The Church Fathers on this verse

Deuteronomy 11:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And your hay out of the fields to feed your cattle, and that you may eat and be filled.

Douay-Rheims

וְנָתַתִּ֛י עֵ֥שֶׂב בְּשָׂדְךָ֖ לִבְהֶמְתֶּ֑ךָ וְאָכַלְתָּ֖ וְשָׂבָֽעְתָּ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

Heavenly and spiritual comfort, much like nourishing rain, revitalizes the soul of the righteous, transforming it into a bountiful and fruitful landscape. This joy arises from its ability to yield a diverse and unfailing harvest of holiness before God, while peace envelops it, ensuring continuous prosperity. Paul expresses this when he states, “and the peace of God, which is above all understanding, shall keep your hearts and your thoughts” (Philippians 4:7). Consequently, one who has received such gifts from God will live a life marked by tranquility, as the adversary will retreat; all resistance will crumble, the devil's attempts will be futile, and every fear will be easily dispelled.

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A similar declaration is found in Deuteronomy, where the Lawgiver slightly modifies his message: “If you will hearken to my commandments which I command you today, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, I will give your land rain in due season, early and late; and you shall gather your bread, and your wine, and your oil; and I will give grass in your field for your cattle, and you shall eat and be filled” (Deuteronomy 11:13-15). Therefore, adherence to the law will cultivate within our souls the discipline and organization needed to fulfill God's will, while the pursuit of the promised blessings will render the endeavors of virtue more manageable.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.