Deuteronomy 11 9

Deuteronomy 11:9 kjv

And that ye may prolong your days in the land, which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give unto them and to their seed, a land that floweth with milk and honey.

Deuteronomy 11:9 nkjv

and that you may prolong your days in the land which the LORD swore to give your fathers, to them and their descendants, 'a land flowing with milk and honey.'

Deuteronomy 11:9 niv

and so that you may live long in the land the LORD swore to your ancestors to give to them and their descendants, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Deuteronomy 11:9 esv

and that you may live long in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers to give to them and to their offspring, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Deuteronomy 11:9 nlt

If you obey, you will enjoy a long life in the land the LORD swore to give to your ancestors and to you, their descendants ? a land flowing with milk and honey!

Deuteronomy 11 verses

Deuteronomy 11 9 Meaning

Deuteronomy 11:9 establishes a direct correlation between Israel's obedient adherence to God's commands and their long-term, flourishing residence in the Land of Canaan. This land, promised through God's inviolable oath to their ancestors and their descendants, is depicted metaphorically as exceptionally abundant and fruitful. The verse emphasizes that continued enjoyment of divine provision and secure tenure in their inheritance is a direct consequence of living according to God's revealed will.

Deuteronomy 11 9 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 11 continues Moses' exhortation to the second generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, prior to their entry into Canaan. It serves as a climactic speech recalling God's past works and setting forth the terms for Israel's future life in the land. Verses 8 and 9 function as part of a strong plea for Israel to internalize and actively obey God's commands. While the preceding verses establish that God had already promised the land and had proven Himself faithful, these verses underscore that dwelling successfully and prosperously in that land is conditional upon Israel's ongoing covenant fidelity. Verse 9 specifically articulates the great incentive: long life and abundance in the very land their ancestors were promised, a stark contrast to their previous enslavement and desert wanderings, and unique from the irrigated lands of Egypt (mentioned in verses 10-12).

Deuteronomy 11 9 Word analysis

• "that you may prolong": The Hebrew verb is ha'arichu (הַאֲרִיכוּ), an imperative form meaning "to lengthen" or "to prolong." This indicates a divine expectation of human action – obedience – as the prerequisite for this outcome. It implies the act of God bringing about duration through human response.

• "your days": Yamim (יָמִים) refers to the duration of life. In this context, it speaks less of individual lifespan and more about the collective, national continuation and flourishing of Israel as a distinct people group residing securely and prosperously within the promised territory. It denotes stable existence, security, and well-being.

• "in the land": Ha'aretz (הָאָרֶץ) specifically designates the geographical area of Canaan, the inheritance divinely designated for Israel. It signifies the physical place where their covenant identity and destiny were to be lived out.

• "that the Lord swore": Asher nishba' YHWH (אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע יְהוָה). "Swore" (from shava') highlights the immutable, solemn, and binding nature of God's promise to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob). This emphasizes the trustworthiness and unwavering commitment of God's covenant oath.

• "to your fathers": Avoteikhem (אֲבֹתֵיכֶם) refers to the patriarchal ancestors of Israel. This links the present generation directly to the foundational covenant promises given long ago, rooting their claim to the land in divine, historical promise.

• "to give to them and to their offspring": This phrase demonstrates the trans-generational nature of God's covenant promise. It reassures the current generation that they, and their future progeny, are beneficiaries of God's faithfulness to His initial pledge. "Offspring" (zera') encompasses all future descendants, illustrating the breadth of the covenant's scope.

• "a land flowing with milk and honey": Zavat chalav u'devash (זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבַשׁ). This idiomatic phrase powerfully portrays extraordinary natural fertility and abundance. "Flowing" (from zuv) indicates an effortless, inherent abundance. "Milk" (chalav) suggests prosperous livestock farming and rich dairy products, essential for sustenance. "Honey" (devash), whether from wild bees or dates/figs, represents the sweet produce of the land, indicative of luxuriant vegetation and delightful bounty. Together, these terms paint a picture of comprehensive divine provision and blessing, symbolizing the peak of natural wealth and well-being.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "that you may prolong your days in the land": This clause presents the ultimate, desirable outcome of obedience within Deuteronomic theology. It is the promise of secure, lasting possession and prosperity in the inherited territory, linking divine blessing directly to human ethical response. It refers to the enduring vitality and sovereignty of the Israelite nation in their covenant land.
  • "that the Lord swore to your fathers to give to them and to their offspring": This section roots Israel's claim to the land firmly in God's prior, unbreakable covenant oath. It highlights the unconditional aspect of God's initial promise of the land to the patriarchs, even while the subsequent verses (like 11:9 itself) describe the conditions for remaining and thriving in it. This phrase underscores God's faithfulness across generations.
  • "a land flowing with milk and honey": This iconic description vividly illustrates the superlative nature of the promised inheritance. It is a land of abundant natural resources and productivity, a symbol of divine blessing. It promises a land that, unlike the artificially irrigated Egypt, relies solely on God's provision through natural rainfall, fostering absolute dependence on Him for prosperity.

Deuteronomy 11 9 Bonus section

The description "a land flowing with milk and honey" in Deuteronomy served as a counter-narrative to the memories of Egypt. While Egypt's fertility was tied to the predictable flooding of the Nile and human irrigation efforts, the Promised Land's productivity was entirely dependent on rainfall (Deut 11:10-12). This was a deliberate divine design to cultivate a national consciousness of absolute reliance on God for provision, rather than on human ingenuity or the cycles of pagan nature gods like Baal. The promise of prolonged days refers not only to longevity but also to continuity and an enduring presence of Israel as a thriving people in the land, secure from displacement. This security was understood as an act of divine preservation, not simply human strength.

Deuteronomy 11 9 Commentary

Deuteronomy 11:9 is a succinct encapsulation of Israel's covenant existence. It reminds the nation that while the Promised Land itself is a divine gift, guaranteed by God's immutable oath to their ancestors, their actual ability to "prolong their days"—to thrive, maintain security, and enjoy its "milk and honey"—is profoundly conditional upon their diligent and consistent obedience to God's commands. This "prolonging of days" signifies a long, flourishing national existence, secure from external threats and internally blessed. The vivid imagery of a "land flowing with milk and honey" highlights God's magnificent provision, assuring Israel of an abundance that surpassed their experiences in Egypt or the wilderness, contingent upon their faithfulness. It emphasizes that divine blessings are tangible and experienced in daily life, but they necessitate covenant loyalty. This verse thus presents a powerful motivation for obedience: the direct correlation between active fidelity to God and the flourishing experience of His promised inheritance. It underlines the crucial balance between God's steadfast covenant promises and humanity's essential responsibility within that covenant.