Deuteronomy 1:18

KJV

And I commanded you at that time all the things which ye should do.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I commanded {H6680} you at that time {H6256} all the things {H1697} which ye should do {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I also gave you orders at that time concerning all the things you were to do.

Berean Standard Bible

And at that time I commanded you all the things you were to do.

American Standard Version

And I commanded you at that time all the things which ye should do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:18 serves as Moses' authoritative recapitulation to the new generation of Israelites, reminding them of the comprehensive divine instructions given "at that time" concerning their conduct and the establishment of a just societal order. Situated within Moses' opening address on the plains of Moab, this verse underscores the foundational importance of God's commands for the covenant community, emphasizing that His will encompasses all aspects of their lives and requires active obedience for their flourishing as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 1:18 is situated within the opening address of Moses, serving as a powerful retrospective on Israel's journey from Horeb (Sinai) to the plains of Moab. Specifically, verses 9-18 detail Moses' account of establishing a comprehensive judicial system, a necessary measure due to the overwhelming burden of judging every dispute among the vast Israelite population. This delegation of authority, initially prompted by Jethro's counsel in [Exodus 18](/exodus/18 "Exodus 18 - Jethro's Counsel to Moses"), highlights the practical implementation of divine law and the establishment of an orderly system of justice within the nascent nation. Moses' command in verse 18 acts as a summary statement, affirming that the entire framework of their societal and spiritual life was divinely ordained and comprehensively communicated. This sets the stage for the subsequent detailed restatement of the Law throughout the book, emphasizing that the principles of governance and obedience were established early in their journey, forming the bedrock for their life in the land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the precipice of entering the Promised Land, forty years after their exodus from Egypt and the initial giving of the Law at Mount Sinai (Horeb). This new generation, many of whom had not personally experienced the awe-inspiring events at Sinai, needed to be re-educated and recommitted to the covenant. The phrase "at that time" specifically refers to the period shortly after Sinai, when the sheer volume of legal disputes necessitated a more structured judicial system, as described in [Deuteronomy 1:9-17](/deuteronomy/1-9-17 "Deuteronomy 1:9-17 - Moses Appoints Judges"). Culturally, ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, relied heavily on oral transmission and the authority of their leaders for the maintenance of social order and the administration of justice. The concept of a comprehensive law, covering civil, moral, and religious spheres, was central to Israel's identity as God's chosen people, distinguishing them from surrounding nations. Geographically, being on the plains of Moab meant they were in a transitional space, physically and spiritually preparing for a new phase of their national existence in Canaan.

* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 1:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Deuteronomy. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Authority and Comprehensive Law**, demonstrating that God's commands are not piecemeal but provide a holistic framework for life, encompassing everything the people "should do." This comprehensive guidance is foundational for their success and well-being in the land, as reiterated throughout the book (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:1-3](/deuteronomy/6-1-3 "Deuteronomy 6:1-3 - Hear, O Israel, and Observe to Do")). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Leadership and Delegation**, as Moses, the primary mediator of God's law, establishes a system of delegated authority to ensure justice and order within the community, echoing the wisdom found in [Exodus 18:13-27](/exodus/18-13-27 "Exodus 18:13-27 - Moses Delegates Judges"). Thirdly, and perhaps most crucially, it highlights the theme of **Obedience and Responsibility**. The phrase "all the things which ye should do" is an implicit call to active obedience, emphasizing that the Israelites were not merely passive recipients of instruction but active participants responsible for implementing God's will. This active "doing" is presented throughout Deuteronomy as the pathway to blessing and covenant faithfulness, as powerfully articulated in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Hebrew, צָוָה, _tsavah'_):** This verb signifies a strong, authoritative directive, an imperative issued from a position of power and demanding strict adherence. It is not a suggestion or a request but a binding obligation. In the context of divine commands, *tsavah* conveys the absolute authority of God, mediated through Moses, and the non-negotiable nature of His will for His people. It implies both the right to command and the expectation of full compliance, often used for divine or royal decrees.
* **At that time (Hebrew, עֵת, _ʻêth'_):** While the KJV translates "at that time" as a phrase, the core Hebrew word is *ʻêth*, meaning "time" or "season." This temporal phrase serves as a specific historical marker, pointing back to a particular period in Israel's wilderness journey. In Deuteronomy 1, it specifically refers to the events described in [Exodus 18](/exodus/18 "Exodus 18 - Jethro's Advice and Delegation of Judges"), where Moses, overwhelmed by the judicial burden, established a system of delegated judges. This phrase grounds Moses' retrospective account in a concrete historical reality, reminding the new generation of the origins of their legal and administrative structures.
* **Do (Hebrew, עָשָׂה, _ʻâsâh'_):** This primitive root means "to do or make," encompassing a broad range of actions, including accomplishing, performing, or carrying out. When paired with "commanded," it emphasizes that God's instructions are not merely for intellectual assent or theoretical understanding but are intended for practical implementation in daily life. The "doing" signifies active obedience, transforming divine precepts into lived reality, which is a recurring and central emphasis throughout Deuteronomy, linking obedience directly to blessing and covenant faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I commanded you":** This opening clause establishes Moses' direct role as the authoritative mediator of God's will. Although the ultimate source of the commands is God, Moses is the one who delivers and enforces them. This highlights his unique position as leader and prophet, entrusted with communicating divine expectations to the entire community. It underscores the concept of delegated authority, where Moses, in turn, delegates to others, but the ultimate command flows through him, originating from God Himself.
* **"at that time":** This phrase serves as a crucial historical anchor, directing the audience's memory to a specific moment in their past. As established in the literary context, it refers to the period shortly after the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, when the practical challenges of governing a vast multitude necessitated the establishment of a judicial system through the appointment of judges and officers (as detailed in [Deuteronomy 1:9-17](/deuteronomy/1-9-17 "Deuteronomy 1:9-17 - Appointment of Judges")). This is not a vague reference but a precise recall of a foundational organizational event that shaped the structure of the Israelite community.
* **"all the things which ye should do":** This comprehensive phrase emphasizes the holistic and pervasive nature of God's law. It signifies that divine instruction was not limited to a few religious rituals but extended to every facet of Israelite life—moral conduct, social justice, civil administration, and religious practice. The phrase implies that God's commands provided a complete framework for their existence, leaving no aspect untouched. The imperative "should do" underscores the expectation of active obedience and responsibility on the part of the people, highlighting that their covenant relationship demanded practical outworking of God's revealed will.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:18 effectively employs **Retrospection**, as Moses looks back to a foundational moment in Israel's history to remind the new generation of the origins of their legal and administrative structures. This backward glance serves to legitimize the comprehensive nature of the law he is about to restate and to impress upon them the continuity of God's covenant demands. There is also a strong element of **Emphasis** through the phrase "all the things which ye should do," highlighting the totality and pervasive reach of God's commands. This emphasis sets the tone for the entire book of Deuteronomy, which is essentially a detailed exposition of these "things," demonstrating that God's will is comprehensive and applies to every sphere of life. Furthermore, the verse functions as a concise **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the essence of Moses' earlier actions in establishing order and conveying divine directives, preparing the audience for the detailed review of the Law that follows. The use of "I commanded" also reinforces Moses' **Authority** as the divinely appointed leader and mediator, underscoring the binding nature of his words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:18 is deeply rooted in the theological understanding of God as a God of order, justice, and comprehensive revelation. It establishes that divine commands are not arbitrary but are given for the well-being and flourishing of His covenant people, covering every aspect of their lives. The delegation of authority, implied by the "commanded... all the things," reflects God's wisdom in establishing human structures for the administration of His justice and the maintenance of societal harmony. This verse underscores the foundational principle that obedience to God's revealed will is paramount for a people in covenant relationship with Him, serving as a constant reminder that faith is demonstrated through action. It speaks to the holistic nature of God's demands, where spiritual devotion cannot be separated from ethical conduct and social responsibility.

