King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 10:7 Mean?

Deuteronomy 10:7 in the King James Version says “From thence they journeyed unto Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbath, a land of rivers of waters. — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

From thence they journeyed unto Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbath, a land of rivers of waters.

Deuteronomy 10:7 · KJV


Context

5

And I turned myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they be, as the LORD commanded me.

6

And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead.

7

From thence they journeyed unto Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbath, a land of rivers of waters.

8

At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.

9

Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead. The priestly succession from Aaron to Eleazar demonstrates both continuity and limitation of the old covenant ministry. Continuity because the priesthood continues despite individual death; limitation because succession is necessary.

The phrase in his stead indicates replacement - Eleazar takes Aaron's place because Aaron can no longer serve. This revolving succession of priests illustrates the temporary nature of the Aaronic priesthood. Each generation requires new priests as the old die.

Reformed theology sees this succession as revealing the priesthood's inadequacy to provide permanent mediation. If the Aaronic priesthood could perfect worshipers, no succession would be needed. The need for replacement priests testified that the old covenant system could not provide ultimate reconciliation between God and humanity.

Christ's priesthood requires no succession - He ever lives to make intercession (Hebrews 7:25). His resurrection guarantees permanent, unchanging advocacy for believers. We need no new mediator because the one Mediator never dies.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Eleazar succeeded Aaron and served throughout the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. The high priesthood descended through Eleazar's line (rather than Ithamar's line) for most of Israel's history.

Priestly succession continued until the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, when the temple and priesthood ended, having been fulfilled and superseded by Christ's superior high priesthood.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does priestly succession reveal about the temporary nature of the old covenant system?
  2. How does Christ's eternal priesthood provide greater security than changing human priests?
  3. Why was continuity of priestly ministry important despite the limitation of mortal priests?
  4. In what ways does Christ fulfill and supersede the Aaronic priesthood?
  5. How should Christ's permanent priesthood affect our confidence in approaching God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
מִשָּׁ֥ם1 of 9
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

נָֽסְע֖וּ2 of 9

From thence they journeyed

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

הַגֻּדְגֹּ֣דָה3 of 9

and from Gudgodah

H1412

gudgodah, a place in the desert

וּמִן4 of 9
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַגֻּדְגֹּ֣דָה5 of 9

and from Gudgodah

H1412

gudgodah, a place in the desert

יָטְבָ֔תָה6 of 9

to Jotbath

H3193

jotbathah, a place in the desert

אֶ֖רֶץ7 of 9

a land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

נַֽחֲלֵי8 of 9

of rivers

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

מָֽיִם׃9 of 9

of waters

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 10:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 10:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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