Deuteronomy 32:46

KJV

And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto them, Set {H7760} your hearts {H3824} unto all the words {H1697} which I testify {H5749} among you this day {H3117}, which ye shall command {H6680} your children {H1121} to observe {H8104} to do {H6213}, all the words {H1697} of this law {H8451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he said to them, "Take to heart all the words of my testimony against you today, so that you can use them in charging your children to be careful to obey all the words of this Torah.

Berean Standard Bible

he said to them, “Take to heart all these words I testify among you today, so that you may command your children to carefully follow all the words of this law.

American Standard Version

and he said unto them, Set your heart unto all the words which I testify unto you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, even all the words of this law.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 32:46 presents Moses' climactic and urgent charge to the Israelites before his death and their entry into the Promised Land. This pivotal verse underscores the profound importance of internalizing God's words with wholehearted devotion, diligently transmitting these divine instructions to the next generation, and actively living them out in practical obedience. It serves as a foundational declaration that their very life, flourishing, and continuation as God's covenant people are inextricably linked to their comprehensive embrace of His law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Moses' powerful "Song of Moses" (Deuteronomy 32:1-43), a poetic and prophetic recounting of God's faithfulness to Israel and Israel's past and future rebellions. Following this solemn song, Moses delivers his final, direct exhortation to the people, emphasizing the enduring significance of the words he has spoken. It serves as a bridge, transitioning from the prophetic warning of the song to the practical implications for Israel's future in the land. Immediately after this verse, Moses is commanded to ascend Mount Nebo to view the Promised Land before his death, making these truly his last words of instruction to the nation, imbuing them with profound weight and urgency.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites are gathered on the plains of Moab, poised to cross the Jordan River and enter the land of Canaan after forty years of wilderness wandering. Moses is addressing a new generation, many of whom did not personally experience the Exodus or the initial giving of the Law at Sinai. Therefore, Deuteronomy, meaning "second law," serves as a covenant renewal document, reiterating and explaining the Law to this new generation. The command to "set their hearts" and "command their children" reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of covenant succession and the vital role of oral tradition and familial instruction in preserving cultural and religious identity. Their very existence as a distinct people, and their prosperity in the land, depended on their adherence to these divine instructions, distinguishing them from the idolatrous nations they were about to encounter.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 32:46 powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the **divine authority of the Word**, emphasizing that these are not merely Moses' words but God's own testimony. The phrase "set your hearts" underscores the theme of **wholehearted commitment** to God, echoing the greatest commandment to love the Lord with all one's being found earlier in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Greatest Commandment"). Furthermore, the command to "command your children" establishes the critical theme of **intergenerational faithfulness and spiritual legacy**, ensuring that the covenant relationship and its demands are passed down. Finally, the repeated emphasis on "observe to do" reinforces the theme of **practical obedience** as the necessary response to divine revelation, linking their life and blessing in the land to their active adherence to "all the words of this law" as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19-20 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life and Prosperity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearts (Hebrew, _lêbâb'_):** This term (H3824) refers to the innermost being of a person—the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and intentions. To "set your hearts" on something implies a deep, interior engagement, a conscious act of directing one's entire mind and will towards God's words, ensuring they are not merely heard but profoundly internalized and understood. It signifies a comprehensive mental and volitional commitment.
* **Testify (Hebrew, _ʻûwd'_):** This verb (H5749) signifies to "bear witness" or "to warn," often with the implication of solemn reiteration. When Moses says he "testifies" these words, it underscores their authoritative and binding nature. He is not merely offering advice but delivering a divine declaration, acting as God's appointed witness and messenger, emphasizing the absolute truthfulness and serious implications of these divine instructions.
