Deuteronomy 1:20 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 1:20 mean?

Deuteronomy 1:20 describes Moses telling the Israelites that they have arrived at the mountain region of the Amorites, a land that the LORD their God is giving to them. This verse marks a key moment where Moses reminds the people that God has brought them to the edge of the land He promised.

Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they stand near the border of Canaan, recounting the events leading up to their entry. The "mountain of the Amorites" refers to the hill country inhabited by the Amorite people. By saying the land is given by "the LORD our God," Moses emphasizes that this is not just a military campaign, but the fulfillment of God's promise to their ancestors.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 1:20

• "said" (אָמַר, amar): This word is often used for direct speech in the Hebrew Bible, showing Moses is personally addressing the people, not just narrating events.
• "mountain" (הַר, har): In this context, "mountain" refers to a hilly region, not just a single peak, highlighting the broad territory of the Amorites.
• "Amorites" (אֱמֹרִי, Emori): The Amorites were a significant group living in Canaan, so mentioning them sets the stage for the challenges Israel would face.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) and "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): Using both names together stresses both God's personal relationship with Israel (YHWH) and His power as the Creator (Elohim).
• "give" (נָתַן, natan): This word means to hand over or grant, underlining that the land is a gift from God, not just something to be taken by force.

Why Deuteronomy 1:20 matters

• This verse clarifies that Israel's journey was not random wandering but a purposeful movement toward a land God intended for them.
• The mention of the Amorites and the land as a gift from God sets up the tension between God's promise and the obstacles the people will face, which is a major theme in Deuteronomy.
• By reminding the people that God is the one giving the land, Moses is encouraging trust in God's faithfulness, which becomes important as the narrative unfolds and the people face fear and doubt.