus/6-6 "God's Promises to Israel")
* [Joshua 23:14](/joshua/23-14 "God's Faithfulness to His Word")
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8 "Faith of Abraham")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 6:23 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. Just as Israel was called to remember God's mighty acts of deliverance and His faithfulness to His promises, so too are we called to recall God's past faithfulness in our own lives and in the grand narrative of salvation. This remembrance is not mere nostalgia but an active spiritual discipline that builds our faith, deepens our trust, and provides a firm foundation for our obedience. God's pattern of "bringing us out" from the bondage of sin and darkness, "that He might bring us in" to His marvelous light and spiritual inheritance, remains constant. Our salvation in Christ is not just freedom *from* sin and death, but freedom *for* a life of purpose, fellowship with God, and participation in His eternal kingdom. This verse encourages us to live with a profound sense of gratitude for God's past grace and a confident expectation of His future fulfillment of all His promises, knowing that His character is unchanging and His word is utterly reliable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance, both in biblical history and in your personal life, strengthen your faith and trust in Him today?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God "bringing you out" of a difficult situation or spiritual bondage, and what was the "in" that He led you towards?**
* **What "land" or spiritual inheritance do you believe God has promised to you as a believer in Christ, and how does this promise shape your daily living?**
* **How can you more effectively teach or remind others (especially the next generation) about God's faithfulness and His purposeful redemption, as Moses instructed?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "thence" in this verse?**

Answer: "Thence" refers specifically to Egypt, the land of Israel's bondage and slavery. It emphasizes the dire condition from which God rescued His people. The significance lies in highlighting the contrast between their former state of oppression and their new state of freedom and inheritance. It underscores the magnitude of God's redemptive power and grace, as He delivered them from a place of utter hopelessness and servitude.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of the Abrahamic Covenant?**

Answer: This verse is a direct affirmation of God's faithfulness to the Abrahamic Covenant. When it states that God brought Israel into "the land which he sware unto our fathers," it explicitly references the solemn oath God made to Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham") and [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - Covenant with Abraham"), promising his descendants the land of Canaan. Thus, Deuteronomy 6:23 demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His ancient promises, showing that His word is reliable and His covenants are eternally binding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 6:23 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The pattern of "bringing us out" and "bringing us in" perfectly prefigures the spiritual exodus and inheritance offered through the New Covenant. Just as God delivered Israel from the physical bondage of Egypt, Christ delivers humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin, death, and the law's curse. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), accomplishing a greater Exodus for all who believe. This deliverance is not an end in itself; Christ "brought us out" of the domain of darkness "that he might bring us in" to the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Deliverance from Darkness")). The "land" promised to Israel foreshadows the far richer spiritual inheritance and eternal rest found in Christ. Believers are now heirs of all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and are promised an eternal dwelling in the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heavens and New Earth"), a land of perfect fellowship with God. Thus, Deuteronomy 6:23 points forward to the ultimate Deliverer who fulfills God's covenant promises not merely for a nation, but for all humanity, leading them into an eternal and glorious inheritance through His atoning work.

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 6:18

And thou shalt do [that which is] right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers,

Deuteronomy 6:10

And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,

Exodus 13:5

And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.

Deuteronomy 1:8

Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them.

Deuteronomy 1:35

Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers,