Deuteronomy 13:18

KJV

When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do [that which is] right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.

KJV (with Strong's)

When thou shalt hearken {H8085} to the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, to keep {H8104} all his commandments {H4687} which I command {H6680} thee this day {H3117}, to do {H6213} that which is right {H3477} in the eyes {H5869} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

provided you listen to what ADONAI says and obey all his mitzvot that I am giving you today, thus doing what ADONAI your God sees as right.

Berean Standard Bible

because you obey the LORD your God, keeping all His commandments I am giving you today and doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD your God.

American Standard Version

when thou shalt hearken to the voice of Jehovah thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of Jehovah thy God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 13:18 serves as a profound concluding statement to a chapter primarily focused on the severe consequences of idolatry and straying from the Lord. It encapsulates the very essence of the Mosaic covenant, presenting the path to divine blessing and favor through unwavering loyalty and comprehensive obedience to God's revealed will. This verse emphasizes that Israel's continued prosperity and presence in the Promised Land are contingent upon their active and attentive hearkening to the voice of the LORD and their diligent adherence to all His commandments, thereby doing what is inherently right in His divine estimation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides a powerful and hopeful counterpoint to the preceding verses in [Deuteronomy 13](/deuteronomy/13 "Deuteronomy 13 - Warnings Against Idolatry"). The chapter meticulously details the radical measures to be taken against any individual, false prophet, or even an entire city that attempts to entice Israel away from the worship of Yahweh. From the stern warnings against those who promote idolatry in [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1-5 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - False Prophets and Dreamers"), to the severe penalties for family members or friends who tempt others to apostasy in [Deuteronomy 13:6-11](/deuteronomy/13-6-11 "Deuteronomy 13:6-11 - Enticement to Idolatry from Loved Ones"), and finally to the complete destruction prescribed for an idolatrous city in [Deuteronomy 13:12-17](/deuteronomy/13-12-17 "Deuteronomy 13:12-17 - The Apostate City"), the chapter paints a stark picture of the absolute intolerance for idolatry within the covenant community. Verse 18, therefore, stands as a concluding exhortation, offering the alternative path of life and blessing that results from faithful obedience, effectively reversing the curses and destruction outlined previously and providing a clear condition for the restoration of divine favor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Deuteronomy records Moses' final addresses to the generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land. They stand on the plains of Moab, on the cusp of a new era, about to transition from nomadic wilderness life to settled agricultural existence in Canaan. This transition would expose them to the polytheistic and idolatrous practices of the Canaanite inhabitants, making the warnings of [Deuteronomy 13](/deuteronomy/13 "Deuteronomy 13 - Warnings Against Idolatry") particularly pertinent. Moses reiterates the terms of the covenant established at Sinai, reminding them that their continued enjoyment of the land and its blessings is not automatic but conditional upon their exclusive devotion to Yahweh and their adherence to His laws. The emphasis on "this day" underscores the immediacy and urgency of their decision to obey, as they were about to face new temptations and challenges that would test their loyalty to the one true God. This context highlights the critical importance of a clear, unwavering commitment to Yahweh in the face of pervasive pagan influences.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully reinforces several central themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. **Unwavering Obedience** is paramount, as "hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God" implies not just passive hearing but active, attentive, and submissive obedience, a concept fundamental to Israel's covenant relationship. This is exemplified in the Shema of [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"). **Total Devotion** is highlighted by the command to "keep all his commandments," stressing the comprehensive nature of God's demands, reflecting the holistic commitment to God's entire law, as seen in the call to love God with all one's being in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord Your God with All Your Heart"). Furthermore, the phrase "to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God" establishes God's **Divine Standard of Righteousness**, asserting that His perspective and judgment are the ultimate authority, transcending human or cultural norms. Finally, though not explicitly stated within this single verse, the entire context of Deuteronomy, particularly the blessings outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience and Curses for Disobedience"), implies the **Promise of Blessing** and divine favor as the direct outcome of such faithful obedience, contrasting sharply with the curses for disobedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shamaʻ'_):** From the root H8085, this Hebrew verb is far more profound than mere auditory perception. It signifies to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.). It implies a receptive heart and a willingness to act upon what is heard. In the context of the covenant, _shamaʻ'_ embodies the very essence of Israel's relationship with God: to truly "hear" God's voice means to submit to His authority and faithfully execute His commands. It is the foundational act of covenant fidelity, demanding not just intellectual assent but active compliance.
