Deuteronomy 6:10

And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,

Deuteronomy 6:10 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to Moses’ instructions to the Israelites as they stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land. It is spoken as part of the covenantal renewal that prepares the people for life in Canaan, the land that God had promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The Promised Land, Canaan, was the specific inheritance promised to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and now to their offspring. The wording of the verse reminds the Israelites that the very land they were about to possess was the fulfillment of a covenant spoken long before their birth.

Meaning

Throughout Scripture we see God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises, even during the long wilderness wanderings. This promise-keeping is highlighted here: the Lord will bring the people into a land “great and goodly” that they themselves have not built. The cities will already stand, with walls, markets, and infrastructure, demonstrating God’s gracious provision and the blessings He intends to pour out on His people.

The verse emphasizes that the land and its cities are gifts from God, given freely and without merit on Israel’s part. The phrase “which thou buildedst not” underscores that the people did not earn these blessings; they are the result of divine favor and covenant faithfulness.

Application

The passage therefore carries a clear call to gratitude and stewardship. The Israelites were to recognize that these cities were gifts from God, not the result of their own labor, and to use them wisely for His purposes. Their responsibility was to honor the Lord by managing the land, the cities, and the resources entrusted to them with reverence and thankfulness.

Although the historical setting is ancient Israel, the principles apply today. Believers are likewise invited to acknowledge God’s faithfulness and provision in their own lives, to be grateful for blessings that they did not earn, and to steward those gifts responsibly for the glory of God.

Reflection

Consider the “great and goodly” gifts God has placed in your life—relationships, opportunities, resources, and spiritual blessings. Each one is a token of His covenant love, calling for a response of humble thanksgiving and faithful stewardship.