* [Exodus 18:20](/exodus/18-20 "Exodus 18:20 - Jethro's Advice to Teach the Statutes and Laws")
* [Leviticus 26:3](/leviticus/26-3 "Leviticus 26:3 - Blessings for Obedience to God's Statutes")
* [Deuteronomy 5:32](/deuteronomy/5-32 "Deuteronomy 5:32 - Walk in All the Way Commanded")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 1:18 serves as a profound reminder that God's will for His people is comprehensive and practical, not merely theoretical. Just as Moses commanded "all the things" for Israel's flourishing in the Promised Land, so too does God's Word provide exhaustive guidance for believers today, addressing every sphere of life—from personal ethics to community interaction, from worship to justice. This verse challenges us to consider the breadth of God's commands and our willingness to embrace them fully, not selectively. It calls us to active obedience, recognizing that true faith is demonstrated not just by hearing but by "doing." Furthermore, it highlights the importance of wise leadership and the establishment of just systems within our communities and churches, ensuring that God's principles are upheld and communicated effectively. Our obedience is not a burden but a pathway to blessing, reflecting our love for God and our trust in His perfect wisdom for our lives, leading to a life that honors Him in every detail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to compartmentalize God's commands, rather than embracing them as "all the things which ye should do"?**
* **How does the comprehensive nature of God's law, as seen in this verse, shape my understanding of Christian discipleship and daily living?**
* **What role do I play, or how can I contribute, to upholding and communicating God's principles of justice and order within my sphere of influence, whether at home, work, or church?**
* **How does my "doing" of God's commands reflect my love and trust in Him, as opposed to mere obligation or a desire for personal gain?**

### FAQ
**What does "at that time" refer to in Deuteronomy 1:18?**

Answer: The phrase "at that time" specifically refers to the period shortly after the Israelites departed from Mount Sinai (Horeb), where they received the Law. Moses is recounting the events described in [Exodus 18](/exodus/18 "Exodus 18 - Jethro's Advice to Moses"), where, overwhelmed by the immense burden of judging all the disputes of the people, he received counsel from his father-in-law, Jethro, to appoint capable men as judges over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. These appointed leaders would handle the everyday cases, bringing only the most difficult matters to Moses. Thus, "at that time" signifies the establishment of this crucial judicial and administrative system, through which Moses effectively "commanded" the people by delegating authority and ensuring the comprehensive application of God's laws, setting the stage for the detailed instructions that follow in Deuteronomy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 1:18, with its emphasis on Moses commanding "all the things which ye should do," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Moses was the mediator of the Old Covenant law, Jesus is the divine Lawgiver and the perfect embodiment of all that God commanded. He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, as He declared in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"). Where Israel struggled to obey "all the things," Christ perfectly lived out every command, fulfilling the righteousness required by God on our behalf. Furthermore, Jesus Himself issues new commands, such as the command to "love one another, just as I have loved you" in [John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - The New Commandment"), and the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"). Through His atoning sacrifice, He enables believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to truly "do" God's will, transforming obedience from a burdensome obligation into a joyful response of love and gratitude ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Us")). The comprehensive guidance Moses gave finds its spiritual reality in Christ, who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom and Righteousness")). He is the one who perfectly demonstrates and empowers the "doing" of God's will, leading us into true life and flourishing in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 20:20

[And] how I kept back nothing that was profitable [unto you], but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Deuteronomy 12:28

Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest [that which is] good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God.

Acts 20:27

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Deuteronomy 4:5

Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.

Deuteronomy 12:32

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Deuteronomy 4:40

Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.