Exodus 15:17

KJV

Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, [in] the place, O LORD, [which] thou hast made for thee to dwell in, [in] the Sanctuary, O Lord, [which] thy hands have established.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt bring {H935} them in, and plant {H5193} them in the mountain {H2022} of thine inheritance {H5159}, in the place {H4349}, O LORD {H3068}, which thou hast made {H6466} for thee to dwell in {H3427}, in the Sanctuary {H4720}, O Lord {H136}, which thy hands {H3027} have established {H3559}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain which is your heritage, the place, ADONAI, that you made your abode, the sanctuary, Adonai, which your hands established.

Berean Standard Bible

You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of Your inheritance— the place, O LORD, You have prepared for Your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, Your hands have established.

American Standard Version

Thou wilt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, The place, O Jehovah, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, The sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 15:17, a triumphant prophetic declaration embedded within the Song of Moses, articulates Israel's unwavering confidence that God will faithfully bring them into the Promised Land, metaphorically "planting" them there with secure permanence. It anticipates the establishment of a divinely chosen and constructed sanctuary, signifying God's permanent and intimate dwelling among His people, a sacred space established by His own power and for the manifestation of His glorious presence. This verse serves as a theological climax, bridging the immediate deliverance from Egypt with the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenantal promises to dwell among His people in their inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal component of the "Song of the Sea" (Exodus 15:1-18), a profound hymn of praise sung by Moses and the Israelites immediately following their miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea and the destruction of Pharaoh's army. The song opens with an exultant recounting of God's mighty acts of salvation and judgment against Egypt (vv. 1-12), celebrating His unparalleled power and divine sovereignty. It then transitions seamlessly into a forward-looking prophecy, expressing Israel's profound faith in God's continued guidance and the ultimate fulfillment of His covenant promises (vv. 13-18). Verse 17 specifically projects this faith into the future, moving beyond the immediate triumph of the Red Sea to the ultimate destination of the Promised Land and the establishment of God's permanent dwelling place among His people. This prophetic vision provides a theological climax to the song, solidifying the Israelites' trust in God's ongoing redemptive plan and His commitment to His covenant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the moment of this song's composition, the Israelites had just experienced the most monumental redemptive act in their history: their liberation from centuries of Egyptian bondage and their miraculous passage through the Red Sea, culminating in the utter destruction of Pharaoh's formidable army. They were a newly freed, yet still nomadic and vulnerable, people standing on the precipice of a daunting wilderness journey. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, it was common for deities to be associated with specific, consecrated places or temples, often built by human hands to house the divine presence. For Israel, this prophecy speaks to their future as a settled nation with a central, divinely ordained place of worship, a stark contrast to their current transient existence. The concept of "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, _nachalah'_) was deeply rooted in the Abrahamic covenant, where God had unequivocally promised Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan as an eternal possession ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abram"); [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "The Covenant of the Pieces")). This verse, therefore, taps into the very core of their national identity and divine destiny, assuring them that God's plan for their secure settlement and His indwelling presence was not only decreed but would surely come to pass through His mighty hand.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 15:17 profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, as God is depicted as the active agent who "brings in" and "plants" His people, fulfilling His ancient promises despite all obstacles. The verse also emphasizes **God's Dwelling Presence**, anticipating the Tabernacle and later the Temple as the physical manifestation of God's desire to reside among His chosen people, a theme central to the covenant relationship established at Sinai ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "The Command to Build the Sanctuary")). Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **Inheritance and Promised Land**, underscoring that the land of Canaan is a gracious, covenantal gift from God, a secure possession for His people, rooted in His unchangeable word to the patriarchs ([Numbers 34:2](/numbers/34-2 "Boundaries of the Promised Land")). Finally, the mention of the "Sanctuary" points to the theme of **Worship and Holiness**, establishing a sacred space where God's holiness would be uniquely manifested and where His people could draw near to Him in worship and receive divine revelation, setting the stage for the detailed laws and rituals that follow in the Mosaic covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **plant (Hebrew, _nâṭaʻ'_):** The verb נָטַע (_nâṭaʻ'_, H5193) literally means "to strike in" or "fix," specifically "to plant" (as in a tree or vineyard). Here, it is employed metaphorically to describe God's act of securely settling Israel in the Promised Land. This goes beyond mere physical relocation; it implies a deep, secure, and permanent establishment, much like a tree firmly rooted in fertile ground. It conveys the idea of growth, flourishing, and belonging, suggesting that God will not only bring them into the land but will cause them to thrive there, signifying His meticulous care and long-term provision for His people.
