King James Version
What Does Deuteronomy 11:12 Mean?
“A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year. careth: Heb. seeketh”
Context
10
For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs:
11
But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven:
12
A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year. careth: Heb. seeketh
13
And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,
14
That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(12) **A land which the Lord thy God careth for.**—Literally, *seeketh, *as in the margin of our Bibles. Comp. Ezekiel 20:6 : “A land that I had *espied *for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands.” “To *search out *a resting-place for them” (Numbers 10:33). It is difficult not to think of the *better *land in this description, and of our Saviour’s promise, “I go to prepare a place for you.” There “the poor and needy” shall not “*seek *water,” for “He shall lead them to living fountains of water.” They shall “hunger no more, *neither thirst *any more.”
That something unusual is indicated here seems to have occurred to the old Jewish writer, who says—“And does He not seek out *all lands? *as it is said, ‘To cause it to rain on the earth where *no man is*’” (Job 38:26).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 11:12 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 11:12
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge