Exodus 13:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be when the LORD {H3068} shall bring {H935} thee into the land {H776} of the Canaanites {H3669}, and the Hittites {H2850}, and the Amorites {H567}, and the Hivites {H2340}, and the Jebusites {H2983}, which he sware {H7650} unto thy fathers {H1} to give {H5414} thee, a land {H776} flowing {H2100} with milk {H2461} and honey {H1706}, that thou shalt keep {H5647} this service {H5656} in this month {H2320}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When ADONAI brings you into the land of the Kena'ani, Hitti, Emori, Hivi and Y'vusi, which he swore to your ancestors to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, you are to observe this ceremony in this month.

Berean Standard Bible

And when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites, and Jebusites—the land He swore to your fathers that He would give you, a land flowing with milk and honey—you shall keep this service in this month.

American Standard Version

And it shall be, when Jehovah shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Amorite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite, 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 13:5 serves as a pivotal divine declaration, assuring the Israelites of their imminent entry into the Promised Land, a region of unparalleled fertility and abundance, which God had solemnly sworn to their patriarchs. This verse not only reinforces God's unwavering faithfulness to His ancient covenant but also establishes a crucial, perpetual link between Israel's future prosperity in their inheritance and their ongoing, grateful obedience to the "service" of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, ensuring the remembrance of their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within God's immediate post-Exodus instructions to Moses, following the devastating tenth plague and the dramatic [departure from Egypt](/exodus/12-31 "The Israelite Exodus from Egypt"). The preceding verses ([Exodus 13:1-4](/exodus/13-1-4 "Consecration of the Firstborn and Institution of Unleavened Bread")) detail the consecration of all firstborn and the foundational institution of the Feast of Unleavened Bread as an enduring memorial of their liberation. Verse 5 explicitly projects these commands into the future, emphasizing that these foundational rituals are not merely for their immediate deliverance but are to be diligently observed once they inherit the promised territory. The subsequent verses ([Exodus 13:6-10](/exodus/13-6-10 "Further Instructions for the Feast of Unleavened Bread")) further elaborate on the practical observance and profound symbolic significance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, reinforcing the imperative of remembering God's mighty acts of redemption.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites had just emerged from centuries of brutal chattel slavery in Egypt, a land of oppression and scarcity for them. The concept of a "land" was therefore central to their nascent national identity and future hope, representing freedom, security, and divine blessing—a profound contrast to their recent bondage. The explicit mention of specific Canaanite tribes (Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites, and Jebusites) highlights the geopolitical reality of the impending conquest and the divine mandate for Israel to displace these established inhabitants. In the ancient Near East, the phrase "a land flowing with milk and honey" was a widely understood and powerful idiom for extraordinary fertility, agricultural abundance, and overall prosperity, signifying a place of divine favor and provision, far superior to the arid wilderness they were about to traverse. This promise of land was deeply rooted in the ancient, unconditional covenant God had made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, establishing Israel as a people with a divinely appointed inheritance.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 13:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to the promises made to the patriarchs, particularly the [Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/12 "The Abrahamic Covenant") concerning land and descendants. It also highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, as Yahweh is unequivocally the one who will "bring" them into the land, having prepared a place of abundance. The verse introduces and reinforces the theme of **Remembrance and Obedience**, linking future blessing directly to the diligent observance of God's commands, ensuring that Israel's identity remains rooted in God's redemptive history. Finally, it underscores the theme of **Inheritance**, portraying the Promised Land not merely as a geographical location but as the tangible fulfillment of divine blessing and a place of rest after their journey.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Sware" (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** From H7650, this primitive root properly means "to be complete," but is used as a denominative from `שֶׁבַע` (seven), implying "to seven oneself," i.e., to swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times). When God "sware" unto the fathers, it signifies a solemn, binding oath, emphasizing the absolute and unbreakable nature of His promise. It underscores God's unchangeable character and the certainty of His covenant fulfillment, guaranteeing the inheritance of the land.
* **"Milk" (Hebrew, _châlâb'_):** From H2461, this word refers to milk, specifically as the richness of kine (cattle). It symbolizes the abundance of livestock and dairy products, indicating a land well-suited for pasturage and animal husbandry.