* **inheritance (Hebrew, _nachălâh'_):** The word נַחֲלָה (_nachălâh'_, H5159) denotes something inherited, an occupancy, or an heirloom, generally referring to an estate, patrimony, or portion. In this context, "the mountain of thine inheritance" refers to the Promised Land, specifically the elevated, central location where God's sanctuary would eventually be built (Mount Zion/Jerusalem). It underscores that the land is not earned by Israel through their own merit or conquest but is a gracious, covenantal gift from God, a permanent possession secured by His unchangeable promise and omnipotent power.
* **Sanctuary (Hebrew, _miqdâsh'_):** The term מִקְדָּשׁ (_miqdâsh'_, H4720) means "a consecrated thing or place," derived from the root קָדַשׁ (_qadash_), "to be holy." It refers to a place specifically set apart for God's presence and worship. This prophetic mention of the "Sanctuary" points directly to the future Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. It signifies God's profound desire for intimate communion with His people, establishing a physical locus where His holiness would dwell among them, accessible for worship, sacrifice, and divine revelation, thereby distinguishing Israel as a people with a unique relationship with their holy God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance,"**: This opening clause powerfully emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and active role in fulfilling His ancient promises. "Thou shalt bring them in" highlights His leadership, power, and faithfulness in guiding Israel through the perils of the wilderness to their divinely appointed land. The vivid metaphor "plant them" speaks of a secure, permanent, and flourishing settlement in the "mountain of thine inheritance," which prophetically points to the elevated terrain of Canaan, specifically Mount Zion in Jerusalem, where God's presence would ultimately reside. This is clearly depicted not as a human achievement but as a direct, powerful act of divine establishment.
* **"[in] the place, O LORD, [which] thou hast made for thee to dwell in,"**: This phrase profoundly clarifies the ultimate purpose and sacred nature of the "mountain of thine inheritance." It is not merely any land, but a specific, consecrated "place" meticulously chosen and prepared by God Himself as His exclusive dwelling. The direct, intimate address "O LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) underscores the personal and covenantal nature of this divine choice. It signifies God's deep desire for a permanent, accessible residence among His people, a place where His presence would be uniquely manifested and where the covenantal relationship could be fully realized and experienced.
* **"[in] the Sanctuary, O Lord, [which] thy hands have established."**: This final clause reiterates and specifies the precise nature of God's dwelling place: it is a "Sanctuary" (miqdâsh, H4720), a holy and consecrated space set apart for His presence. The repetition of "O Lord" (ʼĂdônây, H136) and the emphatic assertion that "thy hands have established" (kûwn, H3559, yâd, H3027) powerfully assert that this holy dwelling place is entirely God's doing, a testament to His omnipotence and faithfulness. It is not a human construction that merely invites God's presence, but a divinely ordained and built structure that reflects His power, holiness, and unwavering commitment to dwell intimately among His chosen people, foreshadowing the Tabernacle and later the Temple as the central locus of Israel's worship and identity.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 15:17 is richly imbued with literary devices that amplify its prophetic power and theological depth. The overarching device is **Prophecy**, as the entire verse functions as a forward-looking declaration, articulating God's declared intent to bring Israel into their promised inheritance and establish His sacred dwelling among them. A particularly potent **Metaphor** is employed in the phrase "plant them," which vividly portrays Israel's secure and flourishing settlement in the Promised Land, likening them to a deeply rooted, thriving tree rather than a transient, vulnerable people. **Repetition** is strategically utilized with the double address "O LORD" and the emphatic emphasis on God's active, sovereign role ("thou hast made," "thy hands have established"). This repetition serves to underscore divine sovereignty, the certainty of His promises, and the personal nature of His commitment. The verse also effectively employs **Anticipation**, meticulously building expectation for the future establishment of the Sanctuary, which will serve as the physical, tangible manifestation of God's abiding presence among His beloved people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 15:17 stands as an enduring testament to God's unwavering faithfulness, His sovereign power, and His meticulous plan for His people. It reveals a God who not only delivers His people from bondage but also meticulously guides them, securely establishes them, and desires to intimately dwell among His chosen. The promise of "planting" Israel in their inheritance speaks to the profound security and permanence of God's covenant, assuring them that their future, their flourishing, and their very existence as a nation are divinely secured. This verse profoundly highlights the theme of God's desire for intimate fellowship, as He prepares a "place... for thee to dwell in," culminating in the establishment of a "Sanctuary." This prophetic vision foreshadows the entire trajectory of salvation history, where God continually seeks to bridge the chasm between His perfect holiness and fallen humanity, culminating in His ultimate, eternal dwelling with His redeemed people. It underscores that true security, flourishing, and identity for humanity come not from human effort or earthly possessions, but from being securely rooted in God's promises and living in the transformative power of His manifest presence.

