Deuteronomy 27:1

KJV

¶ And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} with the elders {H2205} of Israel {H3478} commanded {H6680} the people {H5971}, saying {H559}, Keep {H8104} all the commandments {H4687} which I command {H6680} you this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Moshe and all the leaders of Isra'el gave orders to the people. They said, "Observe all the mitzvot I am giving you today.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people: “Keep all the commandments I am giving you today.

American Standard Version

And Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandment which I command you this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:1 initiates a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as Moses, alongside the elders, issues a solemn and urgent directive to the new generation on the brink of entering the Promised Land. This verse serves as the foundational command for the grand covenant renewal ceremony at Shechem, emphasizing the non-negotiable imperative for the entire community—leaders and people alike—to diligently observe and uphold every statute and ordinance God has given them. It underscores the collective responsibility to live in faithful obedience to the divine covenant, ensuring their continued blessing and prosperity in the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 27:1 marks a significant transition within Moses' final discourses. Following extensive reviews of Israel's history, the reiteration of the Law (especially the Ten Commandments in [Deuteronomy 5](/deuteronomy/5 "Deuteronomy 5 - The Ten Commandments") and the detailed statutes in [Deuteronomy 12-26](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12-26 - Laws and Ordinances")), and a series of warnings and exhortations, Moses now shifts to specific instructions for the covenant renewal ceremony that is to take place immediately upon their entry into Canaan. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic public declaration of blessings and curses on [Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal](/deuteronomy/27-11 "Deuteronomy 27:11-26 - Curses on Mount Ebal"), which will solidify their commitment to God's covenant in the land. It functions as the introductory command, highlighting the authority behind the subsequent detailed instructions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the plains of Moab, on the eastern side of the Jordan River, with the Promised Land in sight. The generation that experienced the Exodus and the giving of the Law at Sinai had largely passed away, and a new generation, born in the wilderness, stood ready to inherit the land. This transition necessitated a formal reaffirmation of the covenant. Culturally, such public declarations and covenant renewals were common in the ancient Near East, often involving a suzerain (God) and a vassal (Israel) with stated obligations, blessings for obedience, and curses for disobedience. The involvement of "Moses with the elders of Israel" reflects the established leadership structure, where spiritual and civil authority were intertwined, and collective responsibility was paramount in tribal societies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several overarching themes central to Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. It highlights **Divine Authority and Obedience**, emphasizing that the commandments are not human suggestions but divine decrees from Yahweh, relayed through His chosen leader, Moses. The call to "Keep all the commandments" underscores the non-negotiable nature of God's Law and the demand for Israel's complete submission to His will for their life in the land, as seen throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy - Moses' Farewell Speeches"). Furthermore, it stresses **Corporate Responsibility**, as the command is issued by "Moses with the elders" to "the people," illustrating a shared leadership and communal obligation. This collective adherence to the covenant is presented as foundational for their national identity and continued blessed existence, a theme echoed in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:4-9](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - The Shema and Its Application"). Finally, it strongly reaffirms **Covenant Fidelity**, urging Israel to remain loyal to the terms established at Sinai ([Exodus 24:7](/exodus/24-7 "Exodus 24:7 - The Covenant at Sinai")). Obedience is presented as the very foundation for their prosperity and presence in the land God was giving them, as repeatedly promised in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsavah'_):** This verb signifies a strong, authoritative directive, often from a superior to an inferior, carrying the weight of an imperative rather than a suggestion. It denotes a firm order, underscoring the non-negotiable nature and divine origin of the expectations being laid upon Israel. In this context, it highlights Moses' role as God's authoritative messenger, delivering a binding decree.
* **Keep (Hebrew, _shamar'_):** More profound than mere passive obedience, _shamar_ implies to guard, observe diligently, preserve, and even cherish. It suggests an active, intentional, and protective engagement with the commandments. It's not just about outward performance but about internalizing, valuing, and safeguarding God's word as a precious treasure, ensuring its continuity and application in every facet of life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses with the elders of Israel":** This opening phrase establishes the authoritative source of the command. Moses, as God's primary prophet and covenant mediator, is joined by the "elders of Israel," representing the collective leadership and the tribal heads. This joint declaration underscores the unified front of spiritual and civil authority, ensuring that the command is understood as coming from the highest levels of leadership and endorsed by the entire community's representatives, thus lending it immense weight and communal accountability.
* **"commanded the people, saying,":** This clause specifies the recipients of the command—"the people," meaning the entire congregation of Israel, the new generation poised to enter Canaan. The phrase "saying" introduces the direct speech that follows, emphasizing the clarity and directness of the instruction. It highlights the public and communal nature of this vital directive, ensuring that everyone present heard and understood their collective responsibility.
* **"Keep all the commandments":** This is the core imperative. "Keep" (as discussed above, _shamar_) signifies active, diligent observance, protection, and preservation. The inclusion of "all" is crucial, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's Law; there is no pick-and-choose. This phrase calls for complete and unwavering obedience to the totality of God's revealed will, without exception or compromise.
* **"which I command you this day.":** This concluding phrase reinforces the immediate relevance and binding nature of the command. "I command you" reiterates Moses' divinely appointed authority, acting as God's mouthpiece. "This day" emphasizes the present moment as a critical juncture for decision and commitment, a fresh covenant renewal for the generation about to inherit the land. It underscores the urgency and the expectation of immediate and continuous fidelity to the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:1 primarily employs **Direct Discourse**, presenting Moses' authoritative words directly to the people, which lends immediacy and gravity to the command. The use of **Repetition** in "commanded" and "command" (from the same Hebrew root, _tsavah_) serves to emphasize the authoritative nature and binding force of the instruction. This repetition creates a sense of solemnity and urgency. The verse also functions as a **Call to Obedience** or an **Exhortation**, setting the tone for the subsequent covenant renewal ceremony. It uses **Covenantal Language** through terms like "commandments" and "this day," which evoke the ongoing relationship between Yahweh and Israel, rooted in the Sinai covenant and now being reaffirmed for their life in the Promised Land. The structure of the verse, moving from the authoritative source ("Moses with the elders") to the recipients ("the people") and then to the specific imperative ("Keep all the commandments"), demonstrates a clear and purposeful **Hierarchical Communication** pattern, reinforcing the divine chain of command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:1 encapsulates the central theological thrust of the book of Deuteronomy: the absolute necessity of obedience to God's covenant for Israel's life and prosperity in the Promised Land. It establishes that the blessings promised by God are contingent upon the people's faithful adherence to His commands, not merely as a legalistic duty but as an expression of their covenant relationship with Him. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic covenant renewal ceremony, where the entire nation would publicly affirm their commitment to God's Law, understanding that their future success and well-being were inextricably linked to their collective and individual fidelity. It highlights God's unwavering expectation of holiness and righteousness from His chosen people, a standard that reflects His own character and His desire for a people set apart for Him.

