Deuteronomy 15:6

When the LORD your God blesses you as He has promised, you will lend to many nations but borrow from none; you will rule over many nations but be ruled by none.

Study Bible

When the LORD your God blesses you as He has promised
This phrase emphasizes the conditional nature of God's blessings, which are contingent upon Israel's obedience to His commandments. The promise of blessing is rooted in the covenant relationship established between God and the Israelites, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. The blessings are not just material but encompass peace, prosperity, and divine favor. The historical context is the Mosaic Covenant, where God promises to bless Israel if they follow His laws. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His promises, as seen in Genesis 12:2-3 with Abraham.

you will lend to many nations but borrow from none
This phrase indicates economic prosperity and stability, a sign of God's favor. Lending to other nations implies a position of strength and abundance, while not needing to borrow suggests self-sufficiency. In the ancient Near Eastern context, nations often borrowed to sustain themselves during difficult times, so this promise highlights Israel's potential to be a leading economic power. This can be seen as a type of the spiritual abundance found in Christ, where believers are called to be generous and not spiritually indebted to the world (Romans 13:8).

you will rule over many nations but be ruled by none
This promise of political dominance and autonomy is significant in the context of Israel's history, where they were often subject to foreign powers. The idea of ruling over nations aligns with the Abrahamic promise of being a blessing to all nations (Genesis 22:17-18). It also foreshadows the messianic kingdom, where Christ, the ultimate ruler, will reign supreme (Revelation 11:15). The historical fulfillment of this can be seen during the reigns of David and Solomon, when Israel experienced a period of unprecedented peace and influence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promises blessings to His people.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, recipients of the covenant promises, including the promise of prosperity and dominion.

3. Nations
Refers to the surrounding peoples and countries that Israel would interact with, highlighting their role as lenders and rulers.

4. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, where these blessings would be realized.

5. Moses
The leader and prophet who delivered God's laws and promises to the Israelites, including this promise of blessing.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness in Provision
Trust in God's promises as He is faithful to provide for His people, just as He promised to bless Israel.

Financial Stewardship and Responsibility
Embrace the principle of lending rather than borrowing, reflecting wise stewardship and reliance on God's provision.

Spiritual Authority and Influence
Recognize that God's blessings are not just material but also include spiritual authority and influence over others.

Covenant Relationship with God
Understand that blessings are tied to obedience and relationship with God, as seen in the covenant context of Deuteronomy.

Living as a Light to the Nations
Use the blessings and influence God provides to be a testimony to others, pointing them to God's goodness and sovereignty.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the promise in Deuteronomy 15:6 reflect God's covenant relationship with Israel, and what does this teach us about His character?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of being lenders rather than borrowers in our personal financial practices today?

3. How does the concept of ruling over nations relate to the spiritual authority believers have in Christ?

4. What are some practical ways we can live out the blessings God has given us to influence and serve others?

5. How do the themes of provision and blessing in Deuteronomy 15:6 connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about seeking God's kingdom first?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 25
Discusses the Year of Jubilee, which includes themes of debt release and economic reset, reflecting God's provision and care for His people.

Proverbs 22:7
Highlights the principle that the borrower is servant to the lender, underscoring the freedom and authority promised to Israel in Deuteronomy 15:6.

Romans 13:8
Encourages believers to owe nothing except love, connecting the idea of financial freedom with spiritual obligations.

Matthew 6:33
Jesus teaches about seeking God's kingdom first, which aligns with the promise of blessings when Israel follows God's commands.

Philippians 4:19
Assures believers of God's provision, echoing the promise of blessing and sufficiency found in Deuteronomy 15:6.