Deuteronomy 1:39
And as for your little ones, who you said would become a prey, and your children, who today have no knowledge of good or evil, they shall go in there. And to them I will give it, and they shall possess it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's so easy to miss is that God's promise of the land isn't invalidated by the parents' failure. Even though the adults forfeited the inheritance through their disbelief, God declares that their children, who were too young to participate in the rebellion and thus couldn't be held morally responsible, would be the ones to ultimately possess the land. This highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant, extending it even to the next generation.
After the people's fearful rebellion and God's judgment that their generation would not enter the Promised Land, Moses clarifies that their children, who lacked the understanding to participate in the rebellion, would indeed inherit the land. This stands in stark contrast to the parents' disbelief and fear, emphasizing that God's faithfulness to His promises would be fulfilled through the next generation.
Understand the original words
tov va-ra · Hebrew Noun Phrase
The state of moral innocence or immaturity; the inability to discern between right and wrong, often associated with childhood or lack of moral development.
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This verse speaks directly to the consequences of the previous generation's rebellion at Kadesh-barnea. God's judgment meant they wouldn't enter Canaan, but His faithfulness ensured their children, who had no part in the sin and were too young to be held responsible, would inherit the promise.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Leave Egypt
The Exodus from Egypt marks the beginning of Israel's journey toward the Promised Land.
c. 1445 BC
At Kadesh-barnea
The Israelites reach Kadesh-barnea, the gateway to Canaan, but refuse to enter due to fear.
c. 1445 BC— this verse
Spies Sent, Report of Fear
Twelve spies explore Canaan. Ten return with a fearful report, leading the people to rebel and declare their children would become 'prey'.
c. 1445 BC
God's Judgment: Wilderness Wandering
As punishment for their rebellion, God decrees that the entire generation that left Egypt (except Joshua and Caleb) will not enter the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Enters Canaan
After 40 years of wandering, the new generation, born in the wilderness and unburdened by the sin of their parents, finally enters and begins to possess the Promised Land.
gillDeuteronomy 1:39: "Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it."
Moreover, your little ones, which ye said should be a prey,.... To the Amorites, into whose hands they expected to be delivered, Deuteronomy 1:27 see Numbers 14:3 . and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil; not being at years…
pulpitDeuteronomy 1:39: "Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it."
Verse 39. - Only among the young of that generation should the inheritance be divided, as they had no part in the rebellion of their seniors. Your little ones; i.e. children beginning to walk (טַפ, from טָפַפ, to trip, to take short and quick steps). And your…
What's so easy to miss is that God's promise of the land isn't invalidated by the parents' failure. Even though the adults forfeited the inheritance through their disbelief, God declares that their children, who were too young to participate in the rebellion and thus couldn't be held morally responsible, would be the ones to ultimately possess the land. This highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant, extending it even to the next generation.
After the people's fearful rebellion and God's judgment that their generation would not enter the Promised Land, Moses clarifies that their children, who lacked the understanding to participate in the rebellion, would indeed inherit the land. This stands in stark contrast to the parents' disbelief and fear, emphasizing that God's faithfulness to His promises would be fulfilled through the next generation.
After the people's fearful rebellion and God's judgment that their generation would not enter the Promised Land, Moses clarifies that their children, who lacked the understanding to participate in the rebellion, would indeed inherit the land. This stands in stark contrast to the parents' disbelief and fear, emphasizing that God's faithfulness to His promises would be fulfilled through the next generation.
"And as for your little ones, who you said would become a prey, and your children, who today have no knowledge of good or evil, they shall go in there. And to them I will give it, and they shall possess it." — What's so easy to miss is that God's promise of the land isn't invalidated by the parents' failure. Even though the adults forfeited the inheritance through their disbelief, God declares that their c…
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