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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 11:1–7.
Because God has made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude (so the preceding chapter concludes), therefore thou shalt love the Lord thy God (so this begins). Those whom God has built up into families, whose beginning was small, but whose latter end greatly increases, should use that as an argument with themselves why they should serve God. Thou shalt keep his charge, that is, the oracles of his word and ordinances of his worship, with which they were entrusted and for which they were accountable. It is a phrase often used concerning the office of the priests and Levites, for all Israel was a kingdom of priests, a holy nation. Observe the connection of these two: Thou shalt love the Lord and keep his charge, since love will work in obedience, and that only is acceptable obedience which flows from a principle of love. Jo1 5:3.
Mention is made of the great and terrible works of God which their eyes had seen, Deu 11:7. This part of his discourse Moses addresses to the seniors among the people, the elders in age; and probably the elders in office were so, and were now his immediate auditors: there were some among them that could remember their deliverance out of Egypt, all above fifty, and to them he speaks this, not to the children, who knew it by hearsay only, Deu 11:2. Note, God's mercies to us when we were young we should remember and retain the impressions of when we are old; what our eyes have seen, especially in our early days, has affected us, and should be improved by us long after. They had seen what terrible judgments God had executed upon the enemies of Israel's peace, 1. Upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians that enslaved them. What a fine country was ruined and laid waste by one plague after another, to force Israel's enlargement! Deu 11:3. What a fine army was entirely drowned in the Red Sea, to prevent Israel's being re-enslaved! Deu 11:4. Thus did he give Egypt for their ransom, Isa 43:3. Rather shall that famous kingdom be destroyed than that Israel shall not be delivered. 2. Upon Dathan and Abiram that embroiled them. Remember what he did in the wilderness (Deu 11:5), by how many necessary chastisements (as they are called, Deu 11:2) they were kept from ruining themselves, particularly when those daring Reubenites defied the authority of Moses and headed a dangerous rebellion against God himself, which threatened the ruin of a whole nation, and might have ended in that if the divine power had not immediately crushed the rebellion by burying the rebels alive, them and all that was in their possession, Deu 11:6. What was done against them, though misinterpreted by the disaffected party (Num 16:41), was really done in mercy to Israel. To be saved from the mischiefs of insurrections at home is as great a kindness to a people, and therefore lays them under as strong obligations, as protection from the invasion of enemies abroad.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 11:1 serves as a pivotal call to Israel, urging them to respond to God's faithfulness and mighty acts with unwavering love and comprehensive obedience. This verse encapsulates the essence of the covenant relationship, establishing that genuine devotion to the LORD must be demonstrated through a lifelong commitment to His entire revealed will, encompassing His charge, statutes, judgments, and commandments. It sets the stage for the blessings and curses that follow, emphasizing that a loving response is the foundation for a flourishing life in the Promised Land.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 11:1 initiates a new section within Moses' final discourse to the Israelites before their entry into the Promised Land, marking a transition from recounting God's past acts to a direct exhortation for future obedience. The "Therefore" (וְלָכֵן, v'lakhen) powerfully links this command to the preceding chapters, particularly Deuteronomy 6-10. Moses has just reminded them of God's awesome power and His unique election of Israel, recounting the miracles in Egypt, the wilderness wanderings, and the giving of the Law at Sinai. Specifically, Deuteronomy 10:12-22 culminates in a summary of God's requirements: to fear the LORD, walk in His ways, love Him, serve Him with all their heart and soul, and keep His commandments. Thus, Deuteronomy 11:1 is not a new demand but a synthesis and emphatic reiteration of these core covenant obligations, serving as an introductory thesis for the detailed exposition of blessings and curses that will follow in Deuteronomy 11.
