Deuteronomy 29 8

Deuteronomy 29:8 kjv

And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasseh.

Deuteronomy 29:8 nkjv

We took their land and gave it as an inheritance to the Reubenites, to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh.

Deuteronomy 29:8 niv

We took their land and gave it as an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Deuteronomy 29:8 esv

We took their land and gave it for an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of the Manassites.

Deuteronomy 29:8 nlt

We took their land and gave it to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and to the half-tribe of Manasseh as their grant of land.

Deuteronomy 29 verses

Deuteronomy 29 8 Meaning

Deuteronomy 29:8 conveys a fundamental principle of the covenant between God and Israel: diligent observance and practical application of the covenant stipulations lead to comprehensive prosperity. This prosperity (or "success") is understood not merely as material wealth, but as holistic flourishing, insight, and wise outcomes in all their endeavors. It highlights God's faithfulness in responding to His people's obedience.

Deuteronomy 29 8 Context

Deuteronomy 29:8 is part of Moses' third great discourse to the Israelites in the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. This particular chapter details the formal renewal of the covenant with the entire generation standing before the Lord. Moses recounts God's past faithfulness, particularly the miraculous provision and protection during the forty years in the wilderness (vv. 5-6), and the recent victories over Sihon and Og (v. 7). Having established God's unfailing commitment and power, Moses then reiterates the expectation for Israel's obedience. This verse acts as a bridge, reminding them of God's prior works (like keeping their clothing from wearing out and feet from swelling, and food without cultivating crops) and emphasizing the continued requirement for obedience to the covenant for future prosperity and blessing in their new land. The historical context is one of a transition, where an entire nation stands poised to enter a new phase, dependent on their fidelity to God's established laws.

Deuteronomy 29 8 Word analysis

• So keep (וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם, u sh'martem): This verb means "to keep," "to guard," "to observe," or "to watch over." It implies a diligent and careful adherence, not a casual recognition. It suggests actively preserving the integrity of the commands.
• the words (אֶת-דִּבְרֵי, et-divrei): Refers specifically to the commandments, instructions, and stipulations of the covenant. These are not abstract concepts but tangible requirements given by God.
• this covenant (הַבְּרִית הַזֹּאת, ha-berit ha-zot): Points to the Mosaic Covenant, specifically as renewed and reiterated to this new generation in Moab. It underscores a binding, two-way agreement with divine promises and human obligations.
• and do them (וַעֲשִׂיתֶם אֹתָם, va'asitem otam): The verb "do" (עָשָׂה, `asah) emphasizes practical application. It highlights that understanding or remembering is insufficient; active performance and execution of the commands are required. Hearing must translate into doing.
• that you may prosper (לְמַעַן תַּשְׂכִּילוּ, lema'an tashkilu): The root verb is שָׂכַל (sakal), which implies gaining insight, acting wisely, understanding, and achieving success or flourishing as a result of that wisdom. It’s a holistic well-being, including spiritual discernment and effective action leading to positive outcomes. This is not mere material gain but a wise progression in all areas of life.
• in all that you do (בְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשׂוּן, b'khol asher ta'asoon): This phrase indicates the comprehensive nature of the promised prosperity. It covers every endeavor, aspect of life, and action the Israelites would undertake in the land. From their agricultural pursuits to their defense, family life, and community interactions, all would be touched by God's favor.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• So keep... and do them: This phrase powerfully links careful observance with practical execution. It's not enough to simply know God's word; it must be ingrained and performed. This dual emphasis ensures full, obedient participation in the covenant relationship.
• the words of this covenant... in all that you do: This connection highlights the all-encompassing nature of God's law. The covenant applies to every single facet of their existence, and thus the resulting prosperity, derived from obedience, will similarly extend to every area of their lives. It establishes a pervasive influence of divine truth on their daily living.
• that you may prosper: This clearly states the direct, promised outcome of obedience. It is a divinely guaranteed benefit, flowing from a covenant-keeping God to a covenant-keeping people. This isn't just a consequence but a purpose, as indicated by "that you may..."

Deuteronomy 29 8 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "prosper" here, sakal, often conveys the idea of acting wisely or with understanding, leading to success. This differs slightly from shalom (peace, wholeness) or barak (bless). While related, sakal emphasizes that true success comes from discernment and intelligence applied through adherence to God's ways. It means God makes them insightful, prudent, and successful through their obedience. The passage implies that true "success" is not a product of human ingenuity or might, but a divine gift, channeled through covenant faithfulness. It sets the stage for a theology where practical righteousness leads to effective living guided by divine wisdom.

Deuteronomy 29 8 Commentary

Deuteronomy 29:8 succinctly summarizes the Deuteronomic theology: the well-being and success of the Israelites are directly contingent upon their faithful obedience to God's covenant. This prosperity is an outflow of divine favor, granted as a result of their intentional and active adherence to the Law given by God. It reminds them that despite God's previous miracles and provisions, their continued flourishing in the land of Canaan depended on their steadfast commitment to His commands. The "prospering" or "sakal" is holistic; it implies wisdom leading to success, encompassing not just material wealth, but wise discernment, effective living, and divine blessing in every aspect of their lives. This principle establishes the foundational understanding that a true relationship with God is expressed through obedient living, which in turn unlocks the fullness of His covenant promises.