Deuteronomy 1:14

Letters to the Faithful - Deuteronomy 1:14

Berean Standard Bible

And you answered me and said, “What you propose to do is good.”

King James Bible

And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do.

Hebrew Text:

וַֽתַּעֲנ֖וּ אֹתִ֑י וַתֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ טֹֽוב־הַדָּבָ֥ר אֲשֶׁר־דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ לַעֲשֹֽׂות׃

Transliteration:

Vatta'anu oti vattomru tov-hadavar asher dibarta la'asot.

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And you answered me and said,

This phrase reflects the response of the Israelites to Moses' proposal. It highlights the communal decision-making process among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The context is Moses recounting the events at Horeb, where he suggested appointing leaders to help him judge the people (Deuteronomy 1:9-13). This response indicates a collective agreement, showing the unity and willingness of the people to follow Moses' leadership. It also underscores the importance of communication and agreement in leadership and governance, a principle seen throughout the Bible, such as in Acts 6:1-7, where the early church chose deacons to assist the apostles.

“What you propose to do is good.”

The Israelites' affirmation of Moses' plan demonstrates their trust in his leadership and wisdom. The proposal involved appointing wise, understanding, and respected men as leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to help manage the people's disputes and daily affairs. This system of delegation is a practical application of Jethro's advice to Moses in Exodus 18:17-23, where Jethro suggested a similar structure to prevent Moses from becoming overwhelmed. The phrase also reflects a biblical principle of shared leadership and the distribution of responsibilities, which is echoed in the New Testament, such as in 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul discusses the diversity of gifts and roles within the body of Christ. This system not only provided practical governance but also foreshadowed the establishment of organized leadership within the church.

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And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do (Deuteronomy 1:14). This verse, set within the recounting of Israel’s wilderness journey, captures a pivotal moment of communal assent, wherein the people of Israel respond with unity and affirmation to Moses’ proposal for appointing wise and discerning leaders. Spoken as part of Moses’ retrospective address to the second generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, these words reflect both the historical fidelity of the covenant community and the divine wisdom that undergirds their governance. The verse, though brief, reverberates with theological significance, illuminating themes of obedience, divine order, and the shared responsibility of God’s people in fulfilling His purposes as they stand on the cusp of entering the Promised Land.

In the broader context of Deuteronomy 1, Moses recounts the events following Israel’s exodus from Egypt, particularly the organizational measures taken to govern the burgeoning nation. The preceding verses describe Moses’ recognition of his own limitations in bearing the burden of leading so numerous a people, prompting his suggestion to appoint leaders from among the tribes—men of wisdom, understanding, and repute—to assist in judging and guiding the community. This proposal, rooted in the earlier counsel of Jethro in Exodus 18, is not merely administrative but covenantal, reflecting God’s desire for order and justice within His chosen people. The people’s response in Deuteronomy 1:14, “The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do,” signifies their collective agreement to this divinely inspired structure, a moment of harmony that contrasts sharply with the rebellion and murmuring that would later mark their wilderness sojourn.

The people’s affirmation carries profound implications for understanding the nature of Israel’s covenant relationship with God. Their response is not a passive acquiescence but an active endorsement, demonstrating a willingness to align with the leadership structure proposed by Moses, who speaks as God’s mouthpiece. The term “good” in their reply echoes the language of creation in Genesis, where God declares His works “good,” suggesting that the people recognize the inherent righteousness and wisdom in Moses’ plan. This moment of unity reflects the ideal of Israel as a covenant community, called to walk in obedience and trust in the structures God establishes for their flourishing. The phrase “for us to do” further underscores their agency, indicating that the people accept not only the proposal but also their role in implementing it, sharing in the responsibility of governance under God’s authority.

Theologically, Deuteronomy 1:14 underscores the principle of divine-human partnership in the outworking of God’s purposes. While Moses’ proposal originates from divine wisdom, its execution requires the consent and participation of the people. This cooperative dynamic prefigures the broader call of Deuteronomy to choose obedience to God’s commandments, as the nation prepares to inherit the land. The appointment of leaders, affirmed by the people, establishes a framework for justice and order, ensuring that the covenant community reflects the character of God, who is just and righteous. Moreover, the verse highlights the importance of communal discernment, as the people collectively recognize the goodness of the plan, suggesting a moment of spiritual clarity before the failures recounted later in the chapter, such as the refusal to enter the land due to fear of the giants.