Historical & Cultural Context
Moses addresses a new generation of Israelites, born mostly during the wilderness wanderings, who are on the cusp of entering Canaan. They are about to transition from a nomadic existence to settled agrarian life in a land inhabited by pagan cultures. The historical context is crucial: they witnessed the consequences of their parents' disobedience (the wilderness generation's demise) and experienced God's faithful provision. Culturally, the concept of a covenant (ברית, berit) was well-understood in the ancient Near East, involving mutual obligations between a suzerain (God) and a vassal (Israel). Unlike typical suzerain-vassal treaties based on power, this covenant is uniquely founded on God's electing love and Israel's reciprocal love. The emphasis on "love the LORD thy God" distinguishes Israel's covenant from purely legalistic arrangements, calling for an internal, heartfelt commitment that underpins external obedience. The geographical setting, just east of the Jordan River, underscores the imminent challenge and opportunity of possessing the land, making obedience to God's laws paramount for their success and well-being in a new, often hostile, environment.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully articulates several foundational themes central to the book of Deuteronomy. The foremost is Love as the Foundation of Obedience. Moses consistently presents love for God as the ultimate motivation for keeping His commands, echoing the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:5. Obedience is not a burdensome legalism but the natural outflow of a heart devoted to God. Another key theme is Comprehensive Devotion to God's Will. The fourfold expression "charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments" signifies that obedience is not selective but extends to every facet of divine instruction, encompassing general oversight, enacted decrees, judicial principles, and direct precepts. This emphasizes the holistic nature of God's demand. Finally, the term "alway" underscores the theme of Perpetual Adherence. This is not a temporary or situational commitment but a lifelong, continuous dedication to God's ways, reflecting the unchanging character of God and the enduring nature of the covenant relationship. This constant devotion is presented as essential for their continued blessing and flourishing in the land.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from a primitive root (H157) meaning "to have affection for," this "love" is not merely an emotion but a profound, active, and loyal commitment of the entire being to God. It signifies a volitional choice to align one's life with God's character and commands, expressing itself through devoted obedience. This love is a responsive affection to God's prior, initiating faithfulness to Israel.
This primitive root (H8104) properly means "to hedge about" or "guard," extending to "protect," "observe," and "take heed." It denotes a diligent and careful adherence to God's instructions, implying both an intellectual understanding of the commands and a practical, consistent effort to live by them. It suggests a protective stance towards God's law, safeguarding it from neglect or violation.
This feminine noun (H4931) refers to a "watch," "custody," or "observance," encompassing a "duty," "ordinance," or "trust." It speaks to the general oversight or responsibility entrusted to Israel by God, including the broader duties of the covenant and specific observances, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's expectations for His people.
Verse Breakdown
"Therefore"
This conjunction acts as a powerful logical connector, linking the preceding narrative of God's mighty acts and His faithfulness (e.g., deliverance from Egypt, provision in the wilderness, the giving of the Law) to the imperative command that follows. It signifies that Israel's response of love and obedience is the necessary and fitting consequence of God's gracious and powerful actions on their behalf.
"thou shalt love the LORD thy God,"
This is the foundational command, echoing the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:5. It calls for a total, exclusive, and passionate devotion to Yahweh, the covenant God. This love is not a passive sentiment but an active, all-encompassing commitment of one's will, affections, and actions, recognizing God's unique sovereignty and benevolence.
"and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments,"
This phrase provides a comprehensive and inclusive list of God's revealed will, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of divine instruction. "Charge" refers to general duties and responsibilities; "statutes" are enacted decrees or ordinances, often ceremonial or cultic; "judgments" are judicial rulings or principles of justice; and "commandments" are direct divine precepts. Together, these terms signify that obedience must extend to every aspect of God's law, leaving no room for selective adherence.
"alway."
