(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.
Observe diligently the mitzvot of ADONAI your God, and his instructions and laws which he has given you.
You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has given you.
Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of Jehovah your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.
Ye shall diligently{H8104} keep{H8104} the commandments{H4687} of the LORD{H3068} your God{H430}, and his testimonies{H5713}, and his statutes{H2706}, which he hath commanded{H6680} thee.
Deuteronomy 6:17 is part of a larger discourse in the book of Deuteronomy, which is the fifth book in the Pentateuch, the foundational texts of the Hebrew Bible. This verse is situated within a section often referred to as the Shema, which includes Deuteronomy 6:4-9, a central prayer in Judaism that emphasizes the oneness of God and the requirement to love Him wholeheartedly. The broader context of Deuteronomy is Moses' final address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land, reiterating the law and covenant that God established with them.
The verse itself, Deuteronomy 6:17, encapsulates a key theme of the book: the imperative for the Israelites to observe God's commandments meticulously. The text emphasizes a commitment to three aspects of divine instruction: the commandments, the testimonies, and the statutes. These encompass the moral, ceremonial, and civil laws that God has given to His people. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of religious and moral discipline, urging the Israelites to remain faithful to God's covenant.
In the historical context, this verse would have been particularly relevant as the Israelites stood on the brink of entering Canaan, a land with diverse cultures and religious practices. The exhortation to keep God's commandments diligently would have been a safeguard against assimilation and a means of maintaining their unique identity as God's chosen people. The call to obedience is not merely a legalistic demand but a response of love and faithfulness to the God who delivered them from Egypt and established a covenant with them at Sinai.
In summary, Deuteronomy 6:17 underscores the necessity for the Israelites to be vigilant in their adherence to God's laws, which is both a reflection of their commitment to God and a means of preserving their religious and national identity as they prepare to inhabit the Promised Land. This verse reflects the broader themes of Deuteronomy, which include covenant faithfulness, the importance of divine instruction, and the call to a holy and distinct life.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)