* **Right (Hebrew, _yâshâr'_):** From the root H3477, this adjective denotes that which is straight (literally or figuratively); convenient, equity, just, meet(-est), pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). When something is "right in the eyes of the LORD," it means it aligns perfectly with God's character, His moral standards, and His divine will. It is not a subjective human judgment but an objective divine assessment. This word emphasizes that God is the ultimate arbiter of morality and that true righteousness is defined by conformity to His perfect standard, leading to His approval.
* **Commandments (Hebrew, _mitsvâh'_):** From the root H4687, this noun refers to a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the Law); (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. In this context, it refers specifically to the divine precepts given by God to Israel through Moses. The plural "commandments" signifies the comprehensive body of God's revealed will, indicating that obedience is not selective but holistic, encompassing the entirety of God's moral and ceremonial law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental condition for blessing and covenant well-being. "Hearken" (שָׁמַע, _shamaʻ'_) implies not just passive listening, but active, obedient hearing—a responsive heart that is attuned to God's commands and ready to act upon them. The "voice of the LORD thy God" refers to His revealed will, particularly as articulated through Moses in the covenant laws. This attentive and obedient hearing is the starting point for all covenant faithfulness.
* **"to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day":** This phrase specifies the scope and immediacy of the required obedience. It is not partial or selective, but a comprehensive commitment to "all" of God's commandments (מִצְוָה, _mitsvâh'_). The phrase "which I command thee this day" emphasizes the immediate and ongoing relevance of these instructions for the generation standing on the threshold of the Promised Land, highlighting their present responsibility and the binding nature of the covenant for their future prosperity in the land.
* **"to do [that which is] right in the eyes of the LORD thy God":** This final clause defines the nature and outcome of true obedience. "To do [that which is] right" (עָשָׂה יָשָׁר, _ʻâsâh yâshâr'_) means to act in a manner that is morally upright, just, and pleasing in God's sight. It underscores that God's perspective is the ultimate standard for ethical conduct, and that genuine obedience results in actions that align with His perfect will and character, bringing His approval and blessing, and establishing a righteous community.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 13:18 employs several powerful literary devices. It functions as a **Conditional Statement**, where the "when" clause ("When thou shalt hearken...") sets up the premise for the implied positive outcome of divine blessing and favor, contrasting sharply with the negative consequences of disobedience detailed earlier in the chapter. The verse is rich in **Covenant Language**, utilizing terms like "hearken," "commandments," "LORD thy God," and "this day," which are hallmarks of the covenant relationship established at Sinai and reiterated in Deuteronomy. There is also a strong sense of **Repetition** of key Deuteronomic themes, particularly the emphasis on hearing and obeying God's voice, and doing what is "right in the eyes of the LORD," which echoes throughout the book as a foundational principle for Israel's success and well-being. Furthermore, the verse functions as an **Antithesis** to the idolatry and rebellion described in the preceding verses, presenting the clear alternative path of life and blessing that comes from exclusive devotion to Yahweh, thereby offering hope and a way forward after the stark warnings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 13:18 stands as a pivotal verse, encapsulating the core theological principle that divine blessing and covenant fidelity are inextricably linked to comprehensive obedience. It reiterates the conditional nature of Israel's relationship with God, where their continued enjoyment of the Promised Land and its associated prosperity is directly dependent on their unwavering commitment to His revealed will. This verse emphasizes that God's standards of righteousness are absolute and that true worship is demonstrated not merely through ritual, but through a life lived in active submission to His commands. It sets the stage for the blessings and curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience and Curses for Disobedience"), highlighting that God is just in both His rewards for obedience and His judgments for disobedience. This foundational truth resonates throughout the entire biblical narrative, from the Garden of Eden to the New Testament's call for believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling.

