Deuteronomy 31:13 - and that their children, who have not known, may hear, and learn to fear Yahweh your God, as long as you live in the land where you go over the Jordan to possess it.”
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What does "Deuteronomy 31:13" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 31:13, is part of Moses' final instructions to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. Let's break down its meaning:
"and that their children, who have not known": This refers to the next generation of Israelites, those who weren't alive or old enough to remember the Exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. They haven't personally experienced God's power and covenant.
"may hear": This emphasizes the importance of oral tradition and teaching. The parents and elders are responsible for passing down the stories of God's actions and his laws to the children. It's not enough for the children to passively exist; they must hear the word.
"and learn to fear Yahweh your God": The "fear of the Lord" in the Old Testament is not just about being afraid. It's a combination of reverence, respect, awe, trust, and obedience. It's understanding God's power, holiness, and justice, and responding with appropriate humility and adherence to his commands. In this context, learning to fear Yahweh means understanding his covenant with Israel and their responsibilities within it.
"as long as you live in the land where you go over the Jordan to possess it": This ties the instruction to their continued success and prosperity in the Promised Land. Obedience to God and passing on that reverence to the next generation is directly linked to their ability to maintain possession of the land. It implies a conditional blessing: remain faithful, and you will remain in the land.
In essence, the verse means:
The older generation has a sacred duty to teach their children about God, his power, his commandments, and his covenant with Israel. This teaching is vital so that the children will learn to respect, revere, and obey God, and this obedience is directly linked to their continued inheritance and well-being in the Promised Land. It is a call to intentional discipleship and ensuring the continuity of faith and obedience across generations. The future of Israel's relationship with God hinges on the effective transmission of faith to the younger generation.
Deuteronomy 31:13 - and that their children, who have not known, may hear, and learn to fear Yahweh your God, as long as you live in the land where you go over the Jordan to possess it.”
What does "Deuteronomy 31:13" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 31:13, is part of Moses' final instructions to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. Let's break down its meaning:
"and that their children, who have not known": This refers to the next generation of Israelites, those who weren't alive or old enough to remember the Exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. They haven't personally experienced God's power and covenant.
"may hear": This emphasizes the importance of oral tradition and teaching. The parents and elders are responsible for passing down the stories of God's actions and his laws to the children. It's not enough for the children to passively exist; they must hear the word.
"and learn to fear Yahweh your God": The "fear of the Lord" in the Old Testament is not just about being afraid. It's a combination of reverence, respect, awe, trust, and obedience. It's understanding God's power, holiness, and justice, and responding with appropriate humility and adherence to his commands. In this context, learning to fear Yahweh means understanding his covenant with Israel and their responsibilities within it.
"as long as you live in the land where you go over the Jordan to possess it": This ties the instruction to their continued success and prosperity in the Promised Land. Obedience to God and passing on that reverence to the next generation is directly linked to their ability to maintain possession of the land. It implies a conditional blessing: remain faithful, and you will remain in the land.
In essence, the verse means:
The older generation has a sacred duty to teach their children about God, his power, his commandments, and his covenant with Israel. This teaching is vital so that the children will learn to respect, revere, and obey God, and this obedience is directly linked to their continued inheritance and well-being in the Promised Land. It is a call to intentional discipleship and ensuring the continuity of faith and obedience across generations. The future of Israel's relationship with God hinges on the effective transmission of faith to the younger generation.