Deuteronomy 12:10

But [when] ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and [when] he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety;

But when ye go over {H5674} Jordan {H3383}, and dwell {H3427} in the land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} giveth you to inherit {H5157}, and when he giveth you rest {H5117} from all your enemies {H341} round about {H5439}, so that ye dwell {H3427} in safety {H983};

But when you cross the Yarden and live in the land ADONAI your God is having you inherit, and he gives you rest from all your surrounding enemies, so that you are living in safety;

When you cross the Jordan and live in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and He gives you rest from all the enemies around you and you dwell securely,

But when ye go over the Jordan, and dwell in the land which Jehovah your God causeth you to inherit, and he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety;

Commentary

Commentary on Deuteronomy 12:10 (KJV)

Deuteronomy 12:10 speaks to the future state of Israel after they have entered and settled in the land promised to them by God. It highlights the desired outcome of their obedience and God's faithfulness: rest and safety.

Context

This verse is part of Moses' second discourse to the Israelites as they are poised to enter the land of Canaan. Chapter 12 specifically deals with the laws concerning worship, emphasizing the need to destroy pagan altars and to worship God only at the central place He would choose. Amidst these instructions about worship, Moses provides motivation by reminding them of the future blessings awaiting them in the land. The promise of rest and safety serves as a powerful incentive for them to obey God's commands regarding their conduct and worship once they cross the Jordan. This passage sets the stage for life in the Promised Land, contrasting it with their wilderness wanderings.

Key Themes

  • Inheritance: The land is presented as a gift from the LORD their God, something they will inherit, not conquer solely by their strength. This underscores God's initiative and grace.
  • Rest from Enemies: A key promise is that God will subdue their enemies "round about," providing a period of peace and cessation from conflict. This physical rest was a significant blessing after years of journeying and potential warfare.
  • Safety and Security: The result of God giving them rest is that they will "dwell in safety." This speaks to a state of security and peace, free from immediate threat, allowing them to establish themselves and prosper in the land.
  • Conditional Blessing: While presented as a promise, the full realization of this rest and safety was often linked in Deuteronomy to Israel's obedience to God's covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "rest" is nuach (ื ื•ึผื—ึท), which implies settling down, quietness, or repose. It's not just a break from travel but a state of dwelling in peace. The word for "safety" is betach (ื‘ึถึผื˜ึทื—), meaning security, confidence, or trust. Dwelling in safety implies living without fear of immediate attack or harm.

Related Scriptures

This promise of rest echoes through the Old Testament, often connected to obedience. For instance, Joshua 21:44 records a time when the LORD did give them rest from their enemies. The concept of entering God's rest is also taken up in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews, which speaks of a spiritual rest available through faith in Christ (see Hebrews 4:9).

Practical Application

While the physical promise of land, rest, and safety was specific to ancient Israel, the underlying principles resonate today. Believers are promised a spiritual inheritance in Christ. We are called to trust God for security and peace amidst the challenges of life. The "rest" we experience is often spiritual โ€“ the peace that comes from trusting God in a chaotic world, knowing that He ultimately has overcome our greatest enemy, sin and death. Dwelling in safety today is found not in physical fortifications, but in the security of God's presence and promises.

Reflection

Deuteronomy 12:10 paints a picture of the blessed life God intended for His people โ€“ a life of settled peace and security under His protection. It reminds us that God desires for His people to dwell in safety, free from oppressive fear, trusting in His provision and power.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 33:11 (4 votes)

    The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD [is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: [and] of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.

  • Ezekiel 34:28 (4 votes)

    And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make [them] afraid.

  • Deuteronomy 11:31 (3 votes)

    For ye shall pass over Jordan to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God giveth you, and ye shall possess it, and dwell therein.

  • Deuteronomy 3:27 (3 votes)

    Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold [it] with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.

  • Deuteronomy 4:22 (3 votes)

    But I must die in this land, I must not go over Jordan: but ye shall go over, and possess that good land.

  • Jeremiah 23:6 (2 votes)

    In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

  • Ezekiel 38:8 (2 votes)

    After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land [that is] brought back from the sword, [and is] gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.