* [Leviticus 26:3-13](/leviticus/26-3-13 "Blessings for Obedience to God's Laws")
* [Joshua 1:7-8](/joshua/1-7-8 "Success Through Obedience to the Book of the Law")
* [Psalm 119:1-2](/psalm/119-1-2 "Blessed are Those Who Walk in the Law of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 13:18 offers timeless wisdom for believers today, transcending its original covenant context to speak to the heart of our relationship with God. It reminds us that spiritual flourishing is deeply intertwined with our willingness to "hearken" to God's voice—not just to hear His Word, but to actively listen, understand, and obey it. This isn't about earning salvation, which is a gift of grace through faith, but about living out our faith in grateful, responsive obedience. Our actions demonstrate the authenticity of our love and trust in God. In a world that often defines "right" by subjective feelings, cultural trends, or personal convenience, this verse calls us back to the divine standard: what is truly "right in the eyes of the LORD." It challenges us to examine our lives, asking whether our choices, priorities, and attitudes genuinely align with God's perfect will, fostering a life that brings Him glory and experiences His blessing. It beckons us to cultivate a heart that is not merely informed by God's truth but transformed by it, leading to a life of integrity and purpose that reflects His character to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I find it most challenging to "hearken" to God's voice and fully obey His commandments?**
* **How does my understanding of what is "right" align or diverge from what is "right in the eyes of the LORD"?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to demonstrate a more comprehensive and active obedience to God's Word?**
* **How does my obedience (or lack thereof) impact my experience of God's presence and blessing in my life and in the lives of those around me?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that salvation is earned through obedience?**

Answer: No, Deuteronomy 13:18, like the rest of the Old Testament law, does not teach salvation by works. Instead, it describes the nature of a covenant relationship established by God's grace. Israel was already God's chosen people, delivered from Egypt by His mighty hand, before receiving the Law. The commandments were given as a guide for how to live as God's redeemed people, how to maintain a right relationship with Him, and how to experience the fullness of His blessings within the covenant. Obedience was the expected response of a grateful people to a gracious God, a demonstration of their love and loyalty, not a means to earn their initial acceptance. This is consistent with the New Testament understanding that salvation is "by grace through faith" [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"), and that good works are the fruit and evidence of that salvation, not its cause [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works"). The blessings promised in Deuteronomy are temporal and earthly, pertaining to their life in the land, distinct from eternal salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 13:18, with its emphasis on hearkening to God's voice and doing what is right in His eyes, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel consistently failed to perfectly obey "all His commandments," Jesus perfectly embodied this ideal. He came not to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law and the Prophets"). His entire life was one of complete and unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross [Philippians 2:8](/philipians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience to Death"). Jesus is the ultimate "hearkener" to the voice of the LORD, always doing "that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God" [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father"). Through His perfect obedience, Christ secured for us the righteousness and blessings that Israel could not attain through their own efforts. Now, for those who are "in Christ," our obedience is not a means to earn salvation, but a grateful response to the grace we have received through His finished work. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life, to "hearken" to His voice, and to strive to do what is right, not to merit favor, but because we are already accepted and loved in Him [Romans 6:1-14](/romans/6-1-14 "Romans 6:1-14 - Dead to Sin, Alive to God in Christ Jesus"). Our spiritual flourishing flows from our union with the perfectly obedient Son, who enables us to live lives pleasing to God, reflecting His glory and the new covenant reality.

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

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.

Deuteronomy 12:25

Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do [that which is] right in the sight of the LORD.

Matthew 7:21

¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 7:24

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Deuteronomy 12:32

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

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Psalms 119:6

Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.