Deuteronomy 27:9

KJV

And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} and the priests {H3548} the Levites {H3881} spake {H1696} unto all Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, Take heed {H5535}, and hearken {H8085}, O Israel {H3478}; this day {H3117} thou art become {H1961} the people {H5971} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next Moshe and the cohanim, who are L'vi'im, spoke to all Isra'el. They said, "Be quiet; and listen, Isra'el! Today you have become the people of ADONAI your God.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel: “Be silent, O Israel, and listen! This day you have become the people of the LORD your God.

American Standard Version

And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Keep silence, and hearken, O Israel: This day thou art become the people of Jehovah thy God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:9 presents a profound and pivotal declaration as Moses, alongside the Levitical priests, solemnly addresses the entire nation of Israel. This verse serves as a powerful affirmation of Israel's unique identity and consecrated status as "the people of the LORD thy God," emphasizing their divinely established relationship and the weighty responsibility that accompanies their election, particularly as they stand on the precipice of entering the Promised Land and renewing their covenant with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned as the opening declaration of [Deuteronomy 27](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - Covenant Renewal on Mount Ebal and Gerizim"), a chapter that meticulously outlines the solemn covenant renewal ceremony Israel is commanded to perform upon entering the land of Canaan. Following this powerful pronouncement in verse 9, the subsequent verses detail the construction of an altar on Mount Ebal, the inscribing of the Law upon plastered stones, and the dramatic public pronouncement of blessings from Mount Gerizim and curses from Mount Ebal (e.g., [Deuteronomy 27:11-26](/deuteronomy/27-11-26 "Deuteronomy 27:11-26 - Blessings and Curses from the Mountains")). [Deuteronomy 27:9](/deuteronomy/27-9 "Deuteronomy 27:9 - Israel Becomes the People of the LORD") thus acts as a grand, authoritative introduction, setting the stage for the profound covenantal commitment that follows and bridging the narrative of Moses' final instructions with the impending entry into the Promised Land. It prepares the people for the detailed stipulations and consequences elaborated in [Deuteronomy 28-30](/deuteronomy/28-30 "Deuteronomy 28-30 - Blessings, Curses, and the Call to Choose Life"), which culminate in a powerful call to choose life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for the book of Deuteronomy is the plains of Moab, approximately 40 years after the Exodus from Egypt, just before the Israelites cross the Jordan River into Canaan. The generation that rebelled in the wilderness has largely passed away, and a new generation stands ready to inherit the promises of God. This historical context is vital; Moses is reiterating and expounding the Law to a people on the verge of establishing themselves in a land teeming with polytheistic cultures. The solemn assembly and covenant renewal ceremony described in [Deuteronomy 27](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - Covenant Renewal") was a common ancient Near Eastern practice, mirroring the public affirmation of suzerain treaties—covenants between a powerful king (suzerain) and a vassal nation. By declaring "this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God," Moses is not merely reminding them of their past election but solemnly initiating them into a renewed, binding covenant relationship, underscoring their distinct identity and mission in the face of the idolatrous practices they would inevitably encounter in Canaan.
* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 27:9](/deuteronomy/27-9 "Deuteronomy 27:9 - Israel Becomes the People of the LORD") powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to the book of Deuteronomy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Relationship**, emphasizing Israel's unique status as a nation chosen and set apart by God, not by their own merit but by divine grace (as seen in [Deuteronomy 7:6-8](/deuteronomy/7-6-8 "Deuteronomy 7:6-8 - Israel, a Holy People")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Identity and Election**, reminding Israel that their national existence and purpose are intrinsically tied to their relationship with Yahweh. They are not merely a collection of tribes but "the people of the LORD thy God," a consecrated nation with a divine mission to be distinct among the nations (e.g., [Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel, a Holy People to the LORD")). Thirdly, the imperative "Take heed, and hearken, O Israel" introduces the crucial theme of **Obedience and Hearing (Shema)**. Throughout Deuteronomy, Moses repeatedly calls Israel to "hearken" (Hebrew: *shama*), which implies not just passive listening but active, obedient response to God's commands (famously in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")). This verse serves as a foundational call to attention and faithful adherence to the covenant stipulations that follow, linking their continued status as God's people to their responsive obedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Take heed (Hebrew, _çâkath'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to be silent," this verb implies a quiet, attentive observation. It's not merely passive listening but an active, focused state of receptivity, demanding full mental and spiritual engagement with the divine word. In this context, it underscores the solemnity and critical importance of the message, calling Israel to be present and deliberately attentive.
