Definition: 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,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 6:10. It’s a really important and foundational part of the Old Testament, and it speaks about our relationship with God and how we should live. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God has already promised to bless you and give you good things. He's promising to bring you to a specific land – the land of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the founders of the Jewish people). And it specifically promises that you will build great and good cities in this land. Let’s unpack it further: “When the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers…” – This is a big, dramatic statement. "Sware unto" means to promise or swear. God is saying that He already promised this land to your ancestors (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). Think of it like a deal he made long ago. “to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob…” – These are the key people who founded the Jewish nation and are considered the original founders of the community. They were the first ones chosen by God to inherit this land. “…to give thee great and goodly cities…” – This is where it gets exciting! God promises that you will build these cities. He’s saying you have a responsibility to create beautiful, prosperous places for yourself and your community. “Great” and “goodly” emphasize the scale and purpose of these cities. The Significance: This verse isn't just about building houses; it’s about: Trusting in God: It’s a reminder that we shouldn't rely on our own efforts to succeed. God is working behind the scenes, providing for us. Responsibility: It puts the responsibility of creating a good life – a place to live and thrive – squarely on your shoulders. Following God’s Plan: This verse emphasizes that we are meant to live in accordance with God's will and create a blessed future. In short, Deuteronomy 6:10 is a call to recognize God's favor and to actively work to make this land – and your life within it – blessed. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Relate it to a story or example?