Deuteronomy 9:6

KJV

Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou [art] a stiffnecked people.

KJV (with Strong's)

Understand {H3045} therefore, that the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} giveth {H5414} thee not this good {H2896} land {H776} to possess {H3423} it for thy righteousness {H6666}; for thou art a stiffnecked {H6203}{H7186} people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, understand that it is not for your righteousness that ADONAI your God is giving you this good land to possess. "For you are a stiffnecked people!

Berean Standard Bible

Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.

American Standard Version

Know therefore, that Jehovah thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 9:6 serves as a stark and crucial reminder to Israel, on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, that their possession of this "good land" is not a reward for any inherent righteousness or merit on their part. Instead, it is a pure act of God's sovereign grace and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, despite Israel's consistent history of rebellion and stubbornness, epitomized by the descriptor "stiffnecked people." This verse underscores the foundational theological truth that divine blessings flow from God's character and covenant, not from human deservingness, thereby guarding against pride and fostering humility.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they prepare to cross the Jordan River and conquer Canaan. Chapters 9 and 10 of Deuteronomy are particularly dedicated to disabusing Israel of any notion that their impending success is due to their own merit. Moses explicitly warns them against thinking, "It is because of my righteousness that the LORD has brought me in to possess this land" [Deuteronomy 9:4](/deuteronomy/9-4 "Deuteronomy 9:4 - Warning Against Self-Righteousness"). He then immediately contrasts this potential pride with a vivid recounting of their past failures, especially the egregious sin of the golden calf at Horeb [Deuteronomy 9:7](/deuteronomy/9-7 "Deuteronomy 9:7 - Israel's Rebellion at Horeb"). Verse 6, therefore, acts as a direct, blunt statement of their true nature, reinforcing the message that God's actions are rooted in His character and promises, not their performance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood at a pivotal moment, transitioning from nomadic wanderers to a settled nation in a land promised to their ancestors. This land, Canaan, was already inhabited by powerful nations, often depicted as morally corrupt. In the ancient Near East, it was common for people to attribute military success and territorial gain to the favor of their gods, often believing that such favor was earned through ritualistic purity or inherent national virtue. Moses' message in Deuteronomy 9:6 directly counters this prevalent worldview, asserting that God's granting of the land is not a reflection of Israel's superiority over the Canaanites, but rather a judgment on the Canaanites' wickedness and a fulfillment of God's oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob [Deuteronomy 9:5](/deuteronomy/9-5 "Deuteronomy 9:5 - God's Oath and the Wickedness of Nations"). This emphasizes the unique nature of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, where grace, not merit, was the foundation.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 9:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it champions the theme of **Divine Grace and Faithfulness over Human Merit**. The core message is that God's giving of the "good land" is an unearned gift, an act of His sovereign grace and fidelity to His covenant promises made to the patriarchs, such as the one found in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). This principle profoundly anticipates the New Testament truth that salvation, and indeed all spiritual blessings, are by grace through faith, not by works, as articulated in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Israel's Stubbornness and Rebellion**. The description "stiffnecked people" is a severe indictment of their persistent resistance to God's commands and their unwillingness to submit to His authority. This characteristic is a recurring motif throughout their history, notably mentioned by God Himself after the golden calf incident in [Exodus 32:9](/exodus/32-9 "Exodus 32:9 - God's Description of Israel's Stubbornness"). Finally, despite Israel's failings, the verse implicitly underscores **God's Unwavering Covenant Faithfulness**. He fulfills His promises to His chosen people, not because they deserve it, but because He is faithful to His covenant and His unchanging character, demonstrating His steadfast love even in the face of their repeated disobedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq_):** This term refers to moral integrity, justice, and conformity to a divine standard. In this context, Moses emphatically states that Israel's possession of the land is *not* due to their _tsedeq_. This directly challenges any self-perception of inherent goodness or deservingness, emphasizing that their claim to the land is not based on their moral standing or obedience, but solely on God's initiative and promise.
* **Stiffnecked (Hebrew, _q'sheh-oreph_):** Literally meaning "hard of neck," this vivid metaphor describes an ox that refuses to bend its neck to the yoke, stubbornly resisting the farmer's direction. Applied to Israel, it perfectly illustrates an attitude of defiance, recalcitrance, and spiritual stubbornness. It signifies an unwillingness to submit to God's authority, to listen to His commands, or to follow His leading. This term was first used by God Himself to describe Israel after their egregious sin with the golden calf [Exodus 32:9](/exodus/32-9 "God Calls Israel Stiff-Necked"), and it appears frequently throughout the Old Testament to characterize Israel's rebellious nature [Exodus 33:3](/exodus/33-3 "God's Description of Israel's Stubbornness"), [Nehemiah 9:16](/nehemiah/9-16 "Nehemiah's Prayer of Confession").
* **Good Land (Hebrew, _ha'aretz hatovah_):** This phrase consistently describes the Promised Land, emphasizing its fertility, abundance, and desirability as a place of blessing. The fact that this "good land" is given not for Israel's righteousness highlights the sheer gratuity of God's gift. It underscores that even the most tangible and desirable blessings are rooted in divine grace, not earned merit, reinforcing the theme of God's unmerited favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Understand therefore,"**: This opening imperative serves as a direct command to the Israelites, urging them to pay close attention and grasp the profound truth that follows. It signals a critical theological point that Moses is about to impart, one that counters any potential human pride or misconception.
* **"that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness;"**: This is the central declaration of the verse, explicitly negating the idea that Israel's inherent goodness or moral uprightness is the basis for their inheritance of Canaan. The "good land" is a divine gift, but its bestowal is entirely divorced from any deservingness on the part of the recipients. This statement preempts any self-congratulatory attitude and firmly roots the possession of the land in God's sovereign will and covenant fidelity.
* **"for thou [art] a stiffnecked people."**: This clause provides the irrefutable reason for the preceding negation. It is a blunt, uncompromising assessment of Israel's true character. Far from being righteous, they are inherently rebellious, stubborn, and resistant to God's authority. This serves as a powerful indictment, ensuring that Israel understands their unworthiness and the sheer grace involved in God's continued faithfulness to them.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 9:6 employs several potent literary devices to convey its crucial message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "stiffnecked people." This vivid imagery, drawn from the stubborn refusal of an ox to submit to the yoke, powerfully conveys Israel's deep-seated recalcitrance and resistance to God's will. It's a concise and memorable way to characterize their rebellious nature. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting Israel's inherent lack of righteousness against God's gracious act of giving them the "good land." This stark juxtaposition highlights the unmerited nature of God's blessing. Furthermore, the declarative and emphatic tone of the verse, particularly the repeated negation ("not... for thy righteousness"), functions as a form of **Emphasis** or **Repetition of Idea** (when read in conjunction with the preceding verses), ensuring that the Israelites fully grasp the core theological truth: their blessings stem from divine grace, not human merit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 9:6 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of God's covenant relationship with Israel and, by extension, His dealings with humanity. It powerfully establishes the principle that God's blessings are rooted in His character and promises, not in human performance or worthiness. This truth guards against self-righteousness, promoting humility and dependence on divine grace. It underscores that God's faithfulness endures despite human unfaithfulness, a theme central to the biblical narrative of redemption. The "stiffnecked" nature of Israel foreshadows humanity's universal struggle with sin and rebellion, making God's unmerited favor all the more profound. This verse sets the stage for a theology of grace that finds its ultimate expression in the New Covenant.

* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Saved Not by Works of Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 9:6 offers a timeless and humbling lesson for all believers. It challenges the innate human tendency towards spiritual pride and self-sufficiency, reminding us that any spiritual blessings, successes, or favor we experience are solely due to God's unmerited grace and mercy, not our own righteousness, good deeds, or personal merit. Just as ancient Israel was prone to thinking their blessings were earned, we too can fall into the trap of believing our prayers are answered, our ministries are fruitful, or our lives are blessed because of our own efforts or perceived goodness. This verse calls us to a posture of profound humility, gratitude, and complete dependence on God's boundless grace. Recognizing our own "stiffnecked" tendencies—our innate resistance to God's will, our stubbornness in sin, and our prideful independence—should drive us to deeper repentance and a greater appreciation for the sheer undeservedness of God's love and provision. Our walk with God should therefore be characterized by profound thankfulness, not boastful self-reliance, always reflecting His goodness and faithfulness rather than our own perceived deservingness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be subtly attributing blessings or success to your own righteousness rather than God's grace?**
* **How does the concept of being "stiffnecked" resonate with your own struggles with obedience or submission to God's will?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God's grace in your daily life?**
* **How does understanding God's faithfulness despite Israel's stubbornness encourage you in your own spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**Why does God emphasize Israel's unworthiness right before giving them the Promised Land?**

Answer: God emphasizes Israel's unworthiness at this critical juncture for several profound reasons. First, it serves as a powerful prophylactic against pride and self-righteousness. As they were about to conquer mighty nations, there was a real danger that Israel might attribute their success to their own strength or moral superiority. Moses' blunt declaration in [Deuteronomy 9:6](/deuteronomy/9-6 "Deuteronomy 9:6 - Israel's Lack of Righteousness") ensures they understand the land is a gift, not a reward. Second, it highlights the absolute nature of God's grace and covenant faithfulness. The land was promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and God was fulfilling His oath despite Israel's consistent rebellion (as recounted in [Deuteronomy 9:7-24](/deuteronomy/9-7 "Deuteronomy 9:7-24 - Israel's Rebellion at Horeb and Beyond")). This underscores that God's actions are driven by His character and promises, not by human merit. Third, it sets a theological precedent for understanding salvation: it is always by grace, not by works. This foundational truth would be echoed throughout biblical history, culminating in the New Testament's clear articulation of salvation through faith in Christ, apart from human deservingness [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). By reminding them of their "stiffnecked" nature, God ensures that their future relationship with Him is built on humility and gratitude, not on a false sense of earned privilege.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 9:6, with its stark declaration that Israel received the land "not for thy righteousness" but because they were a "stiffnecked people," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. This verse powerfully prefigures the New Covenant truth that salvation and all spiritual blessings are not earned by human merit but are freely given through the righteousness of Christ. Just as Israel could not boast in their own goodness for possessing the land, humanity cannot boast in its own works for salvation. Our own "stiffnecked" nature, our inherent rebellion against God, is precisely what necessitated the perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice of Jesus. He became our righteousness [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Our Righteousness"), fulfilling the Law that we could not keep and bearing the penalty for our stubbornness [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love"). The "good land" of promise, in its ultimate spiritual sense, is the kingdom of God and eternal life, which we inherit not by our own righteousness but by faith in the One who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness on our behalf [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith"). Christ, the obedient Son, provides the pathway for "stiffnecked" humanity to receive a new heart and a new spirit [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit"), transforming rebels into adopted children who receive every spiritual blessing in Him [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ").

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 10:16

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

Deuteronomy 9:13

Furthermore the LORD spake unto me, saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it [is] a stiffnecked people:

Deuteronomy 31:27

For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?

Acts 7:51

¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

Exodus 32:9

And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it [is] a stiffnecked people:

Ezekiel 2:4

For [they are] impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.

2 Chronicles 36:13

And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the LORD God of Israel.