Deuteronomy 1:39 - Moreover your little ones, whom you said would be captured or killed, and your children, who today have no knowledge of good or evil, shall go in there. I will give it to them, and they shall possess it.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Deuteronomy 1:39" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 1:39 is part of Moses' recounting of the Israelites' rebellion against God and their subsequent punishment of wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. To understand its meaning, we need to look at the context:
The Rebellion: The Israelites, nearing the promised land of Canaan, sent spies to scout the land. Ten of the spies returned with a discouraging report, filled with fear and exaggerations about the strength of the inhabitants. The people believed these spies and refused to go into the land.
The Punishment: God was angered by their lack of faith and disobedience. He declared that the entire generation of adults who had rebelled (from age 20 and up) would not enter the Promised Land. They would die in the wilderness over the next 40 years.
The Verse's Significance: This verse offers a glimmer of hope amidst the doom. "Moreover your little ones, whom you said would be captured or killed..." This refers to the Israelites' lament after hearing the negative spy report. They had cried out that their children would be captured and killed if they went into Canaan.
"and your children, who today have no knowledge of good or evil..." This highlights the innocence and lack of adult responsibility in the children. They hadn't participated in the rebellion or demonstrated a lack of faith. They were too young to understand the complexities of the situation and make their own decisions.
"shall go in there. I will give it to them, and they shall possess it." This is the key promise. God declares that these children, the ones whom the parents feared would die, will indeed enter and inherit the Promised Land. It shows God's mercy and grace, separating them from the consequences of their parents' actions. It also reaffirms God's promise to give them the land.
In essence, the verse means:
God's promise remains valid, even after the rebellion.
While the adults would suffer the consequences of their sin, the innocent children would be spared and would inherit the Promised Land that their parents refused to enter.
It demonstrates God's justice and mercy, punishing the guilty while protecting the innocent.
Theological Implications:
God's covenant faithfulness: Even when people break their part of the covenant, God's plans will prevail.
Grace for the innocent: God doesn't punish children for the sins of their parents.
Hope for future generations: Even in times of failure and judgment, God provides hope for the future.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 1:39 provides a powerful message of God's justice and grace in the face of human disobedience. It ensures that the original promise of the land remains viable through the next generation, demonstrating God's enduring faithfulness.
Deuteronomy 1:39 - Moreover your little ones, whom you said would be captured or killed, and your children, who today have no knowledge of good or evil, shall go in there. I will give it to them, and they shall possess it.
What does "Deuteronomy 1:39" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 1:39 is part of Moses' recounting of the Israelites' rebellion against God and their subsequent punishment of wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. To understand its meaning, we need to look at the context:
The Rebellion: The Israelites, nearing the promised land of Canaan, sent spies to scout the land. Ten of the spies returned with a discouraging report, filled with fear and exaggerations about the strength of the inhabitants. The people believed these spies and refused to go into the land.
The Punishment: God was angered by their lack of faith and disobedience. He declared that the entire generation of adults who had rebelled (from age 20 and up) would not enter the Promised Land. They would die in the wilderness over the next 40 years.
The Verse's Significance: This verse offers a glimmer of hope amidst the doom. "Moreover your little ones, whom you said would be captured or killed..." This refers to the Israelites' lament after hearing the negative spy report. They had cried out that their children would be captured and killed if they went into Canaan.
"and your children, who today have no knowledge of good or evil..." This highlights the innocence and lack of adult responsibility in the children. They hadn't participated in the rebellion or demonstrated a lack of faith. They were too young to understand the complexities of the situation and make their own decisions.
"shall go in there. I will give it to them, and they shall possess it." This is the key promise. God declares that these children, the ones whom the parents feared would die, will indeed enter and inherit the Promised Land. It shows God's mercy and grace, separating them from the consequences of their parents' actions. It also reaffirms God's promise to give them the land.
In essence, the verse means:
God's promise remains valid, even after the rebellion.
While the adults would suffer the consequences of their sin, the innocent children would be spared and would inherit the Promised Land that their parents refused to enter.
It demonstrates God's justice and mercy, punishing the guilty while protecting the innocent.
Theological Implications:
God's covenant faithfulness: Even when people break their part of the covenant, God's plans will prevail.
Grace for the innocent: God doesn't punish children for the sins of their parents.
Hope for future generations: Even in times of failure and judgment, God provides hope for the future.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 1:39 provides a powerful message of God's justice and grace in the face of human disobedience. It ensures that the original promise of the land remains viable through the next generation, demonstrating God's enduring faithfulness.