This adverb, derived from the Hebrew word for "day" (H3117, yôwm), is used here to underscore the enduring, continuous, and perpetual nature of the required love and obedience. It is not a temporary or conditional commitment but a lifelong dedication, reflecting God's unchanging character and the permanent nature of the covenant relationship. This constant devotion is essential for Israel's sustained well-being and flourishing in the land.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 11:1 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the Imperative Mood, as indicated by "thou shalt love" and "keep," which directly commands and exhorts the audience, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of God's expectations. The verse also utilizes Merism or Comprehensive Enumeration through the four distinct terms for God's law: "charge, statutes, judgments, and commandments." This list, while seemingly redundant, is a rhetorical device to signify the totality and all-encompassing nature of God's revealed will, ensuring that no aspect of divine instruction is overlooked. The use of "Therefore" at the beginning serves as a powerful Logical Connector or Rhetorical Link, drawing a direct causal relationship between God's past gracious acts and Israel's required response. This creates a compelling argument for obedience rooted in gratitude. Finally, the inclusion of "alway" provides Emphasis on the perpetual and unwavering nature of the covenant relationship, highlighting the enduring commitment required from Israel.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 11:1 establishes a profound theological principle: true obedience is rooted in genuine love for God. This is not a legalistic burden but a joyful response to God's prior, initiating grace and faithfulness. The comprehensive nature of the commands ("charge, statutes, judgments, commandments") underscores that God's will is holistic, encompassing every aspect of life, and that our love for Him should manifest in a desire to align our entire being with His perfect standard. This verse serves as a foundational statement for understanding the covenant relationship, where God's character (loving, faithful, just) elicits a corresponding response of love and obedience from His people, leading to blessing and flourishing.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 11:1 resonates deeply with believers today, inviting us to examine the foundation of our own obedience. Is our adherence to God's word born out of a genuine, heartfelt love for Him, or is it merely a sense of duty, fear, or a desire for reward? Just as God demonstrated His mighty acts and unwavering faithfulness to Israel, He has supremely demonstrated His love for humanity through the cross of Jesus Christ. Our response, therefore, should be one of profound gratitude and devoted love, which naturally expresses itself in a desire to "keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway." This verse challenges us to pursue a holistic and consistent walk with God, where our inner affections and outward actions are seamlessly aligned, reflecting a love that seeks to honor and please Him in every area of life, not just selectively or temporarily. It calls us to a dynamic, relational obedience that is sustained by an enduring commitment to the God who first loved us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "love the LORD thy God" truly mean in the context of Deuteronomy?
In Deuteronomy, "love the LORD thy God" is far more than a mere emotional sentiment. It signifies a profound, active, and exclusive loyalty and commitment to Yahweh, the covenant God, with one's entire being—heart, soul, and might, as articulated in the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:5. This love is volitional, a conscious choice to devote oneself fully to God, and it is intrinsically linked to obedience. It is a reciprocal response to God's prior, electing love and mighty acts of deliverance, such as bringing Israel out of Egypt (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). Therefore, to love the LORD means to acknowledge His unique sovereignty, trust in His faithfulness, and express that devotion through diligent adherence to His revealed will and a desire to walk in His ways.
Why does Moses list four different terms for God's law ("charge, statutes, judgments, and commandments")? Is there a significant difference between them?
The listing of "charge, statutes, judgments, and commandments" is a rhetorical device, often called a merism or comprehensive enumeration. While each term carries a slightly different nuance, their collective use emphasizes the totality and all-encompassing nature of God's revealed will. "Charge" refers to a general duty, obligation, or trust to be guarded and observed, encompassing the broader responsibilities of the covenant. "Statutes" are enacted decrees, ordinances, or fixed regulations, often pertaining to ceremonial or cultic practices. "Judgments" signify judicial rulings, legal precedents, or principles of justice that govern ethical and social conduct. "Commandments" are direct divine precepts or specific instructions given by God. By using all four terms, Moses ensures that the Israelites understand that their obedience is not to be selective but must extend to every facet of God's instruction, covering all aspects of their lives—religious, social, ethical, and personal. It underscores that God's will is holistic and demands comprehensive adherence.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 11:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While Israel was called to love God and keep His law, they consistently failed due to the weakness of the flesh (Romans 8:3). Jesus, however, perfectly embodied this command. He is the only one who truly loved the LORD His God with all His heart, soul, and might, and perfectly kept every single charge, statute, judgment, and commandment of God (Matthew 5:17). His life was one of complete and unwavering obedience, not out of compulsion, but out of perfect love for the Father (John 14:31). Furthermore, Christ's atoning work on the cross provides the means for humanity to fulfill this Deuteronomic command. Through faith in Him, believers are reconciled to God, receive a new heart and the indwelling Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27), enabling them to genuinely love God and walk in obedience to His commands, not by their own strength, but by the power of the Spirit (Romans 8:4). The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood, inscribes God's laws on our hearts, transforming obedience from an external burden to an internal desire, flowing from our love for the God who first loved us (1 John 4:19). Thus, Deuteronomy 11:1 points to Christ as the perfect obedient Son and the source of our empowered obedience.