* **"Honey" (Hebrew, _dᵉbash'_):** From H1706, this refers to honey (from its stickiness), or by analogy, syrup, often date syrup or wild honey. It represents the sweetness and bounty of agricultural produce, such as fruits and cultivated crops. Together, "milk and honey" form an ancient Near Eastern idiom for unparalleled fertility, prosperity, and a land naturally overflowing with sustenance and delight.
* **"Keep this service" (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_ H5647, _ʻăbôdâh'_ H5656):** The verb `ʻâbad` (H5647) is a primitive root meaning "to work (in any sense)," by implication "to serve, till, (causatively) enslave." In this context, "to keep" implies diligent observance, active performance, and faithful adherence to a duty. The noun `ʻăbôdâh` (H5656) refers to "work of any kind," including "service," "labour," or "ministering." Thus, "keep this service" is a command for the diligent, perpetual, and intentional observance of the prescribed ritual of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It signifies not merely a mechanical act but a mindful, obedient engagement that guards the memory and significance of God's redemptive work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land":** This opening phrase establishes God as the singular, sovereign actor and the future arrival in the land as an absolute certainty, not a mere possibility or human endeavor. It highlights divine initiative, power, and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.
* **"of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites,":** The specific enumeration of these five indigenous tribes underscores the magnitude of the task ahead—a divinely orchestrated displacement and conquest of established nations. It serves to identify the precise geographical and geopolitical reality of the promised inheritance, emphasizing that God would clear the way for Israel.
* **"which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee,":** This crucial clause explicitly grounds Israel's future possession of the land in God's ancient, solemn, and unbreakable covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It emphasizes that Israel's claim to the land is not based on their merit or strength, but solely on God's faithful, unconditional promise, underscoring His reliability.
* **"a land flowing with milk and honey,":** This evocative and powerful description vividly portrays the extraordinary abundance, fertility, and pleasantness that awaits them. It stands in stark contrast to their recent bondage in Egypt and the harsh, barren wilderness they were about to traverse, serving as a potent symbol of divine blessing, generous provision, and a place of rest.
* **"that thou shalt keep this service in this month.":** This is the central imperative and the purpose clause of the verse. The future blessing of the land is directly linked to the present and ongoing command to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread ("this service in this month," referring to the month of Abib/Nisan, when Passover and Unleavened Bread were celebrated). This command ensures that their future prosperity and enjoyment of the land will always be connected to the remembrance of God's past deliverance and their ongoing obedience to His covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 13:5 employs several effective literary devices. The phrase "it shall be when..." utilizes **anticipatory language**, building a sense of expectation and certainty regarding the fulfillment of God's promise. The vivid description "a land flowing with milk and honey" is a powerful **metaphor** for unparalleled abundance, fertility, and divine favor, painting a rich sensory picture for the audience. The **enumeration** of the five specific Canaanite tribes (Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites, and Jebusites) serves to emphasize the scope and scale of the promised conquest, highlighting God's sovereign power to dispossess these nations. Furthermore, the verse's structure creates a clear **cause-and-effect** relationship: God's act of bringing Israel into the land (the divine cause) leads directly to Israel's obligation to diligently keep the prescribed service (the human effect), underscoring the reciprocal nature of the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates several core theological truths foundational to Israel's identity and faith. First, it highlights **God's unwavering faithfulness** to His covenant promises, specifically the [Abrahamic Covenant](/genesis/12-7 "God's covenant promise to Abraham") to give land to Abraham's descendants. This divine commitment provides a secure foundation for Israel's hope and future. Second, it underscores **divine sovereignty and generous provision**, as God is unequivocally the one who will "bring" them into the land and has prepared a place of extraordinary abundance ("flowing with milk and honey"). Third, it establishes the crucial principle of **human responsibility and grateful remembrance** in response to divine grace. The command to "keep this service" demonstrates that while the land is a gracious gift, their continued tenure, flourishing, and blessing within it are intrinsically tied to their obedient remembrance of God's mighty redemptive acts. This theme of remembering God's past faithfulness to fuel present obedience is a recurring motif throughout the Pentateuch, particularly emphasized in texts like [Deuteronomy 6:10-12](/deuteronomy/6-10-12 "Remembering God's Provision in the Land"). The ultimate fulfillment of the land promise, affirming God's complete reliability, is celebrated in later historical accounts such as [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "God's Fulfillment of the Land Promise").