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** While often translated as "hear," *shâmaʻ* in Hebrew carries the profound meaning of "to hear intelligently," "to listen and obey," or "to listen and respond." It is an active, volitional verb that encompasses comprehension, acceptance, and subsequent action. When paired with *çâkath*, it underscores that the required response from Israel is not just intellectual understanding but a practical, obedient living out of God's commands. This active obedience is the very core of the covenant relationship.
* **Become (Hebrew, _hâyâh'_):** This primitive root means "to exist," "to be," "to become," or "to come to pass." In this context, "thou art become" signifies an accomplished state or a confirmed reality. It is not a future hope but a present declaration of their established identity. This day, through the covenant renewal, their status as God's chosen people is reaffirmed and made manifest, solidifying their unique and enduring relationship with the LORD.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying":** This opening clause establishes the authoritative and unified voice behind the declaration. It highlights a joint address by the spiritual and political leadership – Moses, the prophet and mediator of the covenant, and the Levitical priests, who were the guardians and interpreters of the Law (as noted in [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - The Priestly Blessing")). The address is "unto all Israel," emphasizing the collective responsibility and unity of the entire nation in this momentous covenant renewal. This is not a message for a select few but for every individual within the community, signifying corporate accountability.
* **"Take heed, and hearken, O Israel;":** This is a powerful, dual imperative, directly addressing the nation. "Take heed" (çâkath) demands focused attention and quiet receptivity, while "hearken" (shâmaʻ) calls for active, obedient listening and responsive action. The pairing of these verbs underscores the gravity of the moment and the absolute necessity of Israel's full engagement and submission to God's word. The direct appeal, "O Israel," reinforces the intimate nature of the covenant relationship and emphasizes both individual and corporate responsibility to respond to God's commands.
* **"this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God.":** This is the climactic declaration, the core message of the verse, imbued with profound theological significance. "This day" signifies a specific, momentous point in time – a day of covenant renewal and reaffirmation, marking a fresh commitment. The phrase "thou art become" asserts their confirmed status, not as a new creation, but as a renewed and reaffirmed identity. They are distinctively "the people of the LORD thy God," emphasizing their unique election, divine ownership, and intimate relationship with Yahweh. This identity carries with it both immense privilege and profound responsibility to live in accordance with His holy will and purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:9 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound and urgent message. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as Moses and the priests directly speak "unto all Israel," creating an immediate, personal, and collective connection with the audience and demanding their full attention. This is powerfully reinforced by the use of **Imperative Verbs** ("Take heed," "hearken"), which convey a clear command and a sense of absolute urgency, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the expected response. The phrase "O Israel" functions as an **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or personified entity, here personifying the entire nation, further emphasizing the collective nature of the call and the unity required in their response. The declaration "this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God" is a powerful **Declarative Statement**, asserting a present reality and a confirmed, divinely ordained status, thereby imbuing the moment with solemnity, finality, and theological weight. The repetition of the concept of "hearing" through the pairing of *çâkath* (take heed) and *shâmaʻ* (hearken) serves as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the absolute centrality of attentive and obedient listening to the covenant relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:9 is a foundational statement about Israel's identity and their covenant relationship with God, resonating deeply throughout the Old and New Testaments. It affirms that Israel's existence is not merely political but profoundly theological, rooted in divine election and a unique, intimate bond with the Creator. This declaration of "the people of the LORD thy God" establishes a paradigm for God's relationship with His chosen people, characterized by His sovereign grace, their consecrated status, and the reciprocal demand for faithful obedience. It foreshadows the broader biblical narrative of God calling a people for Himself, setting them apart to bear His name and live according to His righteous standards, ultimately pointing to a greater spiritual reality of a new covenant people.

