“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.”
Historical Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and part of the Pentateuch, attributed to Moses. It is essentially Moses’ final address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this verse, Moses reminds the Israelites that they are about to possess the land not because of their own righteousness, but because of God’s faithfulness to His covenant with their forefathers.
God’s Sovereign Grace:The verse emphasizes that the Israelites did not merit the Promised Land through their own righteousness. They were a “stiffnecked people,” meaning they were stubborn and rebellious, often turning away from God and breaking His commandments. Despite their shortcomings, God chose to fulfill His promise to their ancestors and give them the land as an act of His grace and faithfulness.
The Role of Righteousness:While the Israelites’ possession of the land was not based on their righteousness, it does not negate the importance of righteousness in their relationship with God. Throughout Deuteronomy, Moses emphasizes the importance of obeying God’s commandments and living according to His laws. Though they were not righteous in themselves, they were called to strive for righteousness and holiness as a response to God’s grace and love.
A Warning against Pride:The verse also serves as a warning to the Israelites against pride and self-righteousness. It was crucial for them to recognize that they were not receiving the land due to their own merit. Pride can lead to complacency and a lack of dependence on God. By acknowledging their own inadequacies, they would be more likely to rely on God and follow His guidance.
Application Today:Deuteronomy 9:6 teaches us several valuable lessons.
- First, it reminds us that our blessings and achievements are not always a result of our own righteousness, but often God’s grace and faithfulness. We should approach our blessings with humility and gratitude, recognizing that we do not deserve them.
- Second, it emphasizes the importance of striving for righteousness and obedience to God’s commandments. Though our righteousness does not earn us salvation or God’s favor, it is a response to His love and grace. We are called to live holy lives, seeking to align ourselves with God’s will.
- Lastly, the verse warns us against pride and self-righteousness. We should guard against thinking that we are inherently better than others or deserving of God’s blessings because of our own merit. Instead, we should cultivate a spirit of humility, acknowledging our need for God’s guidance and grace in every aspect of our lives.
In summary, Deuteronomy 9:6 reminds us of God’s sovereign grace, the importance of righteousness as a response to His love, and the dangers of pride and self-righteousness. It encourages us to approach our blessings with humility, live obedient lives, and depend on God’s guidance rather than relying on our own strength.
