Exodus 6:4

KJV

And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I have also established {H6965} my covenant {H1285} with them, to give {H5414} them the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}, the land {H776} of their pilgrimage {H4033}, wherein they were strangers {H1481}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also with them I established my covenant to give them the land of Kena'an, the land where they wandered about and lived as foreigners.

Berean Standard Bible

I also established My covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land where they lived as foreigners.

American Standard Version

And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their sojournings, wherein they sojourned.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 6:4 presents a pivotal moment of divine reassurance, wherein God solemnly declares to Moses the reaffirmation of His unbreakable covenant with the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This declaration specifically concerns the grant of the land of Canaan, emphasizing its status as a promised inheritance. Amidst the Israelites' profound despair and intensified suffering under Egyptian bondage, this divine pronouncement serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the absolute certainty of His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial dialogue between God and Moses, immediately following Moses' discouraged report of Pharaoh's increased oppression (cf. [Exodus 5:19-23](/exodus/5-19-23 "Israelites' distress and Moses' complaint")). The Israelites, having hoped for deliverance, now face even harsher conditions, leading to their profound disillusionment and Moses' own questioning of God's plan. God's response, beginning in [Exodus 6:1](/exodus/6-1 "God's promise of deliverance") and continuing through verse 8, is a powerful self-revelation designed to bolster faith. He introduces Himself by His covenant name, Yahweh (LORD), in [Exodus 6:2-3](/exodus/6-2-3 "God's self-revelation as Yahweh"), distinguishing this deeper revelation from His previous interactions with the patriarchs. Verse 4 then serves as a direct, explicit reaffirmation of the core land promise of the [Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/15 "The Abrahamic Covenant"), underscoring that God's plan, though seemingly delayed, remains firmly in place and is now poised for fulfillment. This reaffirmation directly addresses the people's despair by reminding them of God's ancient and enduring commitment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, covenants were foundational to relationships, whether between kings and vassals or between a deity and a people. These agreements often involved solemn oaths, rituals (like cutting animals in two, as seen in [Genesis 15:9-17](/genesis/15-9-17 "God's covenant with Abraham")), and specific promises and obligations. The promise of land was particularly significant for nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples, representing security, identity, and the fulfillment of a settled existence. For the Israelites, enslaved in Egypt for centuries, the concept of their own land would have been a distant, almost forgotten dream. Their status as "strangers" or "sojourners" in Canaan during the patriarchal period (cf. [Genesis 23:4](/genesis/23-4 "Abraham as a sojourner")) was a common cultural phenomenon, but it highlighted their lack of permanent possession. God's reaffirmation of this land promise in Exodus 6:4, therefore, was not merely a theological statement but a profound assurance of a future physical home and national identity, directly challenging their current state of homelessness and servitude.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **God's Unwavering Faithfulness** to His covenant promises, demonstrating that His word is immutable despite human failure or adverse circumstances. Secondly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God** in initiating and fulfilling His redemptive plans, emphasizing that He is the primary actor in bringing about His purposes. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Covenant**, specifically the unconditional nature of the Abrahamic covenant, which serves as the foundation for Israel's identity and future. Fourthly, the promise of the "land of Canaan" is central to the theme of **Inheritance and Rest**, a recurring motif that culminates in the entry into the Promised Land but also points to a deeper, spiritual rest. Finally, the description of the patriarchs as "strangers" and "pilgrims" introduces the theme of **Sojourning and Pilgrimage**, a concept that resonates throughout biblical history, portraying God's people as temporary residents on earth, looking forward to a greater, eternal dwelling (cf. [Hebrews 11:9-10](/hebrews/11-9-10 "Abraham looking for a city")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 6:4 encapsulates God's steadfast commitment to His ancient promises, providing a bedrock of hope for a disheartened people.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **established (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** From H6965, a primitive root meaning "to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative); abide, accomplish, confirm, continue, decree, ordain, perform, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising)." In this context, the Hiphil stem (causative) of *qûwm* signifies more than merely making a covenant; it implies actively confirming, upholding, and bringing it to fulfillment. It emphasizes God's sovereign action in ensuring His word comes to pass, not just a past declaration but an ongoing, active commitment to perform it.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285, meaning "a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league." This term refers to a solemn, binding agreement, often initiated by a superior party. Here, it specifically denotes the Abrahamic covenant, an unconditional promise initiated by God based on His own character and faithfulness, not on human merit or performance. Its reaffirmation highlights the immutable nature of God's promises.