* [Deuteronomy 6:1](/deuteronomy/6-1 "Deuteronomy 6:1 - The Purpose of the Commandments")
* [Joshua 1:7-8](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7-8 - Joshua's Charge to Obey the Law")
* [Psalm 119:1-2](/psalm/119-1 "Psalm 119:1-2 - Blessed are Those Who Keep God's Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 27:1 offers profound insights for believers today, transcending its ancient context to speak to the enduring call for obedience and faithfulness. Just as Israel stood on the threshold of a new inheritance, we too are called to live out our faith in a world that is "our promised land" in a spiritual sense, a place where God's kingdom is to be manifested through our lives. This verse reminds us that true spiritual leadership involves not just teaching but also authoritatively calling people to live in accordance with God's revealed will. It emphasizes that the responsibility for upholding God's truth is not solely on leaders but is a collective endeavor for the entire community of faith. "Keeping" God's commandments involves a diligent, active, and wholehearted commitment, guarding His word in our hearts and applying it to every sphere of life. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are we truly "keeping" all of God's commands, or are we selectively choosing which ones to obey? Our spiritual vitality, communal flourishing, and witness to the world are deeply intertwined with our corporate and individual fidelity to the Lord's instructions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, individually, and we, as a community, actively "keep" God's commandments in our daily lives?**
* **How do spiritual leaders in our context effectively "command" or call the people to diligent obedience to God's word?**
* **What does "all the commandments" mean for a New Testament believer, and how does Christ's teaching help us understand this comprehensive obedience?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "Moses with the elders of Israel" issuing this command?**

Answer: The inclusion of "Moses with the elders of Israel" is highly significant as it underscores the dual nature of authority in ancient Israel and the communal responsibility for covenant fidelity. Moses represents the ultimate divine authority and prophetic leadership, being God's direct mouthpiece. The "elders of Israel" represent the collective leadership of the tribes, the civil and spiritual heads of the families and clans. Their joint issuance of the command signifies that this directive is not merely a personal wish of Moses but a binding, divinely sanctioned decree endorsed and supported by the entire established leadership structure. It emphasizes that obedience to God's Law is a shared responsibility, requiring both top-down leadership and communal buy-in, ensuring that the entire nation, from its leaders to its newest members, is accountable for upholding the covenant. This collective voice lends immense weight and solemnity to the command, preparing the people for the solemn covenant renewal ceremony detailed in [Deuteronomy 27](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - The Covenant Ceremony at Mount Ebal and Gerizim").

**How does "Keep all the commandments" relate to the New Testament understanding of the Law?**

Answer: While the specific Mosaic Law was given to ancient Israel, the principle of "keeping all the commandments" finds profound resonance and transformation in the New Testament. Jesus affirmed the Law, stating He came not to abolish but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). For New Testament believers, "keeping all the commandments" is reinterpreted through the lens of Christ's perfect obedience and His summary of the Law into two great commandments: to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself ([Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandment")). This does not negate the moral principles of the Old Testament but fulfills them in Christ, shifting the focus from external legalistic adherence to an internal transformation driven by love for God and neighbor, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Paul further emphasizes that love is the fulfillment of the Law ([Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")). Therefore, for Christians, "keeping all the commandments" means living a life of holistic obedience to Christ's teachings, motivated by love, and empowered by grace, reflecting God's character in every aspect of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 27:1, with its urgent call to "Keep all the commandments," finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in Jesus Christ. While Israel repeatedly failed to perfectly keep the Law, necessitating the very curses outlined later in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), Jesus perfectly embodied and fulfilled every command. He is the true Israelite who perfectly obeyed the Father, not only in outward action but in heart and spirit, thus becoming the righteous one on our behalf ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The Law, which Moses commanded the people to keep, served to reveal humanity's sinfulness and our inability to achieve righteousness by our own efforts ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). Christ's life, death, and resurrection provide the only means by which humanity can be reconciled to a holy God and truly "keep" His commands, not through legalistic striving but through a transformed heart. Through faith in Him, believers are united with Christ, receiving His Spirit, who enables them to walk in newness of life and obey God's will from a place of love and grace ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking According to the Spirit")). Thus, the imperative to "keep all the commandments" is ultimately fulfilled by resting in Christ's perfect obedience and allowing His Spirit to empower our transformed lives, aligning our desires with God's perfect will, as promised in the New Covenant ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")).

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

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

James 2:10

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.

Luke 11:28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Deuteronomy 4:1

¶ Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

Deuteronomy 4:3

Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you.

1 Thessalonians 4:1

¶ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, [so] ye would abound more and more.

1 Thessalonians 4:2

For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.