Deuteronomy 27:10

KJV

Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt therefore obey {H8085} the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, and do {H6213} his commandments {H4687} and his statutes {H2706}, which I command {H6680} thee this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore you are to listen to what ADONAI your God says and obey his mitzvot and laws, which I am giving you today."

Berean Standard Bible

You shall therefore obey the voice of the LORD your God and follow His commandments and statutes I am giving you today.”

American Standard Version

Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of Jehovah thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:10 encapsulates the core of Israel's covenant responsibility, serving as a powerful exhortation to active and immediate obedience to God's revealed will. Positioned within Moses' final instructions before the Israelites enter the Promised Land, this verse underscores that their relationship with the LORD, and their future prosperity within the land, is entirely predicated upon hearing and diligently performing His divine commandments and statutes, which are presented as non-negotiable decrees from their sovereign God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 27:10 stands as a climactic summary within Moses' final discourse to the generation poised to enter Canaan. It immediately follows the detailed instructions for a solemn covenant renewal ceremony to be performed upon crossing the Jordan River, specifically the erection of large, inscribed stones on Mount Ebal (Deuteronomy 27:1-8) and the tribal divisions for blessings and curses (Deuteronomy 27:11-13). This verse serves as a direct, imperative call to action, emphasizing the people's responsibility to internalize and live out the Law that is about to be publicly affirmed. It sets the stage for the dramatic pronouncements of curses in the latter half of the chapter (Deuteronomy 27:14-26) and the blessings and curses of the subsequent chapter (Deuteronomy 28), highlighting the gravity and conditional nature of their covenant relationship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This command is delivered on the plains of Moab, just across the Jordan River from the Promised Land, approximately 40 years after the initial covenant at Mount Sinai. The generation that experienced the Exodus and the giving of the Law has largely passed away; Moses is now addressing their descendants. The upcoming ceremony on Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim was a profound cultural and religious act, designed to indelibly impress the Law upon the national consciousness. The act of inscribing the Law on plastered stones (Deuteronomy 27:2-4) was a common ancient Near Eastern practice for publicizing important decrees, signifying the permanence and public nature of God's covenant with Israel. The solemn assembly of the tribes between the two mountains underscored the collective responsibility and accountability of the entire nation to their covenant Lord.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 27:10 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, **Covenant Faithfulness** is paramount, as Israel's continued existence and blessing in the land are directly tied to their adherence to God's terms. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Authority** is evident, as the commands are explicitly stated as originating from the LORD Himself, delivered through Moses, not from human invention (compare with [Deuteronomy 4:1-2](/deuteronomy/4-1 "Deuteronomy 4:1-2 - Do Not Add or Subtract From the Law")). Thirdly, **Active Obedience** is emphasized, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to practical application in daily life, a principle echoed throughout Scripture, from the call to "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly" ([Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the LORD Requires")) to the New Testament emphasis on being "doers of the word, and not hearers only" ([James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")). Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **Consequences of Disobedience**, setting the stage for the severe warnings of the curses that follow, which serve as a stark reminder of the gravity of covenant breaking (see [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Obey (Hebrew, _shama'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (_shama'_) is far richer than a simple English "obey." It encompasses the full spectrum of hearing, listening attentively, understanding, and then actively responding or doing. It implies a receptive heart and a responsive will. To "obey the voice of the LORD" means to truly listen to His revealed will, internalize it, and then act in accordance with it, reflecting a deep commitment to His authority and a desire to align one's life with His purposes.
* **Commandments (Hebrew, _mitzvot'_):** The term מִצְוֹת (_mitzvot_) refers to specific, positive commands or instructions given by God. These are the detailed precepts and regulations that guide Israel's moral, civil, and ceremonial life. They are distinct, actionable directives that outline the expected behavior and duties of the covenant people, covering everything from ethical conduct to religious rituals.
* **Statutes (Hebrew, _chuqqim'_):** The Hebrew word חֻקִּים (_chuqqim_) denotes decrees, ordinances, or established rules. These are often seen as fixed, unchangeable laws or principles, sometimes without an immediately obvious rationale, given simply because God has ordained them. They represent the foundational, non-negotiable aspects of God's will, often related to the structure of society, justice, and worship, designed to shape Israel's identity as a holy nation set apart for the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental requirement of the covenant: a responsive and active listening to God's divine revelation. The "voice of the LORD" signifies His direct communication and authoritative will, demanding not just passive hearing but an attentive and submissive response from the individual Israelite, recognizing Him as their sovereign God. The "therefore" links this command directly to the preceding instructions for the covenant renewal ceremony, implying that in light of God's grace and their unique relationship, obedience is the logical and necessary response.
* **"and do his commandments and his statutes":** This phrase moves beyond mere internal submission to external action. It emphasizes the practical, performative aspect of obedience. It is not enough to hear or even believe; the covenant demands tangible acts of compliance with the detailed "commandments" (specific instructions) and the overarching "statutes" (fixed decrees) that constitute the Mosaic Law. This highlights that true faith is always expressed through active living in accordance with God's revealed will.
* **"which I command thee this day":** This concluding phrase underscores the divine origin and immediate relevance of the Law. The "I" refers to God Himself, speaking through Moses, reinforcing the ultimate authority behind these commands. The phrase "this day" emphasizes the present and ongoing nature of the commitment. It is not a historical relic but a living, binding obligation for the generation standing before Moses, and by extension, for all future generations of Israel, demanding a fresh, daily commitment to God's will.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:10 is a concise yet potent example of several literary devices. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, conveyed by "Thou shalt... obey... and do," which functions as a direct command, leaving no room for negotiation or optionality. This imperative highlights the non-negotiable nature of God's covenant demands. The verse also employs **Covenant Language**, utilizing terms like "LORD thy God," "commandments," and "statutes," which are foundational to the legal and relational framework established at Sinai. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful **Exhortation**, a strong encouragement and warning combined, urging the people towards faithfulness. The phrase "this day" functions as a form of **Temporal Deixis**, grounding the command in the present moment and demanding immediate and continuous adherence, preventing the people from deferring their responsibility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:10 is a pivotal statement on the nature of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing that genuine faith is inextricably linked to active obedience. It articulates a fundamental biblical truth: that God's people are called not merely to intellectual assent or emotional devotion, but to a life lived in practical conformity to His revealed will. This obedience is not a means to earn salvation, but rather the natural outflow and evidence of a heart that truly hears and loves God. This principle transcends the Old Covenant, finding profound resonance and transformation in the New Covenant through Christ, where obedience becomes a response of love empowered by the Spirit, rather than a burdensome legalistic requirement.