* **pilgrimage (Hebrew, _mâgûwr'_):** From H4033, meaning "a temporary abode; by extension, a permanent residence; dwelling, pilgrimage, where sojourn, be a stranger." This word, along with "strangers" (Hebrew, _gûwr'_ - H1481, "to turn aside from the road...sojourn (as a guest)"), underscores the transient status of the patriarchs in the land of Canaan. They lived there as resident aliens, never fully possessing it. This emphasizes that the full fulfillment of the land promise was always future-oriented, requiring faith from the patriarchs and foreshadowing the Israelites' eventual journey and the complete inheritance God would provide.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I have also established my covenant with them":** This phrase immediately follows God's self-revelation as Yahweh. The verb "established" (Hiphil of *qûwm*) carries a strong sense of confirmation and active fulfillment. It signifies that God is not just reminding them of a past promise, but actively bringing it to fruition in the present and future. The "covenant" refers to the Abrahamic covenant, which included the promise of land and descendants. The "them" refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting the continuity of God's faithfulness across generations. This statement is a profound assurance of God's unwavering resolve and His active role in ensuring His word comes to pass, crucial for a disheartened people.
* **"to give them the land of Canaan":** This clause specifies the central promise of the covenant being reaffirmed. The "land of Canaan" was the specific geographical inheritance promised by God. This land was destined to be the physical dwelling place for their descendants, a place of rest, prosperity, and the locus of God's presence among His people. Despite centuries of delay and their current enslavement, this promise remained firm in God's divine purpose, serving as a tangible sign of His faithfulness and a future hope for the Israelites. The verb "to give" (H5414, _nâthan_) emphasizes divine bestowal, not human achievement.
* **"the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers":** This descriptive phrase illuminates the historical experience of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob within Canaan. They lived there as temporary residents, never fully possessing the land during their lifetimes. The term "pilgrimage" (H4033, _mâgûwr_) denotes a temporary dwelling or sojourning, while "strangers" (H1481, _gûwr_) refers to resident aliens or foreigners. This emphasizes that the full fulfillment of the land promise was always future-oriented, requiring faith from the patriarchs themselves. Their transient status in the promised land foreshadowed the Israelites' eventual journey and the ultimate, complete inheritance that God would provide, and it also highlights the nature of faith that looks beyond immediate possession to future fulfillment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Emphasis** is achieved through God's direct declaration, "And I have also established my covenant," which underscores the divine initiative and certainty of the promise. The repetition of "land" ("the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage") serves as a form of **Anaphora** and **Repetition**, drawing attention to the central object of the promise and its particular historical context. The phrase "the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers" functions as a form of **Explanatory Apposition**, providing crucial clarification and historical background for the nature of the patriarchs' relationship with the promised land. This description also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the Israelites' own journey as sojourners through the wilderness before entering their inheritance, and more broadly, foreshadowing the spiritual pilgrimage of all God's people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 6:4 profoundly illustrates the enduring nature of God's covenant faithfulness, a central tenet of biblical theology. It reveals that God's promises are not subject to human failure, the passage of time, or adverse circumstances; rather, they are rooted in His immutable character and sovereign will. This verse reassures that the God who initiates a covenant is also the God who actively works to bring it to its full and certain completion. It underscores the divine initiative in salvation history, where God, out of His own good pleasure and faithfulness, chooses to act on behalf of His people, fulfilling promises made generations prior. The concept of the promised land, though physical, also points to a deeper theological reality of rest, inheritance, and God's dwelling among His people, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God is not a man, that he should lie")
* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "The LORD your God is God, the faithful God")
* [Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13-16 "Patriarchs as strangers and pilgrims")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 6:4 offers profound encouragement for believers today, serving as a timeless reminder that God remains faithful to His promises, even when our circumstances suggest otherwise. In moments of despair, when God's plans seem delayed, or when we face overwhelming challenges, this verse calls us to trust in His unchanging character and sovereign timing. Just as the Israelites were assured of their future inheritance despite their present bondage, we are encouraged to live with hope, recognizing our transient status in this world while anticipating the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Christ and the eternal kingdom. Our role is to respond with faith and obedience, knowing that God, who established His covenant, is actively working to bring His purposes to pass for His glory and our good. This passage invites us to rest in the certainty that the God who has promised is utterly reliable and powerful to perform all He has spoken.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's reaffirmation of His covenant in Exodus 6:4 speak to your own experiences of waiting for God's promises or feeling discouraged by difficult circumstances?**
* **In what ways does understanding God's unchanging faithfulness, as demonstrated in this verse, impact your trust in Him for your future?**
* **How can the concept of being "strangers" or "pilgrims" in this world, as applied to the patriarchs, shape your perspective on your earthly possessions and eternal hope?**

