“The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you!”
Historical Background:The book of Deuteronomy serves as a farewell address by Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. It recounts their journey through the wilderness and restates the laws and commandments given by God. In this verse, Moses is praying for God’s blessings upon the Israelites as they prepare to possess the land.
Recognition of God’s Faithfulness:Moses acknowledges the Lord God as the God of their fathers. He acknowledges the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. By emphasizing the continuity of God’s covenant with their forefathers, Moses instils confidence in the Israelites that God will continue to fulfil His promises to them.
Multiplication and Blessing:Moses prays that God would make the Israelites “a thousand times so many more as ye are.” This phrase denotes numerical increase and multiplication. Moses desires that God would bless the Israelites with abundant growth in their population and prosperity in their possessions.
Assurance of God’s Promises:Moses highlights that the blessings he prays for are in accordance with the promises God has made to the Israelites. He affirms that God is faithful and will fulfil what He has spoken to them. This serves as a reminder to the Israelites that their future blessings and success are rooted in God’s promises, not in their own strength or abilities.
Application for Believers:While this verse was specifically addressed to the Israelites, we can draw some timeless principles from it. Firstly, it reminds us of God’s faithfulness to His promises. Just as He was faithful to the Israelites, He remains faithful to His followers today. Secondly, it encourages us to trust in God’s provision and blessing. We can bring our needs and desires before God, knowing that He is able to multiply and bless us according to His will. Finally, it emphasises the importance of recognising and acknowledging God’s faithfulness in our lives, as Moses did.
In summary, Deuteronomy 1:11 expresses Moses’ prayer for God’s multiplication and blessing upon the Israelites as they enter the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His promises and encourages us to trust in His provision and acknowledge His faithfulness in our own lives.