* [Leviticus 26:3-5](/leviticus/26-3 "Leviticus 26:3-5 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Psalm 119:1-2](/psalms/119-1 "Psalm 119:1-2 - Blessed are Those Who Walk in the Law of the LORD")
* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 27:10 serves as a timeless reminder that our relationship with God is not merely a matter of belief or sentiment, but of active, responsive obedience. For believers today, while we are not under the Mosaic Law as a means of justification, the principle of hearing and doing God's word remains foundational. Our love for God is demonstrated not just by what we say, but by how we live. This verse challenges us to consider whether our lives truly reflect a listening heart and an obedient will, aligning our daily choices with the revealed truths of Scripture. It calls us to a dynamic, ongoing commitment, recognizing that God's commands are given for our good, leading to blessing and a deeper, more intimate walk with Him. It prompts us to move beyond passive consumption of spiritual truth to active application, transforming our understanding into tangible acts of devotion and righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to "obey the voice of the LORD thy God"?**
* **How does your understanding of God's "commandments and statutes" influence your daily decisions and priorities?**
* **What does "obeying the voice" truly mean in a practical sense for you today, beyond just hearing or reading?**
* **How can you cultivate a more immediate and "this day" commitment to God's will in your life?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "this day" in Deuteronomy 27:10?**

Answer: The phrase "this day" (Hebrew: _hayyom hazzeh_) is highly significant in Deuteronomy, appearing over 80 times. It emphasizes the immediacy, urgency, and present binding nature of the covenant commands. It's not a historical relic or a future promise, but a living, active obligation for the generation standing before Moses at that very moment. It means that the Israelites were called to make a fresh, conscious decision to obey God's voice and do His commandments and statutes *right now*, and every day thereafter. This instills a sense of personal responsibility and ongoing commitment, highlighting that the covenant relationship is dynamic and requires continuous faithfulness. It contrasts with a passive or delayed response, demanding an immediate and sustained alignment of will with God's.

**Is this verse still relevant for Christians today, given that we are not under the Mosaic Law?**

Answer: Absolutely. While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law as a means of salvation or justification (which comes by grace through faith in [Jesus Christ](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), Deuteronomy 27:10 articulates a timeless principle of God's relationship with His people: true faith expresses itself in obedience. The specific "commandments and statutes" of the Old Covenant have been fulfilled and transformed in Christ, yet the underlying principle of hearing God's voice and doing His will remains central to Christian discipleship. Jesus Himself taught that love for Him is demonstrated by keeping His commandments ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")). The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in obedience to God's moral will, which is summarized in the Law of Christ (e.g., [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens")). Therefore, Deuteronomy 27:10 serves as a powerful reminder that our faith is active, requiring us to listen to God's Word (the Bible) and live it out daily as a response of love and gratitude for His saving grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 27:10, with its emphatic call to obey the voice of the LORD and do His commandments, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly obedient Son, who not only perfectly heard and performed all of God's will but also embodied the Law in His very being. Unlike Israel, who repeatedly failed to obey, Jesus lived a life of flawless submission to His Father, declaring, "I always do what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - I Always Do What Pleases Him")). Through His perfect obedience, even to the point of death on the cross, Jesus fulfilled the righteous demands of the Law on our behalf, becoming "the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")). Furthermore, in the New Covenant established by His blood, Christ does not merely command obedience from without, but He transforms us from within. He promises to write His law on our hearts and put it in our minds ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")), empowering us through the Holy Spirit to genuinely desire and perform His will. Thus, the imperative of Deuteronomy 27:10 is not abolished but fulfilled and enabled in Christ, who makes it possible for us to truly "obey the voice of the LORD our God" not out of legalistic striving, but out of a Spirit-empowered love and gratitude for our Savior ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled")).

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

1 Peter 1:14

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

1 Peter 1:16

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Micah 6:8

He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Matthew 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Deuteronomy 10:12

¶ And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

Deuteronomy 10:13

To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?

Deuteronomy 11:7

But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the LORD which he did.