For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;

DEUTERONOMY 8:7KJV
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Deuteronomy 8:7 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 8:7 mean?

Deuteronomy 8:7 describes how the LORD your God is bringing the Israelites into a good land, one that is rich with water sources like brooks, fountains, and deep springs flowing out of valleys and hills. The verse emphasizes the abundance and quality of the land that God is providing for them.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the land promised to their ancestors. He is reminding them that the land they are about to receive is not barren or dry, but full of natural resources and life. This sets the stage for understanding God’s care and provision as the people move from the wilderness into a new chapter.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 8:7

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, highlighting His covenant relationship with Israel and His faithfulness in fulfilling promises.
  • "good" (טוֹב, tov): This word means not just morally good, but also pleasant, beneficial, and desirable. It stresses the quality and richness of the land.
  • "brooks" (נַחַל, nachal): This refers to flowing streams or wadis, pointing to a landscape with reliable water, which was especially valuable in the ancient Near East.
  • "fountains" (עַיִן, ayin): Literally meaning "eye," this word is used for natural springs, suggesting sources of fresh, living water.
  • "depths" (תְּהוֹם, tehom): This word often refers to the deep waters or underground springs, indicating that water in the land comes from both surface and hidden sources.

Why Deuteronomy 8:7 matters

  • Deuteronomy 8:7 clears up any idea that the promised land was just an ordinary place; it was described as exceptionally fertile and well-watered, a major promise for people coming from desert wanderings.
  • The verse highlights God’s generosity and attention to the needs of His people, showing that He provides not just enough, but abundance.
  • This description connects to the larger theme of Deuteronomy 8, where Moses urges the people to remember God’s goodness and not take the blessings of the land for granted.

Where else these words appear

“valleys” Hebrew H1237 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:22 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.
  • Ezekiel 3:22 And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.

“depths” Hebrew H8415 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Psalms 33:7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
  • Proverbs 3:20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

“brooks” Hebrew H5158 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 26:17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
  • Judges 5:21 The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
  • Job 28:4 The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.