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Book of Deuteronomy - Chapter 9 - Verse 6

9:6
Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.

Meaning

When examining the verse, it is important to understand that the LORD thy God is not providing the good land to the people based on their righteousness. The message conveyed is that the Israelites are being granted this land not because of their own merit or virtuous behavior, but rather as a gift from God despite their tendency to be stubborn and disobedient. By acknowledging that the people are "stiffnecked," it demonstrates that they are resistant to following God's will and are prone to rebellion. This verse serves as a reminder that God's blessings are given out of grace and mercy, rather than being earned through human efforts or behavior. It is a testament to God's unconditional love and generosity towards his people, even when they fall short or fail to uphold their end of the covenant. Therefore, this verse emphasizes the importance of humility, gratitude, and reliance on God's grace rather than relying solely on one's own righteousness.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the phrase "stiffnecked people" is used to describe the disobedient and rebellious nature of the Israelites. The term "stiffnecked" signifies a stubborn and unyielding attitude towards God's commandments and guidance. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of humility and reliance on God's grace rather than self-righteousness. The Israelites are reminded that their possession of the Promised Land is not due to their own merit or righteousness but is a gift from God. This serves as a cautionary reminder to the readers that blessings from God are not earned through human effort but are bestowed out of His love and grace. It also highlights the need for repentance and a turning away from a stubborn and self-reliant mindset. Through this verse, readers are encouraged to acknowledge their own shortcomings and to submit to God's will with a humble and obedient heart.

American Standard Version

Know therefore, that Jehovah thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.
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