This verse, Deuteronomy 11:10, is part of a larger passage where Moses is contrasting the land of Egypt with the Promised Land (Canaan). It emphasizes that the Israelites will need to rely on God's provision and obey His commands to prosper in the new land, rather than relying on their own efforts as they did in Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"For the land, where you go in to possess, isn’t like the land of Egypt, that you came out of..." This sets up the contrast. Egypt is being used as a familiar reference point for the Israelites.
"...where you sowed your seed, and watered it with your foot, as a garden of herbs;" This describes a specific method of irrigation common in ancient Egypt. "Watering with your foot" refers to using a foot-operated shaduf or similar device to lift water from the Nile River or canals to irrigate the land. It was a laborious, human-powered method. It implies constant, self-reliant effort to cultivate the land. A "garden of herbs" reinforces the idea of intensive, small-scale cultivation requiring close attention and manual labor.
The implication is twofold:
1. Different Environment, Different Needs: Canaan is not as easily irrigated as the Nile-fed lands of Egypt. It's a land that depends on rainfall, which is controlled by God. This highlights the need for the Israelites to depend on God's blessing for agricultural success.
2. Shift in Dependence: In Egypt, the Israelites relied primarily on their own labor and ingenuity to water the land. In Canaan, success would be dependent on God sending rain at the right times. Therefore, the Israelites must obey God's laws and be faithful to Him, as their prosperity will depend on His favor, not just their own hard work.
In summary, Deuteronomy 11:10 serves as a warning and a promise:
Warning: Canaan will require a different approach to agriculture than Egypt. The old methods of relying on human effort alone will not guarantee success.
Promise: If the Israelites obey God, He will provide for them abundantly in the new land. The rain will come at the right time, and the land will be fruitful. The verse emphasizes that God's blessing is the key to prosperity in Canaan, not just their own labor.
This verse is a reminder that the Israelites are entering into a new relationship with God, where their obedience and faithfulness will determine their success and well-being in the Promised Land. They must trust in God's provision rather than solely relying on their own abilities.
This verse, Deuteronomy 11:10, is part of a larger passage where Moses is contrasting the land of Egypt with the Promised Land (Canaan). It emphasizes that the Israelites will need to rely on God's provision and obey His commands to prosper in the new land, rather than relying on their own efforts as they did in Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:
"For the land, where you go in to possess, isn’t like the land of Egypt, that you came out of..." This sets up the contrast. Egypt is being used as a familiar reference point for the Israelites.
"...where you sowed your seed, and watered it with your foot, as a garden of herbs;" This describes a specific method of irrigation common in ancient Egypt. "Watering with your foot" refers to using a foot-operated shaduf or similar device to lift water from the Nile River or canals to irrigate the land. It was a laborious, human-powered method. It implies constant, self-reliant effort to cultivate the land. A "garden of herbs" reinforces the idea of intensive, small-scale cultivation requiring close attention and manual labor.
The implication is twofold:
1. Different Environment, Different Needs: Canaan is not as easily irrigated as the Nile-fed lands of Egypt. It's a land that depends on rainfall, which is controlled by God. This highlights the need for the Israelites to depend on God's blessing for agricultural success.
2. Shift in Dependence: In Egypt, the Israelites relied primarily on their own labor and ingenuity to water the land. In Canaan, success would be dependent on God sending rain at the right times. Therefore, the Israelites must obey God's laws and be faithful to Him, as their prosperity will depend on His favor, not just their own hard work.
In summary, Deuteronomy 11:10 serves as a warning and a promise:
Warning: Canaan will require a different approach to agriculture than Egypt. The old methods of relying on human effort alone will not guarantee success.
Promise: If the Israelites obey God, He will provide for them abundantly in the new land. The rain will come at the right time, and the land will be fruitful. The verse emphasizes that God's blessing is the key to prosperity in Canaan, not just their own labor.
This verse is a reminder that the Israelites are entering into a new relationship with God, where their obedience and faithfulness will determine their success and well-being in the Promised Land. They must trust in God's provision rather than solely relying on their own abilities.