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Exodus 13:5 offers profound insights into God's character and our walk of faith. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is eternally faithful to His promises, even when the path to their fulfillment seems long, challenging, or involves confronting formidable obstacles, much like the "giants" of the Canaanite tribes. Just as the Israelites were called to remember their miraculous deliverance and God's commands upon entering their inheritance, we are called to live in grateful, intentional remembrance of God's redemptive work in our lives, supremely manifested through Christ. Our present walk of faith and obedience is intrinsically linked to the future blessings and spiritual inheritance God has promised us in Him. This verse encourages us to cultivate a lifestyle of intentional remembrance, allowing God's past faithfulness and His completed work in Christ to inspire our present obedience and deepen our trust for the future, knowing that He who promised is faithful to perform it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness in your life strengthen your trust for His future promises, especially when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges?**
* **What "spiritual services" or practices (e.g., worship, Bible study, prayer, service to others) help you "keep" the memory of God's deliverance and Christ's work alive in your daily life?**
* **In what specific ways might God be calling you to "keep this service" (live obediently and gratefully) in the "promised lands" (areas of blessing, calling, or responsibility) He has brought you into today?**

### FAQ
**Why does God list so many specific tribes in the land?**

Answer: The detailed listing of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites, and Jebusites serves several crucial purposes. First, it emphasizes the reality and magnitude of the impending conquest; Israel was not entering an empty land but a territory already occupied by established, formidable nations. Second, it highlights God's sovereign power to dispossess these strong nations and give their territory to a newly liberated, unorganized people. Third, it reinforces the divine mandate for Israel to fully occupy the land, underscoring the complete fulfillment of God's promise to their ancestors. It also serves as a reminder to Israel of the significant challenges they would face, and thus, the necessity of God's miraculous intervention on their behalf.

**Is the promise of the "land flowing with milk and honey" conditional on Israel's obedience?**

Answer: The initial *giving* of the land was an unconditional promise based solely on God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "The Call of Abraham"), [Genesis 15](/genesis/15 "God's Covenant with Abraham")). However, Israel's *continued tenure* and *enjoyment* of the land's blessings and prosperity were indeed conditional upon their obedience to God's covenant laws. This verse, by linking the entry into the land with the command to "keep this service," demonstrates that while the land is a gracious gift, their flourishing within it requires ongoing faithfulness, remembrance of God's redemptive acts, and adherence to His commands. Disobedience would eventually lead to severe consequences, including exile, as tragically seen later in Israel's history.

**What exactly does "keep this service in this month" refer to?**

Answer: "This service" refers specifically to the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately followed the Passover, both celebrated in the first month of the Hebrew calendar (Abib, later called Nisan). [Exodus 13:3-10](/exodus/13-3-10 "Instructions for the Feast of Unleavened Bread") provides the detailed instructions for this feast. The command to "keep" it means to diligently observe, perform, and remember it annually. It was designed as a perpetual reminder of God's swift and mighty deliverance from Egyptian bondage, a foundational event that shaped Israel's identity as God's redeemed people and underscored His faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 13:5, while deeply rooted in Israel's historical experience and the Mosaic Covenant, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "Promised Land flowing with milk and honey" serves as a profound type or shadow of the spiritual inheritance and abundant life that believers receive in Christ. Just as God sovereignly brought Israel into a physical land of rest and provision, Jesus brings His people into a spiritual rest and grants them "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus")). He is the true and ultimate "land" of abundance, providing spiritual "milk and honey" through His indwelling Spirit, His boundless grace, and His living truth.

Furthermore, the command to "keep this service" in perpetual remembrance of God's deliverance from Egypt points forward to the New Covenant established by Christ. Believers are now called to remember Christ's ultimate act of deliverance—His atoning death and glorious resurrection—primarily through the celebration of the Lord's Supper, which replaces and infinitely transcends the Old Testament feasts. Our "service" under the New Covenant is no longer a ritualistic observance of shadows, but a life lived in grateful, Spirit-empowered obedience to Christ, who has brought us out of the bondage of sin and death and into the glorious freedom of His eternal kingdom. He is our true Passover Lamb, sacrificed for us ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1-corinthians/5-7 "Christ Our Passover Lamb")), and through Him, we enter into the true "rest" that the earthly Promised Land could only foreshadow ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")).

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 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.

Joshua 24:11

And ye went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.

Exodus 6:8

And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I [am] the LORD.

Exodus 12:25

And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the LORD will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service.

Exodus 12:26

And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?

Exodus 34:11

Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite.

Exodus 3:17

And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.