King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 9:1 Mean?

“Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven,”

Context

Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven,

A people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before the children of Anak!

Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God is he which goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said unto thee.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

IX. EXHORTATION TO REMEMBER THE SINS OF THE EXODUS. (1) **Hear, O Israel.**—A fresh portion of the exhortation begins here. The cause of Israel’s conquest of Canaan is not to be sought in their own merit, but in the choice of Jehovah. **Thou art to pass.**—Literally, *thou art passing: i.e., *just about to pass. **Nations greater and mightier than thyself.**—If this is true (and there is no reason to doubt it), the responsibility of the conquest does not rest with Israel; they were the Divine executioners. (See Note on Joshua 5:13-14.) **Cities . . . fenced up to heaven.**—Comp. the expression in Genesis 11:4, “a city and a tower whose top may reach unto (literally, *is in*) heaven.” So here, “cities great and fortified *in the heavens.” *Was St. Paul thinking of this expression when he said, “We wrestle against spiritual wickedness *in the heavenly regions?” *(Ephesians 6:12).

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 9:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.