The historical context of this verse also invites reflection on its placement within Moses’ address. Spoken to the second generation, who stand poised to enter Canaan after the demise of their rebellious forebears, Deuteronomy 1:14 serves as both a reminder and an exhortation. It recalls a time when their ancestors responded rightly, affirming God’s provision for leadership, and implicitly urges the new generation to emulate this obedience as they face the challenges of conquest and settlement. The verse thus functions as a narrative pivot, contrasting the early faithfulness of the people with their later disobedience, and calling the hearers to renew their commitment to God’s covenant as they prepare to cross the Jordan.

In a broader scriptural trajectory, Deuteronomy 1:14 foreshadows the New Testament’s emphasis on communal leadership and mutual submission within the body of Christ. The appointment of leaders, endorsed by the people, finds echoes in the selection of elders and deacons in the early church, where wisdom, discernment, and communal affirmation guide the establishment of godly governance. Furthermore, the verse points to the ultimate leadership of Christ, the true Moses, whose authority is affirmed by the confession of His people. The “good” that the Israelites affirm in Deuteronomy 1:14 finds its fulfillment in the goodness of God’s redemptive plan, where obedience to His appointed leaders culminates in submission to the King of kings, who leads His people into the eternal rest prefigured by the Promised Land.

In conclusion, Deuteronomy 1:14, though concise, is a profound testament to the covenantal fidelity of God and the responsive obedience of His people. The affirmation of Moses’ proposal reflects a moment of unity and discernment, establishing a paradigm for just governance and communal responsibility. As part of Moses’ exhortation to the second generation, it calls the hearers to emulate the faithfulness of their forebears in this instance, while warning against the failures that followed. Through this verse, we are invited to behold the wisdom of God, who ordains leadership for the flourishing of His people, and the privilege of the covenant community, called to participate actively in the outworking of His redemptive purposes.

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Beloved brethren and sisters in the faith, I greet you in the name of Him who sits upon the throne, before whom all creation bows, who reigns in righteousness and truth. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.

It is upon my heart, dear ones, to call your attention to the words of the Law, preserved through generations by the power of God, which instruct us still. For it is written: “And you answered me and said, ‘The thing which you have spoken to us to do is good.’” — Deuteronomy 1:14.

Though this verse may appear humble and plain in the sight of men, yet the Spirit speaks through it wisdom and counsel for the people of God in every age. Let us therefore incline our ears to hear and our hearts to understand, that we might walk in obedience and in the fear of the Lord.

In the days of old, when the children of Israel stood at the threshold of the land of promise, Moses, the servant of the Lord, recounted to them the way in which the Lord had led them and the statutes He had commanded. And when leadership was to be appointed among the tribes, the word of Moses was received with agreement: “The thing which you have spoken to us to do is good.”

Behold, how good it is when the people of God receive wise instruction with willing hearts. For the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and a teachable spirit is the mark of the righteous. In this agreement, the children of Israel displayed a readiness to be governed by counsel and order, and not by confusion or self-will.

Brethren, even so it is with the Church of Jesus Christ. We are called not unto disorder but unto peace; not to be scattered sheep without a shepherd, but to walk together in unity and in the bond of love. Therefore, when wise counsel is given according to the Word of God and by the Spirit, let us say with one voice: “The thing which you have spoken to us to do is good.”

For the Lord has appointed gifts within His body: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ. When such counsel proceeds from those whom God has set in place, and when it accords with sound doctrine, let the people of God give heed with readiness of mind.

But beware, beloved, lest pride or the spirit of rebellion enter your hearts. For there were those in Israel who, though they first agreed to do what was good, later hardened their hearts and turned aside from the commandments of the Lord. Learn from their example and walk humbly with your God, that you may inherit the blessing.

