Definition: And I said unto you, Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites, which the LORD our God doth give unto us.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 1:20 together. It’s a really important verse that sets the stage for a significant shift in how Israel is to live. Here's what it means in plain language: Basically, this verse says: “God is giving us the land of Canaan – which includes modern-day Israel – and we need to be careful about how we treat it.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “Deuteronomy” : This was a law book given to Moses before he left with the Israelites in the wilderness. It’s essentially God’s instructions for them. “1:20” : This is the specific verse we're focusing on. “And I said unto you…” : This is God speaking directly to the people, like a leader telling his followers what to do. It’s formal language. What does it mean in more detail? God is saying that he – and that includes the land of Canaan – is giving this land to Israel. The word “give” here implies ownership and responsibility. It's not just handing over a piece of land; it means God is establishing a relationship with them there. The Key Idea: It’s about Protection & Responsibility This verse is often interpreted as a warning that Israel needs to be careful about how they treat the land and its resources. It's emphasizing that God wants to protect the land and ensure it's used wisely. Why is this important? It’s a crucial part of the covenant (a promise or agreement) between God and Israel. The covenant was made, and this verse reminds us that we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the land God has given us. It sets the stage for the laws and rules that will govern how they live on the land. In short, Deuteronomy 1:20 is a call to respect and protect the land God has given us as a promise. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss what it might mean in the context of the Old Testament story of the Exodus? Give you some examples of how we're called to be good stewards of God’s gifts today?