* **Law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** While often translated as "law," *Torah* (H8451) has a much broader meaning, encompassing "instruction," "teaching," or "guidance." It refers to God's entire revelation of His will and way for His people, including commandments, statutes, ordinances, and the narratives of His redemptive acts. It is God's comprehensive blueprint for how His people are to live in covenant relationship with Him and with one another, designed for their ultimate blessing, well-being, and flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them,"**: This opening clause establishes Moses' direct, personal, and authoritative address to the entire congregation of Israel. It sets a solemn tone, indicating that what follows is a crucial, final instruction from their revered leader and God's prophet, delivered with the weight of his impending departure.
* **"Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day,"**: This is the core command for internal reception. It demands a wholehearted, intentional commitment to God's revealed will, which Moses has delivered. "This day" emphasizes the immediacy and urgency of the command, as the people stand at the threshold of the Promised Land, facing a new era of responsibility and the critical need for divine guidance.
* **"which ye shall command your children to observe to do,"**: This clause extends the command intergenerationally, highlighting the vital responsibility of parents and elders to diligently teach and impress God's instructions upon the next generation. The phrase "observe to do" underscores that the ultimate purpose of hearing and understanding God's words is not mere intellectual assent, but active, practical obedience in daily life, translating belief into behavior.
* **"all the words of this law."**: This concluding phrase reiterates the comprehensive nature of the divine instruction. It emphasizes that every aspect of the *Torah*—God's complete teaching and guidance—is to be embraced, internalized, and lived out. It reinforces the idea that the entire body of God's revelation is essential for their life and success in the land, leaving no room for selective obedience.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 32:46 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The primary device is **Exhortation**, as Moses delivers a direct, impassioned, and solemn command to the people, urging them to action. There is significant **Repetition**, particularly of the phrase "all the words," which serves to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the divine instruction and the requirement for total commitment, ensuring no part of God's revelation is neglected. The phrase "this day" functions as a device of **Emphasis**, highlighting the immediate and critical nature of Moses' final charge, underscoring the present moment as a decisive turning point. Furthermore, the verse is steeped in **Covenant Language**, with terms like "testify" and "law" (*Torah*) underscoring the binding agreement between God and Israel, and the people's responsibility within that covenant relationship. The structure moves from internal commitment ("set your hearts") to external action ("observe to do") and intergenerational transmission ("command your children"), creating a holistic picture of covenant faithfulness and its enduring legacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 32:46 masterfully encapsulates the Deuteronomic theology of covenant, asserting that Israel's very life, prosperity, and continued existence in the Promised Land are contingent upon their wholehearted and comprehensive obedience to God's revealed will. It underscores the dynamic interplay between divine revelation, human reception, and intergenerational transmission. The *Torah* is not presented as a burdensome set of rules but as the very path to life and blessing, demanding both profound internal commitment and diligent external action. This principle of active, Spirit-empowered engagement with God's word for life and flourishing resonates throughout the biblical narrative, serving as a timeless reminder that true faith involves both devotion of the heart and demonstration through obedience.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Teaching God's Commands to Children")
* [Psalm 19:7-11](/psalm/19-7-11 "The Perfection and Value of God's Law")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "Be Doers of the Word, Not Hearers Only")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The enduring relevance of Deuteronomy 32:46 for believers today is profound, calling us beyond mere intellectual assent to a deep, internal commitment to God's Word. It challenges us to actively "set our hearts" on Scripture, allowing it to permeate our thoughts, desires, and actions, shaping our worldview and priorities. This requires intentional engagement through consistent study, prayerful meditation, and humble submission to its authority. Furthermore, the verse places a sacred responsibility upon every generation to intentionally disciple the next, modeling and teaching biblical truths so that faith is not merely inherited but truly embraced and lived out. Parents, spiritual leaders, and the entire community of faith are called to be diligent in this task, ensuring that the legacy of faith continues and that future generations know and obey the Lord. Our spiritual vitality, both individually and communally, is intrinsically linked to our wholehearted devotion to and diligent practice of God's commands, securing a blessed future that honors Him and extends His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways do I actively "set my heart" on God's Word daily, moving beyond casual reading to deep engagement and internalization?**
* **How am I consistently "observing to do" God's commands in my daily life, demonstrating my faith through my actions and choices?**
* **What specific steps can I take to more effectively "command my children" (or the next generation in my sphere of influence) to know, love, and obey God's truth?**