Consider this also: that unity in receiving godly instruction brings forth fruit in the life of the Church. Where brethren dwell together in unity, there the Lord commands the blessing, even life forevermore. Let the young be subject to the elders; let the elders shepherd the flock of God with gentleness and truth; let all be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Therefore, I exhort you, dearly beloved, to cultivate a heart that is quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Be eager to learn, to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. When the Word is preached in power and in truth, receive it not as the word of men, but as it truly is—the Word of God, which works effectually in those who believe.

Say in your hearts, and say with your mouths, even as they said of old: “The thing which you have spoken to us to do is good.” For it is good to obey the voice of the Lord; it is good to walk in His ways; it is good to keep His commandments. And if you do these things, you shall prosper in the land of the living, and your days shall be long in the presence of your God.

I write these things not as one who seeks to lord it over your faith, but as a fellow servant and laborer with you for your joy. For you stand firm in the faith, and it is my prayer that you may abound yet more and more in love and in every good work.

Now unto Him who is able to establish you according to the gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest—to the only wise God be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

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O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Everlasting Father and King of all the earth, we bow before You this day with humble hearts and uplifted hands, giving thanks to You who alone are worthy of all praise, glory, and honor. You who spoke the worlds into being, who governs the nations with justice and mercy, who remembers the covenant of Your love from generation to generation—we worship You.

For it is written in the book of the Law, through the mouth of Your servant Moses: “And you answered me and said, ‘The thing which you have spoken to us to do is good.’” O Lord, how blessed is the people whose God is the Lord, who delight to hear Your voice and who walk according to Your ways. In this simple assent of the heart, in this willingness to obey, we find the key to blessedness and peace. Grant us, O Lord, that same spirit of readiness, that we may say with sincerity and truth: “The thing which You have spoken to us to do is good.”

O Holy One of Israel, You have not left us without guidance; You have given us Your Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. You have given us the counsel of Your Spirit, who teaches us all things and brings to remembrance whatsoever You have commanded. You have set shepherds over Your flock, to feed and lead according to Your heart. May we, O Lord, receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save our souls.

Grant us a heart of humility, O God, that we may not resist Your wise instruction, nor murmur against Your appointed way. Let not pride, nor self-will, nor the deceitfulness of sin harden our hearts, but may we be as little children, quick to learn and eager to obey. For Your commandments are not burdensome; they are life and peace to all who walk in them.

As the children of Israel stood ready to appoint leaders among themselves according to Your word through Moses, so too, Lord, make us willing to walk in the order and counsel You have established in Your Church. Bless those whom You have called to lead; grant them wisdom from above—pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits. May they serve with gladness and with the fear of the Lord, not lording it over Your flock but being examples to the believers.

And may we, as the body of Christ, walk in unity of spirit and in the bond of peace. May we esteem highly in love those who labor among us and are over us in the Lord. May we submit to one another out of reverence for Christ, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity that honors Your great name.

Lord, we confess that often we are slow to obey, quick to question, hesitant to trust. Forgive us, we pray, for every time we have resisted Your Word or neglected Your counsel. Cleanse us anew by the blood of Jesus Christ. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us.

And now, Most Gracious Father, pour out upon us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You. Open the eyes of our hearts that we may know the hope to which You have called us, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints, and the immeasurable greatness of Your power toward us who believe.

Teach us, O Lord, to delight in Your ways, to say of all Your commands: “The thing which You have spoken to us to do is good.” Let us not turn to the right hand or to the left, but walk steadfastly upon the path You have set before us. And in every season—whether in the wilderness or in the land of promise—may we trust in Your faithful hand and give glory to Your name.

Strengthen the weak among us, O Lord; encourage the fainthearted; uphold the weary. Bring healing to the brokenhearted and comfort to those who mourn. Cause Your face to shine upon us and be gracious to us; lift up the light of Your countenance upon us and give us peace.

And when at last we stand before Your throne with the great multitude which no one can number, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, may we be found among those who have kept Your Word and loved Your name. There, with one voice, we shall forever say: “The thing which You have spoken to us to do is good.” And we shall give You praise forever and ever.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be glory in the Church and throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.