Deuteronomy 4:14

KJV

And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} me at that time {H6256} to teach {H3925} you statutes {H2706} and judgments {H4941}, that ye might do {H6213} them in the land {H776} whither ye go over {H5674} to possess {H3423} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

At that time ADONAI ordered me to teach you laws and rulings, so that you would live by them in the land you are entering in order to take possession of it.

Berean Standard Bible

At that time the LORD commanded me to teach you the statutes and ordinances you are to follow in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and ordinances, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse encapsulates Moses' divinely ordained commission to instruct the Israelites in God's laws, delivered during his final discourse on the plains of Moab. It emphasizes that these "statutes and judgments" were not human constructs but direct commands from the LORD, intended for practical obedience. The ultimate purpose of this divine instruction was to equip the new generation of Israelites to live righteously and prosper in the Promised Land they were about to inherit and possess.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 4:14 is situated within Moses' first major discourse in the book of Deuteronomy, spanning chapters 1-4. This section serves as a powerful preamble to the detailed exposition of the Mosaic Law that follows. Immediately prior, Moses has recounted God's awesome display at Horeb (Mount Sinai), where Israel heard God's voice directly, and he has issued a solemn warning against idolatry and forgetting the covenant. By stating that the "LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments," Moses underscores the divine origin and non-negotiable authority of the laws he is about to reiterate, setting the stage for the comprehensive legal and moral framework designed for Israel's life in the land. This verse acts as a bridge, connecting the historical revelation of God's will at Sinai to its future application in Canaan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Moses' address is the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River. Forty years have passed since the Exodus from Egypt, and the generation that departed Egypt, save for Joshua and Caleb, has perished in the wilderness due to their disobedience. A new generation stands poised to enter the Promised Land, Canaan, which is inhabited by various pagan nations. This new generation, many of whom did not personally witness the giving of the Law at Sinai, needed a fresh understanding and commitment to the covenant. Culturally, they were transitioning from a nomadic existence to a settled agricultural and national life. The "statutes and judgments" were crucial for establishing their identity as God's distinct people, providing the legal, moral, and cultic framework necessary to maintain their covenant relationship with Yahweh amidst the corrupting influences of the surrounding cultures and to ensure their flourishing in the land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Authority and Revelation**, explicitly stating "the LORD commanded me," thereby establishing that these laws are not human inventions but direct, authoritative pronouncements from God Himself. Secondly, it underscores **Moses' Mediatorial Role**, portraying him as God's chosen intermediary, uniquely tasked with receiving and conveying the divine will to the people. His unique position was indispensable for the formation of Israel as God's covenant nation. Thirdly, the phrase "that ye might do them" emphasizes the **Purpose of the Law as Practical Obedience**. God's commands were given not merely for intellectual understanding but for active implementation in daily life, ensuring their well-being and continued relationship with Him. Finally, the verse reinforces the **Covenant for the Land**, linking Israel's possession and flourishing in the Promised Land directly to their adherence to God's "statutes and judgments." This principle is foundational to Deuteronomy, where blessings and curses are explicitly tied to obedience and disobedience, as vividly detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Statutes (Hebrew, _ḥōq_):** This term generally refers to fixed decrees, ordinances, or established rules. It often carries the connotation of something prescribed or engraved, emphasizing its divine origin, immutability, and binding nature. These are the foundational, unchangeable principles and ordinances given by God, such as those related to worship, festivals, or fundamental moral laws.
* **Judgments (Hebrew, _mishpāṭ_):** This word refers to judicial decisions, ordinances, or principles of justice and equity. While _ḥōq_ might denote the fixed law, _mishpāṭ_ refers to the application of that law in specific cases, often involving legal precedents or righteous verdicts. Together, "statutes and judgments" encompass the entire comprehensive body of God's revealed law for Israel, covering both the general principles and their practical, equitable application in all spheres of life—religious, moral, and civil.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD commanded me at that time":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the instructions Moses is about to impart. "At that time" specifically refers to the period of the giving of the Law at Mount Horeb (Sinai), emphasizing that these are not Moses' own ideas but direct, authoritative mandates from Yahweh Himself.
* **"to teach you statutes and judgments":** This highlights Moses' specific, divinely appointed role as the mediator and instructor of God's covenant. His task was to convey the full breadth of God's revealed will—the "statutes" (fixed decrees) and "judgments" (principles of justice and their application)—to the people, ensuring they understood the comprehensive nature of their covenant obligations.
* **"that ye might do them":** This crucial phrase articulates the ultimate, practical purpose of God's revelation. The laws were not given for mere intellectual assent or theological contemplation, but for active, tangible obedience. God's desire was for His people to live out His commands in their daily lives, demonstrating their faith and commitment through their actions.
* **"in the land whither ye go over to possess it":** This clause provides the immediate geographical and eschatological context for the law. The instructions were specifically for the Israelites as they were about to enter and settle in the Promised Land. Their flourishing, security, and continued inheritance of the land were directly contingent upon their faithful obedience to these divine commands, making the law central to their national identity and destiny.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is a key feature in Deuteronomy, and the concept of "the land" and "possessing it" is reiterated throughout the book, emphasizing its centrality to Israel's identity, covenant, and future. This repetition creates a strong sense of purpose and destination. The phrase "statutes and judgments" itself is a form of **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary terms are used to express a totality, encompassing the entire body of God's law from foundational decrees to their practical application. The overall **Didactic Tone** of the verse, and indeed the entire book, is evident, reflecting Moses' role as a teacher and the book's purpose as an instruction manual for the new generation. Furthermore, the verse carries an element of **Anticipation**, looking forward to the Israelites' entry into the land, thereby imbuing the commands with a sense of immediate relevance and urgency for their impending settlement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 4:14 encapsulates profound theological truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity. It reveals God as a sovereign, holy, and just Lawgiver who actively communicates His will to His people for their good. The divine command underscores that true wisdom and flourishing are found in aligning one's life with God's revealed standards, which are not arbitrary but reflect His perfect nature. The emphasis on "doing" the statutes and judgments highlights that faith is not merely intellectual assent but finds its fullest expression in active obedience, which is foundational to the covenant relationship. This obedience is presented as the pathway to blessing and the means by which Israel would maintain its distinct identity and secure its inheritance in the Promised Land, demonstrating God's desire for a people who reflect His character in the world.

