Deuteronomy 23:6
Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.
Deuteronomy 23:6
This verse admonishes the people not to seek the peace or prosperity of Amorites or Moabites forever. It parallels the earlier verse about Balaam and reflects ongoing caution about alliances with neighboring nations who opposed Israel. The instruction is tied to the covenant identity and the need for Israel to remain distinct to fulfill its mission. The call is not to harbor hostility forever, but to prioritize fidelity to God over political expediency.
The verse underscores the primacy of obedience to God over immediate political or economic gain. It raises enduring questions about loyalty, trust, and who shapes a community’s trajectory. It also sets up the boundary conditions for relationships with nations that have opposed God’s people, emphasizing covenant fidelity.
Today, the principle can translate into prudent engagement with nations or groups that oppose moral values or that threaten the community’s integrity. The guidance encourages discernment, cautious collaboration, and prioritizing communal integrity over short-term gains. Practical steps include evaluating alliances, ensuring alignment with core values, and cultivating godly motives in all external relationships.
Cross-References: Psalm 118:87-88; Proverbs 25:19; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18