* [Deuteronomy 12:11](/deuteronomy/12-11 "The Chosen Place of Worship")
* [Psalm 78:54](/psalms/78-54 "God Bringing Israel to His Holy Mountain")
* [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "God's Dwelling Among Humanity in the New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 15:17 offers profound and timeless encouragement for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder that God's faithfulness is not merely a historical fact confined to ancient Israel but an ongoing, dynamic reality in our lives. Just as He promised to bring Israel into their physical inheritance and establish His dwelling among them, so too does He sovereignly guide us into our spiritual inheritance in Christ and promises His intimate, indwelling presence through the Holy Spirit. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's meticulously sovereign plan, even when our current circumstances seem transient, uncertain, or fraught with challenges. We are, by divine grace, "planted" by God in His spiritual kingdom, meant to flourish, bear abundant fruit, and reflect His glory precisely where He has strategically placed us. Our ultimate "Sanctuary" is not a physical building, but the very presence of God Himself, both individually within us as temples of the Holy Spirit and corporately within the Church, His living body. Therefore, we are called to live lives that authentically reflect this divine indwelling, recognizing our sacred identity as temples of the Holy Spirit, and to eagerly anticipate the full, glorious realization of God's kingdom where His dwelling will be perfectly and eternally with humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the powerful metaphor of God "planting" His people in their inheritance encourage and ground you in your current life circumstances, particularly when facing uncertainty, transition, or feelings of displacement?**
* **In what profound ways do you personally experience God's desire to "dwell in" you and among His gathered people today, and how does this transformative truth shape your daily walk, your worship, and your community life?**
* **Considering that you are a "sanctuary" where God's presence resides, what practical, intentional steps can you take this week to live more fully in a way that honors and manifests His holiness in your thoughts, words, and actions?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "mountain of thine inheritance" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "mountain of thine inheritance" prophetically refers to the land of Canaan, specifically the elevated region around Jerusalem, which would become the heart of Israel's promised land and the eventual site of God's Temple. While the Israelites were still in the wilderness, this phrase powerfully anticipates the fulfillment of God's ancient covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising them a specific land as their permanent, divinely-given possession. The "mountain" aspect often points specifically to Mount Zion, where the Temple would ultimately be built, signifying not just a geographical location but a place of divine choice, elevated status, and secure establishment for God's dwelling among His people. It is not merely any mountain, but the divinely designated, sacred place where God would establish His presence and His people in covenant relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 15:17 finds its ultimate, most profound, and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly "Sanctuary" and the "mountain of thine inheritance" that God established for His dwelling were but temporal shadows and types, pointing forward to the true and eternal dwelling of God with humanity, which is perfectly realized in Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking not of the stone structure, but of the temple of His own body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "Jesus Prophesies His Resurrection")). He is the ultimate "place" where God truly dwells among His people, the very embodiment of God's presence and glory. Through Christ's atoning work on the cross and His resurrection, believers are "brought in" and "planted" not merely in a physical land, but into the spiritual inheritance of God's eternal kingdom, becoming living stones in a spiritual house, a "holy priesthood" offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Him ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones and a Spiritual House")). The promise of God dwelling with His people culminates in the New Covenant through Christ, where the Holy Spirit intimately indwells every believer ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "Believers as God's Temple")), making us collectively the Church, the true, living temple of God. Ultimately, this ancient prophecy finds its grand eschatological fulfillment in the New Jerusalem, where God's dwelling is finally and perfectly with humanity, and there is no longer any need for a literal temple, for "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "No Temple in the New Jerusalem")).

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

Psalms 44:2

[How] thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; [how] thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.

Psalms 80:8

¶ Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.

Psalms 78:54

And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, [even to] this mountain, [which] his right hand had purchased.

Psalms 78:55

He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.

Jeremiah 32:41

Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.

Psalms 78:68

But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved.

Psalms 78:69

And he built his sanctuary like high [palaces], like the earth which he hath established for ever.