Exodus 13:11

KJV

¶ And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be when the LORD {H3068} shall bring {H935} thee into the land {H776} of the Canaanites {H3669}, as he sware {H7650} unto thee and to thy fathers {H1}, and shall give {H5414} it thee,

Complete Jewish Bible

When ADONAI brings you into the land of the Kena'ani, as he swore to you and your ancestors, and gives it to you,

Berean Standard Bible

And after the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites and gives it to you, as He swore to you and your fathers,

American Standard Version

And it shall be, when Jehovah shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanite, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 13:11 serves as a pivotal forward-looking declaration, assuring the newly liberated Israelites that Yahweh, their covenant God, will faithfully fulfill His ancient oath to their patriarchs by personally bringing them into the promised "land of the Canaanites" and graciously bestowing it upon them as a divine inheritance, thereby underscoring His unwavering commitment to His people and His sovereign control over history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at a crucial juncture in the book of Exodus, immediately following God's detailed instructions regarding the consecration of the firstborn and the perpetual observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread ([Exodus 13:1-10](/exodus/13-1-10 "Instructions for the Firstborn and Unleavened Bread")). While the preceding passages are retrospective, commemorating Israel's miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage and establishing foundational religious practices, Exodus 13:11 pivots the narrative gaze to the future. It provides the ultimate rationale and motivation for their journey through the wilderness: the fulfillment of God's ancient covenantal promise of a land. This verse thus acts as a bridge, connecting the present acts of worship and remembrance to God's long-term redemptive plan, assuring the Israelites of the certain destination of their pilgrimage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The designation "the land of the Canaanites" refers to the geographical region of Canaan, which, at the time of the Exodus, was already inhabited by a diverse array of peoples, including the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, as detailed in other biblical texts (e.g., [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "God's Covenant with Abram")). For God to "give it thee" (Israel) implied a divinely orchestrated displacement of these existing inhabitants, a concept rooted in God's sovereign right over all nations and lands. The phrase "as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers" directly invokes the solemn Abrahamic Covenant, initially articulated to Abram in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's initial promise of land to Abram") and subsequently reaffirmed to Isaac ([Genesis 26:3](/genesis/26-3 "God's promise of land and blessing to Isaac")) and Jacob ([Genesis 35:12](/genesis/35-12 "God's reaffirmation of the land promise to Jacob")). In the ancient Near East, a solemn oath or covenant was the most binding legal and religious commitment, often involving severe consequences for its breach. God's oath, therefore, highlights the absolute certainty, immutability, and unbreakable nature of His promise to Israel, providing an unshakeable foundation for their hope, obedience, and endurance through the wilderness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Keeping**. God's repeated emphasis on His oath to the patriarchs underscores His unchanging character and His unwavering commitment to His promises, even across generations and in the face of human doubt or disobedience. Another significant theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**. The land is presented not as something Israel will earn or conquer by their own might, but as a direct "giving" from the LORD, emphasizing God's ultimate ownership and control over all creation and His benevolent provision for His chosen people. Furthermore, the verse reinforces the theme of **Inheritance and Promised Rest**, looking forward to a time when Israel will dwell securely in the land, a concept that will be further developed throughout the Deuteronomic history and beyond, culminating in the ultimate spiritual rest found in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, personal covenant name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal One," emphasizing God's absolute being, faithfulness, and unchanging nature. In this context, the use of "LORD" underscores that it is the very God who entered into covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God who has just delivered Israel from Egypt, who is now making this solemn promise regarding the land. His character as the eternal and faithful covenant-keeper guarantees the fulfillment of the promise.
* **sware (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** This verb signifies a solemn, binding oath or vow, often implying a seven-fold declaration or a deep, unchangeable commitment. When God "swears," it is the highest form of divine assurance, indicating the absolute certainty and immutability of His promise. It is not a casual agreement but a divinely guaranteed commitment that cannot be revoked, highlighting His unshakeable faithfulness and the complete reliability of His word. This oath forms the immutable foundation of the covenant with Israel.
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root is highly versatile, meaning "to give, put, set, allow," among many other applications. In this specific context, it emphasizes the land as a divine gift, freely bestowed by God's grace and power, rather than something Israel would earn through merit or conquer solely by their own strength. It reinforces God's sovereignty as the ultimate provider and owner of the land, highlighting that their possession of it is an act of His benevolent provision and covenant faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites,"**: This opening clause sets the stage for a future, divinely orchestrated event, emphasizing God's active and personal agency ("the LORD shall bring thee"). The destination is explicitly named "the land of the Canaanites," which highlights the existing reality of its occupation by other nations. This immediately underscores the miraculous and sovereign nature of God's promise: He will dispossess its current inhabitants and personally lead Israel into this occupied territory.
* **"as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers,"**: This crucial phrase provides the divine basis, historical continuity, and absolute assurance for the promise. It directly links the future entry into the land to God's ancient, solemn, and unchangeable covenant oath made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This continuity across generations reinforces God's unchanging character and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, assuring them that the present journey is part of a long-established, divine plan.
* **"and shall give it thee,"**: This final clause reiterates and confirms the nature of the inheritance: it is a gracious gift from the Lord. It underscores divine grace and sovereignty, indicating that the possession of the land is not a result of Israel's strength, military prowess, or inherent merit, but solely due to God's benevolent provision and His faithfulness to His covenant oath. This emphasizes Israel's dependent relationship on God for their very existence and inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 13:11 masterfully employs several literary techniques to convey its profound message. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the verse points directly to a future, pivotal event—the entry into the Promised Land—which is central to Israel's national identity and destiny. The structure of the verse also demonstrates **Divine Emphasis**, with God consistently presented as the primary actor ("the LORD shall bring," "he sware," "shall give"), underscoring His absolute sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His purposes. Furthermore, the concise yet powerful language, particularly the repetition of the idea of God's promise and giving, creates a sense of **Certainty and Assurance**, reinforcing the immutability of God's word. The phrase "land of the Canaanites" functions as a form of **Contrast**, highlighting the current reality of occupation against the future reality of Israel's inheritance, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of God's intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully teaches about God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, a foundational truth throughout Scripture. The phrase "as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers" highlights that God's word is utterly reliable, and His commitments span generations, demonstrating His eternal nature and trustworthiness, for God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should change His mind ([Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God's Unchanging Word")). The land itself is presented as a divine gift, emphasizing God's grace and sovereignty in providing for His people, rather than their earning it through merit or conquest; indeed, Moses would later remind Israel that it was not by their righteousness or the uprightness of their heart that they would possess the land ([Deuteronomy 9:4-6](/deuteronomy/9-4-6 "Not by Your Righteousness")). This theme of divine provision and inheritance is central to the biblical narrative, from the Garden of Eden to the New Heavens and New Earth, culminating in the ultimate inheritance promised to believers in Christ. Ultimately, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is the controller of history, orchestrating events to fulfill His predetermined purposes and promises, for the counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations ([Psalm 33:11](/psalms/33-11 "The Steadfast Counsel of the LORD")).