### FAQ
**What does "set your hearts" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In Deuteronomy 32:46, "set your hearts" (Hebrew: *simu levavchem*) is a powerful idiom that signifies far more than intellectual understanding or passive reception. It denotes a deliberate, conscious act of directing one's entire inner being—intellect, will, emotions, and intentions—towards God's words. It implies giving serious attention, profound consideration, and wholehearted commitment, ensuring that the divine instruction permeates every aspect of one's life and shapes one's deepest convictions. It's about internalizing the truth so deeply that it becomes the guiding principle for all thought and action, mirroring the call to love God with all one's heart, soul, and might found in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "The Greatest Commandment").

**Why is the command to "command your children" so crucial for Israel's future?**

Answer: This command highlights the vital principle of intergenerational faithfulness and the continuity of the covenant. For Israel to thrive in the Promised Land and maintain their unique identity as God's people, the divine instructions could not be a one-time revelation but had to be diligently transmitted and embodied by each successive generation. It ensured that the covenant relationship with Yahweh, and the responsibilities that came with it, were not forgotten but actively taught, modeled, and lived out. This continuous spiritual education was essential to prevent apostasy, preserve their distinctiveness among pagan nations, and ensure the nation's blessing and longevity. This emphasis on spiritual legacy is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, from [Proverbs 22:6](/proverbs/22-6 "Train Up a Child") to the New Testament's call for discipleship in passages like [Ephesians 6:4](/ephesians/6-4 "Fathers, Bring Up Your Children in the Discipline and Instruction of the Lord").

**What is encompassed by "all the words of this law"?**

Answer: "All the words of this law" refers to the *Torah*, which in Hebrew (תּוֹרָה, *torah*) means "instruction" or "teaching." It is far more comprehensive than a mere legal code. In Deuteronomy, it primarily refers to the entire body of divine revelation given through Moses, encompassing not only the specific commandments and statutes but also the narrative of God's redemptive acts, His character, His covenant promises, and His warnings. It is God's complete blueprint for how His people are to live in relationship with Him and with one another, designed for their ultimate well-being and flourishing. This comprehensive nature of God's word is beautifully celebrated in [Psalm 119](/psalm/119 "The Perfection of God's Law"), which extols the various facets of the *Torah* as light, life, and wisdom, and is echoed in the New Testament's affirmation of the profitableness of "all Scripture" in [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "All Scripture is God-breathed").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 32:46, with its urgent call to internalize and obey God's law, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant Law, though holy and good, could not fully "set the heart" because of humanity's fallen nature and inherent inability to perfectly keep it ([Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "The Law is Holy") and [Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "The Law Weakened by the Flesh")). Christ, however, is the living Word who perfectly embodied and fulfilled the entire Law, not to abolish it, but to bring it to its intended purpose ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He inaugurated a New Covenant where God's law is no longer merely an external code but is written upon the hearts and minds of believers by the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "The New Covenant") and [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "God's Law Written on Hearts")). This internal transformation empowers believers to truly "observe to do" God's will, not out of fear or obligation, but out of love and a Spirit-enabled desire ([Philippians 2:13](/ philippians/2-13 "God Works in You")). Thus, the intergenerational command to teach God's words is now fulfilled in the Great Commission, where believers are called to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all that Christ has commanded ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")), thereby extending the kingdom of God across generations through the power of the Gospel and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, leading to true life in Christ ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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 Chronicles 22:19

Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.

Ezekiel 40:4

And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew [them] unto thee [art] thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel.

Deuteronomy 11:18

¶ Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

Proverbs 3:1

¶ My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

Proverbs 3:4

So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Deuteronomy 6:6

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

Deuteronomy 6:7

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.