Exodus 13:5
And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.
Exodus 13:5 · King James Version
Meaning
When the LORD brings the Israelites into the promised land of Canaan, He instructs them to commemorate this event by keeping a special service in the designated month. This service is a reminder of the covenant God made with their ancestors, promising to give them a land flowing with milk and honey. The land of Canaan was inhabited by various tribes, including the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites, and Jebusites, whom the Israelites were to drive out. The phrase "land flowing with milk and honey" symbolizes abundance and prosperity, indicating that God's promise to provide for His people would be fulfilled in this new land. By observing this service, the Israelites are reminded of God's faithfulness and their part in fulfilling His plan for them in the promised land.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from Exodus 13:5 focuses on the idea of the promised land as a place of abundance and blessing from the Lord. The mention of the various groups inhabiting the land symbolizes the challenges that the Israelites will face, but also underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling his promises to their ancestors. The land flowing with milk and honey signifies prosperity and richness, emphasizing the goodness of God's provision for his people. The command to keep the service in a specific month serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and remembrance of God's faithfulness in leading them to the promised land. In studying the words used in this verse, the names of the different inhabitants can provide further insights into the historical context and geographical significance of the Israelites' journey to the promised land. Overall, this verse highlights the themes of faith, obedience, and God's faithfulness in fulfilling his promises to his people.
Exodus 13:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
And it shall be, when Jehovah shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Amorite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.
World English Bible
It shall be, when Yahweh shall bring you into the land of the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Amorite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep this service in this month.
Douay-Rheims
And when the Lord shall have brought thee into the land of the Chanaanite, and the Hethite, and the Amorrhite, and the Hevite, and the Jebusite, which he swore to thy fathers that he would give thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey, thou shalt celebrate this manner of sacred rites in this month.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Now when the Lord hath brought thee into the land of the Canaanites, and Hittites, and Amorites, and Hiuites, and Iebusites (which he sware vnto thy fathers, that he woulde giue thee, a land flowing with milke and honie) then thou shalt keepe this seruice in this moneth.