* [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")
* [1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9-10 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 27:9 serves as a profound and enduring reminder for believers today of our identity in Christ. Just as ancient Israel was declared "the people of the LORD thy God" through a covenant ceremony, so too are we, through faith in Jesus Christ, brought into a new and living covenant relationship, becoming God's adopted children and members of His spiritual household. This identity is not earned by our merit but graciously bestowed through divine initiative, calling us to live in a manner worthy of our high and holy calling. The commanding imperatives to "Take heed, and hearken" remain vitally relevant, urging us to listen attentively to God's Word, to discern His will through the Holy Spirit, and to respond with wholehearted obedience in every facet of our lives. Our daily conduct, choices, and priorities should reflect this consecrated status, demonstrating our allegiance to God in a world that often pulls us in opposing directions. This verse challenges us to consider what it truly means to be "the people of the LORD" in our contemporary context, prompting us to live distinctively, faithfully, and obediently as we await the full realization of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what tangible ways does my daily life reflect my identity as "the people of the LORD thy God"?**
* **How effectively do I "take heed" and "hearken" to God's voice through His Word, prayer, and the promptings of the Holy Spirit?**
* **What specific areas of my life need to be more fully aligned with my identity as God's chosen and beloved child?**
* **How does understanding my identity in Christ empower me to live distinctively and courageously in a world that often contradicts God's values?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "this day" in Deuteronomy 27:9?**

Answer: The phrase "this day" (Hebrew: *hayyom*) in [Deuteronomy 27:9](/deuteronomy/27-9 "Deuteronomy 27:9 - Israel Becomes the People of the LORD") is highly significant, acting as a recurring and emphatic motif throughout the book of Deuteronomy. It emphasizes the immediacy, solemnity, and present reality of the covenant renewal taking place. It signifies a specific, momentous point in time where a new generation of Israelites is formally entering into and affirming the covenant relationship with God, standing on the threshold of the Promised Land. It's a declaration that their status as "the people of the LORD thy God" is not merely inherited from their ancestors but is being actively embraced and confirmed at this very moment. This "this day" underscores the urgency of their commitment and responsibility, making the covenant fresh and binding for the generation about to enter Canaan, just as previous generations had affirmed it (e.g., [Exodus 19:8](/exodus/19-8 "Exodus 19:8 - All that the LORD has spoken we will do")). It calls for a present, active response of faith and obedience, demanding a conscious decision to live under God's rule.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 27:9, with its declaration of Israel becoming "the people of the LORD thy God" through covenant, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual expansion in Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel was God's chosen nation under the Old Covenant, their identity and relationship with God were often conditional upon their obedience and marked by cycles of faithfulness and apostasy. Christ, however, inaugurates a New Covenant (as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")), where all who believe in Him are brought into an unbreakable, grace-based relationship with God, becoming His people not by national descent or external ritual but by spiritual rebirth and faith. The call to "hearken" to God's voice, so central to Deuteronomy, is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who is the very Word of God made flesh ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")) and the one whom the Father Himself commands us to "listen to" ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Transfiguration and God's Voice")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus cleanses and consecrates a new people for God—the Church—who are described in New Testament terms as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), powerfully echoing the language of Israel's original calling ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation")). Thus, the identity and mission of God's people, imperfectly lived out by ancient Israel, are perfectly realized and extended globally through the finished work of Christ, inviting all nations to become "the people of the LORD their God" by faith in Him ([Romans 9:25-26](/romans/9-25-26 "Romans 9:25-26 - God's Mercy on Gentiles")).

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 2:10

Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

1 Peter 2:11

Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

1 Corinthians 6:9

¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

1 Corinthians 6:11

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Deuteronomy 26:16

¶ This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.

Deuteronomy 26:18

And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that [thou] shouldest keep all his commandments;

Ephesians 5:8

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light: