Deuteronomy 1:18

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

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

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

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

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

Context of Deuteronomy 1:18

Deuteronomy 1:18 is part of Moses' grand address to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they are to enter the Promised Land. This book serves as a powerful reminder and restatement of God's law and His faithfulness, recounted by Moses himself. In this specific verse, Moses is reflecting on events that occurred earlier in their wilderness journey, particularly the period after the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.

The "at that time" refers to the establishment of judicial systems and the delegation of authority, as Moses found the burden of judging all the disputes of the vast Israelite population too great. This echoes the counsel given to Moses by his father-in-law, Jethro, to appoint capable leaders to assist him in judging the people, bringing only the most difficult cases to him directly. Thus, Moses "commanded" the people through these appointed leaders, ensuring order and justice.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Delegation: While Moses was the direct recipient of God's commands, this verse highlights his role in implementing and communicating those commands to the people, often through delegated authority. It underscores the principle of leadership within the community.
  • Comprehensive Guidance: The phrase "all the things which ye should do" emphasizes that God's law was not partial but comprehensive, covering every aspect of Israelite life—social, moral, civil, and religious. It provided a complete framework for living in covenant with God.
  • Obedience and Responsibility: The command implies an expectation of obedience. The Israelites were not merely passive recipients of divine instruction but were responsible for actively "doing" what was commanded. This active obedience was crucial for their well-being and success in the land they were about to inherit.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "commanded" is tsavah (צָוָה), which signifies a strong, authoritative directive. It implies a binding obligation and a clear expectation of adherence. It's not merely a suggestion but an imperative from a position of authority. The verb "do" (עָשָׂה, asah) points to practical action and implementation, reinforcing that God's instructions were meant to be lived out, not just heard or known.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 1:18 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that God's will for His people is comprehensive and provides guidance for all areas of life. Just as the Israelites were given commands for their flourishing, so too does God's Word offer principles for righteous living in the modern world. Secondly, it highlights the importance of leadership and the orderly administration of justice within a community, whether secular or spiritual. Leaders are entrusted with communicating and upholding divine principles. Finally, the verse is a call to active obedience. It is not enough to know God's commands; we are called to actively "do" them, recognizing that true love for God is demonstrated through keeping His commandments. This obedience is the path to blessing and a life that honors Him, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 28:1 and following.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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