### FAQ

**Why did God need to "establish" a covenant that was already made?**

Answer: The Hebrew term *heqim* (הֲקִמֹתִי, H6965) for "established" in this context signifies more than merely making a covenant; it implies confirming, upholding, or bringing it to fulfillment. God is not initiating a new covenant here but is reaffirming and activating the existing Abrahamic covenant, assuring Moses and the Israelites that He is now ready to bring the long-standing promise of the land to pass. It emphasizes His active commitment and power to fulfill what He had already promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, demonstrating that His past word is now being made present reality. This divine action directly addresses the Israelites' despondency by showing that God is moving decisively to fulfill His ancient oath (cf. [Exodus 6:5](/exodus/6-5 "God remembering His covenant")).

**What is the significance of Canaan being called "the land of their pilgrimage"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights that while God had promised the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants, the patriarchs themselves lived there as temporary residents, never fully possessing it during their lifetimes. "Pilgrimage" (מָגֻר, H4033, _mâgûwr_) denotes a temporary dwelling or sojourning, while "strangers" (גּוּר, H1481, _gûwr_) refers to resident aliens or foreigners. This emphasizes that the complete fulfillment of the land promise was always future-oriented, requiring faith from the patriarchs who lived by promise rather than full possession (cf. [Hebrews 11:9](/hebrews/11-9 "Abraham living in tents")). It foreshadows the Israelites' eventual exodus and conquest, and also serves as a profound theological parallel for believers who are [strangers and pilgrims in this world](/1_peter/2-11 "Believers as sojourners in 1 Peter 2:11"), looking to a greater, eternal inheritance.

**How does this verse relate to God's name, "LORD" (Yahweh)?**

Answer: [Exodus 6:4](/exodus/6-4 "God's Covenant Reaffirmation") directly follows God's profound self-revelation in [Exodus 6:2-3](/exodus/6-2-3 "God's Name and Covenant"), where He declares, "I am the LORD (Yahweh)." The reaffirmation of the covenant in verse 4 is intrinsically linked to this divine name, which signifies God's active, covenant-keeping presence and His power to bring His promises to fruition. To the patriarchs, God was known as El Shaddai, God Almighty, but now to Moses, He reveals Himself as Yahweh, the God who is faithful to His covenant and actively intervenes in history to fulfill His word. This connection assures Moses that the God revealing Himself as Yahweh is the same faithful God who made the covenant with the patriarchs and will now act decisively to fulfill it, demonstrating His unique character as the God who makes and keeps His promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Exodus 6:4](/exodus/6-4 "God's Covenant Reaffirmation") speaks of a literal land promise to Israel, its ultimate fulfillment points to a greater, spiritual inheritance found in Jesus Christ. The earthly Canaan, a place of rest and dwelling, foreshadows the true rest and eternal dwelling God provides for His people in Christ. Jesus is the ultimate heir of the promises made to Abraham, and through Him, all believers, both Jew and Gentile, become spiritual descendants of Abraham and co-heirs of a heavenly inheritance (cf. [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Heirs according to the promise in Galatians 3:29")). The "pilgrimage" of the patriarchs in Canaan prefigures the Christian life as a journey of faith, where believers are [strangers and exiles in this world](/1_peter/2-11 "Believers as sojourners in 1 Peter 2:11"), looking forward to the "city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God" ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "The city with foundations")). Christ's atoning work establishes the New Covenant, a superior covenant (cf. [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "A better covenant")) that secures not merely a physical land, but eternal life, reconciliation, and communion with God, thereby fulfilling the deepest longings symbolized by the promised land and ushering believers into a spiritual inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" for them (cf. [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "A living hope and inheritance")).

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

Genesis 28:4

And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham.

Genesis 15:18

In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Genesis 17:7

¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Genesis 17:8

And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

Genesis 26:3

Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;

Acts 7:5

And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not [so much as] to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when [as yet] he had no child.

Isaiah 55:3

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.