Understanding Deuteronomy 31:5

Bible Verse: Deuteronomy 31:5 - "And the Lord shall give them up before your face, that ye may do unto them according unto all the commandments which I have commanded you."

Verse Meaning Summary

This verse encapsulates God's assurance to Israel as they prepare to conquer the Promised Land. It signifies the divine support and the fulfillment of God's promises as they face their enemies. The phrase suggests that God will deliver the inhabitants of the land into the hands of Israel, enabling them to execute the commands given by God regarding their conquest.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the importance of God's providence and how He prepares the way for His people. The victory over the enemies is attributed to God, who ensures that obedience to His commandments is rewarded. He points out that God's presence gives confidence to the Israelites as they undertake their mission.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes reflects on the promise of God’s aid in conflict. He discusses how this divine support is contingent upon Israel's faithfulness to the commandments, underscoring the relational aspect of obedience and covenant. He notes that the people should act with the assurance that God fights for them, and their success is aligned with adherence to His word.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke gives insights into the implications of this verse for the textured relationship between God and Israel. He notes that God's intervention was not arbitrary; rather, it was bound by the covenant established with the people. Clarke also comments on the moral and ethical dimensions of Israel's actions against their enemies, highlighting that their conquests are not merely military but also a matter of divine justice.

Cross References & Connections

Deuteronomy 31:5 connects with numerous other biblical verses, forming a richer tapestry of God's promises and the nature of divine assistance:

• Joshua 1:5: "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
• Exodus 23:22: "But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries."
• 1 Samuel 15:18: "And the Lord sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed."
• Romans 8:31: "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
• 2 Chronicles 20:15: "Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat; thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."
• Psalm 44:3: "For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favor unto them."
• Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Thematic Connections

This verse illustrates several recurring themes throughout the Bible:

• Divine Assistance: God's unwavering support for His people is a consistent theme, seen in both the Old and New Testament.
• Faithfulness and Obedience: The reciprocal relationship between God's promises and human obedience emerges in various contexts across Biblical texts.
• Covenant Relationship: The covenant between God and Israel reflects the obligations and blessings tied to obedience.
• Victory through Faith: Numerous passages affirm that spiritual victory is achieved not through might, but through trust in God.

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 31:5 encapsulates a profound moment of assurance from God to Israel, reflecting not only historical context but also timeless principles of faith, obedience, and divine support. By studying this verse in conjunction with the referred scriptures, one can garner a deeper understanding of God’s unyielding presence in the lives of His followers.

Study Tools

To delve deeper into the meanings of this and related verses, consider utilizing the following resources:

• Bible concordance
• Bible cross-reference guide
• Comprehensive Bible cross-reference materials
• Cross-reference Bible study techniques