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God is not a man, that he should lie")
* [Deuteronomy 9:4-6](/deuteronomy/9-4-6 "Not by your righteousness")
* [Psalm 33:11](/psalms/33-11 "The counsel of the LORD stands forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 13:11 offers profound reassurance for believers today, echoing through the centuries with a message of divine constancy. Just as God faithfully led Israel to their promised inheritance, He continues to be faithful to His promises to His people in every generation. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in God's sovereign plan, even when our personal journeys are difficult, our spiritual destinations seem distant, or the obstacles in our path appear insurmountable. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's word is absolutely reliable, and His ultimate purposes will be fulfilled, not because of our strength, wisdom, or merit, but solely because of His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His boundless grace. We are called to live our lives in light of God's profound faithfulness, resting in the spiritual inheritance promised through Christ, knowing with certainty that He who promised is faithful and will bring it to pass.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does meditating on God's historical faithfulness in keeping His ancient promises strengthen your faith in His promises for your life today?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust more fully in God's "giving" hand and sovereign provision, rather than striving in your own strength?**
* **How does the concept of a guaranteed spiritual inheritance, promised through Christ, shape your perspective on present challenges, periods of waiting, or unfulfilled desires?**

### FAQ
**Why is the land called "the land of the Canaanites" if it's Israel's promised inheritance?**

Answer: Calling it "the land of the Canaanites" serves a crucial purpose: it emphasizes the existing reality of its inhabitants while simultaneously highlighting God's sovereign power and absolute right to dispossess those nations and give the land to Israel. It underscores that this inheritance is not a simple occupation of empty land, but a miraculous act of divine judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanites and a profound act of divine provision and faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, fulfilling a promise made centuries prior. This designation heightens the theological significance of God's intervention.

**Does this verse imply that Israel would be entirely passive in taking the land?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply Israel's complete passivity. While the emphasis here is unequivocally on God's initiative and sovereign power ("the LORD shall bring," "shall give"), it does not negate Israel's future role in the conquest. The divine promise provides the assurance, the mandate, and the supernatural power for the task, but subsequent books like Joshua vividly detail Israel's active, though divinely empowered, participation in taking possession of the land through military campaigns and obedience to God's commands. God's promise provides the foundation and the means, but human obedience and action are still required in partnership with His divine will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 13:11, with its profound focus on a promised land and a divine inheritance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual amplification in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The physical land of Canaan, a place of earthly rest, blessing, and covenant fulfillment for Israel, serves as a powerful type or shadow pointing to the greater, eternal spiritual inheritance that believers receive through Christ ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Our Inheritance in Christ")). Jesus is the faithful one through whom all of God's promises, including the promise of an inheritance, find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). The "rest" that Israel was to find in the Promised Land foreshadows the true spiritual rest from sin and striving, and the eternal dwelling with God that is available to all who believe in Jesus ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "The Promise of Entering God's Rest")). God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing Israel into their earthly inheritance is a powerful testament to His even greater faithfulness in bringing His people, through Christ's atoning work and resurrection power, into His eternal kingdom and the glorious inheritance of salvation, new creation, and everlasting communion with Him. The ultimate "land" is the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells, secured by the Lamb of God ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

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.