Exodus 6:4 - I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their travels, in which they lived as aliens.
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What does "Exodus 6:4" mean?
This verse, Exodus 6:4, is a crucial statement by God to Moses, emphasizing a past promise and setting the stage for the Exodus story. Let's break down what it means:
"I have also established my covenant with them...": This refers to a covenant (a binding agreement) that God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel's ancestors). The word "also" implies that God had already made other promises and commitments to them.
"...to give them the land of Canaan...": The core promise of the covenant was the land of Canaan. This land, located in the eastern Mediterranean region, was promised as a future inheritance for Abraham's descendants. This promise is a cornerstone of the Israelites' identity and their relationship with God.
"...the land of their travels...": This phrase highlights that the patriarchs were not native to Canaan. They moved around within the land, never fully possessing it as their own.
"...in which they lived as aliens.": This is the most important part. The patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) lived in Canaan as "aliens" or "sojourners" (Hebrew: gerim). This means they were foreigners, lacking full rights and permanent ownership of the land. They lived there by the goodwill of the local inhabitants. They could not own land, for example.
In essence, the verse means:
God reminds Moses that He made a binding promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land of Canaan. Although they lived in Canaan for generations, they did so as foreigners without full ownership rights.
Significance and Context:
Reinforcement of the Promise: This verse serves to remind the Israelites (through Moses) of God's ancient commitment to their ancestors. This promise is the foundation upon which the entire Exodus narrative is built.
Contrast with Present Reality: The verse starkly contrasts the promised future (owning the land) with the present reality of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt. God is reminding them that He has a plan to fulfill His promise, even in the face of their suffering.
Motivation for the Exodus: The knowledge of this promise motivates the Israelites to persevere through the hardships of the Exodus. It gives them hope for a future where they will inherit the land promised to their forefathers.
Legal and Historical Claim: In the ancient world, covenants were taken very seriously. This verse asserts a divine right and historical claim of the Israelites to the land of Canaan, based on God's sworn oath.
In summary, Exodus 6:4 is a powerful statement of divine commitment and a historical reminder of the Israelites' unique relationship with God and the land of Canaan. It emphasizes that God's plan will ultimately prevail, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Exodus 6:4 - I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their travels, in which they lived as aliens.
What does "Exodus 6:4" mean?
This verse, Exodus 6:4, is a crucial statement by God to Moses, emphasizing a past promise and setting the stage for the Exodus story. Let's break down what it means:
"I have also established my covenant with them...": This refers to a covenant (a binding agreement) that God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel's ancestors). The word "also" implies that God had already made other promises and commitments to them.
"...to give them the land of Canaan...": The core promise of the covenant was the land of Canaan. This land, located in the eastern Mediterranean region, was promised as a future inheritance for Abraham's descendants. This promise is a cornerstone of the Israelites' identity and their relationship with God.
"...the land of their travels...": This phrase highlights that the patriarchs were not native to Canaan. They moved around within the land, never fully possessing it as their own.
"...in which they lived as aliens.": This is the most important part. The patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) lived in Canaan as "aliens" or "sojourners" (Hebrew: gerim). This means they were foreigners, lacking full rights and permanent ownership of the land. They lived there by the goodwill of the local inhabitants. They could not own land, for example.
In essence, the verse means:
God reminds Moses that He made a binding promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land of Canaan. Although they lived in Canaan for generations, they did so as foreigners without full ownership rights.
Significance and Context:
Reinforcement of the Promise: This verse serves to remind the Israelites (through Moses) of God's ancient commitment to their ancestors. This promise is the foundation upon which the entire Exodus narrative is built.
Contrast with Present Reality: The verse starkly contrasts the promised future (owning the land) with the present reality of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt. God is reminding them that He has a plan to fulfill His promise, even in the face of their suffering.
Motivation for the Exodus: The knowledge of this promise motivates the Israelites to persevere through the hardships of the Exodus. It gives them hope for a future where they will inherit the land promised to their forefathers.
Legal and Historical Claim: In the ancient world, covenants were taken very seriously. This verse asserts a divine right and historical claim of the Israelites to the land of Canaan, based on God's sworn oath.
In summary, Exodus 6:4 is a powerful statement of divine commitment and a historical reminder of the Israelites' unique relationship with God and the land of Canaan. It emphasizes that God's plan will ultimately prevail, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.