Deuteronomy 29:12

KJV

That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day:

KJV (with Strong's)

That thou shouldest enter {H5674} into covenant {H1285} with the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, and into his oath {H423}, which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} maketh {H3772} with thee this day {H3117}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The purpose is that you should enter into the covenant of ADONAI your God and into his oath which ADONAI your God is making with you today,

Berean Standard Bible

so that you may enter into the covenant of the LORD your God, which He is making with you today, and into His oath,

American Standard Version

that thou mayest enter into the covenant of Jehovah thy God, and into his oath, which Jehovah thy God maketh with thee this day;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 29:12 encapsulates a momentous occasion in Israel's history: the solemn renewal of the Mosaic covenant on the plains of Moab. This pivotal verse underscores the divine initiative of Yahweh, who graciously invites His chosen people into a binding relationship, sealed not only by a covenant but also by a sacred oath. It signifies a profound, corporate commitment for the new generation poised to enter the Promised Land, highlighting the extreme gravity of their responsibilities and the enduring nature of God's relationship under His divine authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 29:12 is strategically placed within Moses' final, comprehensive discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab just before their entry into Canaan. This specific section, primarily [Deuteronomy 29](/deuteronomy/29 "Deuteronomy 29 - The Moabite Covenant Renewal") and [Deuteronomy 30](/deuteronomy/30 "Deuteronomy 30 - Consequences of Covenant Obedience"), details a profound covenant renewal ceremony. While the foundational covenant was established decades earlier at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/24 "Exodus 24 - The Covenant at Sinai"), this Moabite covenant serves as a crucial, solemn reaffirmation for the generation that had grown up in the wilderness. The preceding verses, [Deuteronomy 29:10-11](/deuteronomy/29-10-11 "Deuteronomy 29:10-11 - All Israel Stands Before the LORD"), explicitly state that "all of you" – from the heads of tribes to the sojourner – were standing before the LORD to enter into this covenant and its oath. This emphasis on the corporate, all-encompassing nature of the commitment sets the stage for the detailed blessings and curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience") and the future-oriented implications discussed in [Deuteronomy 29:14-29](/deuteronomy/29-14-29 "Deuteronomy 29:14-29 - The Covenant's Reach to Future Generations").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is critical: Israel is encamped on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, with the Promised Land now within sight. The generation that experienced the Exodus had largely passed away due to their rebellion, and a new generation, born and raised in the wilderness, stood ready to fulfill God's ancient promise. In the Ancient Near East (ANE), covenants were common, often taking the form of "suzerainty treaties" between a great king (suzerain) and his lesser vassal kingdom. These treaties typically included a preamble, a historical prologue outlining past benefits, detailed stipulations (laws), provisions for deposit and public reading, a list of divine witnesses, and comprehensive blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The Mosaic covenant, and this renewal, closely mirrored this established structure, presenting Yahweh as the divine Suzerain and Israel as His vassal. The inclusion of an "oath" was a standard, legally binding element in such treaties, invoking divine judgment upon those who violated the terms, thereby underscoring the extreme gravity and permanence of the agreement from both divine and human perspectives.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader context, highlights several crucial theological and narrative themes. Firstly, **Covenant Continuity and Renewal** is paramount; it is not a new covenant but a vital reaffirmation of the enduring relationship established at [Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Covenant with Israel at Sinai"), specifically tailored for a new generation. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Initiative and Grace** is powerfully evident in the phrase "which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day." God is the one who graciously establishes the terms and invites His people into this binding relationship, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness despite Israel's past failures. Thirdly, the mention of "his oath" underscores the **Solemnity and Binding Nature** of the agreement, implying severe consequences for disobedience and profound blessings for faithfulness, as detailed throughout the entire book of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy - Moses' Farewell Speeches"). Finally, while not explicit in this single verse, the broader context of [Deuteronomy 29:10-11](/deuteronomy/29-10-11 "Deuteronomy 29:10-11 - All Israel Present") emphasizes **Corporate Responsibility**, signifying that the entire community – past, present, and future – was bound together in this sacred relationship with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth_ H1285):** From בָּרָה (in the sense of cutting, like בָּרָא), this term denotes a compact, confederacy, or league. It implies a solemn, binding agreement, often established by a superior party (God) with a subordinate party (Israel). The etymological connection to "cutting" likely refers to the ancient practice of cutting animals in half and passing between the pieces to seal a covenant, symbolizing the fate of the party who breaks the agreement. In the biblical context, _bᵉrîyth_ highlights God's gracious initiative to establish a relationship with humanity, setting forth terms for blessing and life within that relationship.
* **Oath (Hebrew, _ʼâlâh_ H423):** From אָלָה, this word signifies an imprecation, curse, execration, or swearing. When used in conjunction with "covenant," as it is here, it intensifies the binding nature of the agreement. It refers to a solemn declaration or vow, often accompanied by a self-imposed curse or an invocation of divine judgment upon oneself if the terms are violated. This underscores the gravity of the commitment, indicating that divine judgment (curses) would follow any breach of the covenant, just as blessings would follow obedience. It elevates the covenant from a simple agreement to a sacred, divinely enforced compact.