* [Exodus 20:1-17](/exodus/20-1 "Exodus 20:1-17 - The Ten Commandments")
* [Deuteronomy 6:4-9](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - The Shema and command to teach")
* [Psalm 119:1-8](/psalms/119-1 "Psalm 119:1-8 - Blessed are those who walk in the law of the LORD")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 4:14 offers timeless principles for believers today, reminding us that God's Word is not merely for intellectual understanding but for transformative obedience. Just as the Israelites needed divine instruction to navigate life in the Promised Land, so too do we need God's commands to live faithfully in the "land" or sphere of influence He has given us. Our "promised land" might be our family, workplace, community, or even our personal spiritual journey. The verse challenges us to move beyond simply knowing God's truth to actively "doing" it, recognizing that true spiritual flourishing and a vibrant relationship with God are intrinsically linked to our practical adherence to His will. This means diligently studying His Word, seeking to understand its principles, and then intentionally applying them to every facet of our lives, allowing His wisdom to guide our decisions and shape our character, thereby reflecting His light to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the divine origin of God's commands, as emphasized in this verse, impact your view of their authority and relevance for your life today?**
* **In what specific areas of your life (your "land" or sphere of influence) do you need to "do" God's "statutes and judgments" more faithfully and intentionally?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to move from merely knowing God's Word to actively obeying it in your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "statutes and judgments"?**

Answer: These terms, _ḥōq_ (חֹק) and _mishpāṭ_ (מִשְׁפָּט), represent the comprehensive body of God's revealed law given to Israel. _Ḥōq_ refers to fixed decrees, ordinances, or established rules, emphasizing their divine origin and unchangeable nature, much like the foundational principles found in [the Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). _Mishpāṭ_ refers to judgments, ordinances, or judicial decisions, emphasizing principles of justice and equity as applied in specific cases. Together, they encompass the entire legal and moral framework given to Israel, covering religious, civil, and ethical aspects of life, designed to shape them into a holy nation reflecting God's character.

**Why was it necessary for Moses to "re-teach" the law to this new generation?**

Answer: The generation that experienced the Exodus and received the law at Sinai had largely passed away due to their disobedience and rebellion in the wilderness, as recounted in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Judgment"). The Israelites on the plains of Moab were their children, a new generation about to enter the Promised Land. They needed to be re-educated and recommitted to the covenant, as they were about to face new challenges and temptations in a settled agricultural society surrounded by pagan nations. Deuteronomy serves as this "second giving" or restatement of the Law, adapting it to their new context as a nation, ensuring they understood the conditions for their continued blessing, success, and identity in [the land God promised them](/deuteronomy/6 "Deuteronomy 6 - Love the LORD your God").

**How does this verse apply to Christians today, since we are not under the Old Testament law?**

Answer: While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law as a system for salvation or national governance, this verse holds profound theological and practical lessons. It underscores God's unchanging character as a holy and just Lawgiver and the enduring principle that divine revelation is given for the purpose of obedience and flourishing, not merely intellectual knowledge. The moral principles embedded in the "statutes and judgments" reflect God's eternal character and are often reiterated or fulfilled in the New Testament, guiding believers in righteous living (e.g., [Matthew 5:17-20](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17-20 - Jesus fulfills the Law")). We are called to live by Christ's commands, which are summarized in love for God and neighbor ([Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandment")), and to walk in the Spirit, fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking according to the Spirit")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 4:14, with its emphasis on Moses as the divinely appointed teacher of God's law for life in the land, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect Lawgiver and Teacher, Jesus Christ. Moses mediated a covenant of law that revealed sin and showed Israel their need for a Savior, acting as a "guardian until Christ came" ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian")). Jesus, however, is the mediator of a "superior covenant, founded on better promises" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")). He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, perfectly embodying its righteous demands and revealing its true spiritual intent ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus fulfills the Law")). Through His sacrificial death, Christ became "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")). Under the New Covenant, the "statutes and judgments" are no longer external commands to be obeyed by human effort alone, but are written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") and [Hebrews 10:16](/hebrews/10-16 "Hebrews 10:16 - The Law written on hearts")). Our "doing" of God's will is now empowered by Christ's indwelling Spirit, leading to a life of love and obedience that truly reflects God's character and prepares us for our eternal inheritance in the true Promised Land, the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

Psalms 105:44

And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people;

Psalms 105:45

That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD.

Ezekiel 21:1

¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 21:23

And it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight, to them that have sworn oaths: but he will call to remembrance the iniquity, that they may be taken.