* **Maketh (Hebrew, _kârath_ H3772):** A primitive root meaning "to cut (off, down or asunder)," by implication "to destroy or consume." Specifically, it means "to covenant" (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces). This word emphasizes God's active role in initiating and establishing the covenant. It is not Israel who is "making" the covenant with God, but God who "makes" or "cuts" the covenant with them, highlighting His sovereign authority and gracious condescension in entering into such a relationship with humanity. The use of this verb reinforces the ancient ritualistic background of covenant-making.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God":** This clause reveals the profound purpose of the entire gathering described in the preceding verses. The Israelites are being formally inducted into a renewed, binding relationship with Yahweh. The phrase "the LORD thy God" is crucial, emphasizing the personal, exclusive, and relational nature of this covenant. It is not with a generic deity, but with Yahweh, the God who has revealed Himself uniquely to Israel, redeemed them from Egypt, sustained them in the wilderness, and now leads them into the Promised Land. "Enter into" implies a volitional act of acceptance and commitment on Israel's part, even though God is the ultimate initiator.
* **"and into his oath":** This phrase adds a layer of absolute solemnity and legal weight to the covenant. The "oath" is God's own solemn declaration, reinforcing the unchangeable nature of His promises and the certainty of the consequences (blessings or curses) attached to the covenant. By entering the covenant, Israel is also entering into the terms of this divine oath, binding themselves to its stipulations and consequences, thereby acknowledging the divine guarantee and the severe repercussions for disobedience.
* **"which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day":** This final clause powerfully reiterates both the divine initiative and the immediacy of the covenant. It is God who "makes" or establishes this covenant; it is not a human invention or negotiation. The repetition of "the LORD thy God" further reinforces the intimate, personal, and exclusive relationship between the divine Suzerain and His chosen people. "This day" emphasizes the present reality and urgency of the commitment for the generation standing before Moses, making it unequivocally clear that the covenant was not merely a historical event for their ancestors, but a living, binding reality for them personally and corporately.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 29:12 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message and underscore its theological weight. **Repetition** is prominently featured, particularly with the phrase "the LORD thy God," appearing twice. This repetition serves to emphasize the personal, exclusive, and deeply relational bond between Yahweh and Israel, reinforcing that this covenant is specifically with their divine Suzerain. The entire passage, including this verse, functions as a form of **Legal Language** or **Treaty Form**, mirroring the established structure of Ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties. This framing underscores the formal, binding, and authoritative nature of the agreement between God (the Great King) and Israel (His vassal people). The juxtaposition of "covenant" and "oath" creates a powerful **Emphasis** on the extreme solemnity and inviolable nature of the agreement, highlighting that it is not merely a promise but a divinely sworn compact with severe consequences for disobedience. Moses' address as a whole is a masterclass in **Rhetorical Persuasion**, with this verse serving as a climactic call to commitment, urging the people to embrace their identity and destiny within God's covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 29:12 is a foundational verse for understanding the biblical theology of covenant. It profoundly demonstrates God's persistent faithfulness in establishing and renewing His relationship with humanity, building upon earlier divine covenants such as the Abrahamic covenant ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Abrahamic Covenant")) and the initial Mosaic covenant at Sinai ([Exodus 24:7-8](/exodus/24-7-8 "Exodus 24:7-8 - The Blood of the Covenant")). This renewal in Moab foreshadows God's ongoing work to draw His people into deeper communion, culminating in the New Covenant. The Old Covenant, while revealing God's character, establishing a framework for righteousness, and exposing humanity's inability to perfectly obey, ultimately pointed to a future, more perfect covenant that could truly transform the human heart. This verse reminds us that God's relationship with His people is not static but dynamic, requiring ongoing commitment and renewal across generations, always rooted in His unchangeable character and gracious initiative.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Abrahamic Covenant")
* [Exodus 24:7-8](/exodus/24-7-8 "Exodus 24:7-8 - The Blood of the Covenant")
* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The Prophecy of the New Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 29:12 serves as a profound reminder of the enduring nature of God's covenant faithfulness and the call to personal and corporate commitment. Just as God renewed His covenant with a new generation of Israelites, He continually invites believers today into a living, dynamic relationship with Him through the New Covenant in Christ. This verse prompts us to consider the seriousness with which God enters into agreements, and by extension, the solemnity with which we should approach our own vows and commitments, especially those made to God. It challenges us to move beyond a passive understanding of faith to an active, daily "entering into" the terms of our relationship with Him, embracing His grace and seeking to walk in obedience. Furthermore, recognizing the corporate nature of this ancient covenant, we are reminded that faith is not merely an individual pursuit but a communal journey, where we, as the Church, are collectively called to uphold God's truth, live out His commands, and bear witness to His faithfulness as His covenant people in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's initiative in "making" the covenant shape your perception of His grace and unwavering commitment in your own life?**
* **In what ways do you personally "enter into covenant" with the Lord your God today, and what does that daily commitment entail in your thoughts, words, and actions?**
* **What does the inclusion of "his oath" imply about the seriousness with which God views His relationship with you, and how should that impact your own faithfulness and integrity in all your commitments?**
* **How does the corporate nature of this covenant in Deuteronomy 29:12 inform your understanding of the Church as a community of believers, and your role within it?**

### FAQ

**Was this a completely new covenant, or a renewal of the Sinai covenant?**

Answer: This covenant on the plains of Moab was primarily a renewal and reaffirmation of the original Mosaic covenant established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/24 "Exodus 24 - The Covenant at Sinai"). It was designed to bind the new generation, who had grown up in the wilderness and were about to enter the Promised Land, to the same divine stipulations and promises that their parents had received. While the terms were largely the same, the act of "entering into" it "this day" made it a fresh, personal commitment for those present, ensuring the continuity of God's covenant relationship with His people across generations. It underscored that God's faithfulness endures, and His expectations for His people remain constant.

**Why is "oath" mentioned alongside "covenant" in this verse?**

Answer: The inclusion of "oath" (Hebrew: _’ālâh_) alongside "covenant" (Hebrew: _bᵉrîyth_) serves to intensify the solemnity and binding nature of the agreement. A covenant is a formal agreement, but an oath adds an element of divine witness and sanction, often implying blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. It underscores the gravity of the commitment, making it clear that the covenant was not merely a suggestion but a divinely enforced compact with serious consequences for violation, as detailed extensively in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). The oath signifies God's own solemn pledge to uphold His part and enforce the terms.

**Who was included in this covenant ceremony on the plains of Moab?**

Answer: The broader context of [Deuteronomy 29:10-11](/deuteronomy/29-10-11 "Deuteronomy 29:10-11 - All Israel Stands Before the LORD") explicitly states that "all of you" were standing before the LORD to enter into this covenant and its oath. This included the "heads of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, all the men of Israel, your little ones, your wives, and the sojourner who is in your camp, from the hewer of your wood to the drawer of your water." This highlights the profoundly corporate nature of the covenant, encompassing every member of the community, regardless of status or role, emphasizing that the entire nation was bound together in this sacred relationship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 29:12, with its profound emphasis on entering into covenant and oath with God, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the mediator of the New Covenant. The Old Covenant, while holy and good, could not ultimately transform the human heart or provide a lasting solution for sin, as its stipulations were continually broken by a rebellious people. The prophet Jeremiah foretold a time when God would make a "new covenant... not like the covenant that I made with their fathers" ([Jeremiah 31:31-32](/jeremiah/31-31-32 "Jeremiah 31:31-32 - The New Covenant Prophecy")). This is precisely what Jesus inaugurated through His sacrificial death on the cross, establishing a covenant "by a much more excellent ministry" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). At the Last Supper, Jesus declared, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you" ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")). Through Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, humanity is now able to truly "enter into covenant" with God, not by adherence to an external law that condemns, but by a transformed heart through faith in Him. The "oath" of God's faithfulness, which under the Old Covenant brought both blessings and curses, is now perfectly secured in Christ, who bore the curse of the law for us, becoming a curse on our behalf ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). The New Covenant, sealed by Christ's blood, is written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The Law Written on Hearts")), enabling true obedience and providing complete forgiveness, thereby fulfilling the deepest longing for a perfect, enduring relationship with the LORD our God.

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

2 Chronicles 15:12

And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;

2 Chronicles 15:15

And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.

2 Kings 11:17

¶ And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD'S people; between the king also and the people.

Exodus 19:5

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:

Exodus 19:6

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

Nehemiah 10:28

And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;

Nehemiah 10:29

They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;