Deuteronomy 5:29

O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

O that there were such {H2088} an {H4310} heart {H3824} in them {H5414}, that they would fear {H3372} me, and keep {H8104} all my commandments {H4687} always {H3117}, that it might be well {H3190} with them, and with their children {H1121} for ever {H5769}!

Oh, how I wish their hearts would stay like this always, that they would fear me and obey all my mitzvot; so that it would go well with them and their children forever.

If only they had such a heart to fear Me and keep all My commandments always, so that it might be well with them and with their children forever.

Oh that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

Commentary

Deuteronomy 5:29 is a profound expression of God's desire for His people's genuine and lasting obedience, and the abundant blessings that flow from it.

Context

This verse comes immediately after Moses has finished reiterating the Ten Commandments to the Israelites in the plains of Moab, just before they are to enter the Promised Land. He reminds them of the awe-inspiring delivery of the Law at Mount Horeb (Sinai), where the people were terrified by the thunder and lightning and asked Moses to be their intermediary. God affirmed this request (Deuteronomy 5:28), and then speaks these words, revealing His heart's longing for their consistent faithfulness.

Commentary

The verse captures God's heartfelt wish. The phrase "O that there were such an heart in them" reveals a divine yearning, not a command, but a lament or deep desire. God wishes they possessed an inner disposition – a "heart" – that would naturally lead them to "fear me" (to hold Him in reverent awe and submission) and to "keep all my commandments always." The motivation for this desire is the resulting well-being: "that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!" God's ultimate goal in commanding is the perpetual blessing and flourishing of His people and their descendants.

Key Themes

  • God's Desire for the Heart: The emphasis is on the inner disposition ("such an heart"), showing that God values genuine devotion and willingness more than mere external compliance.
  • Reverential Fear: "Fear me" implies not terror, but a deep respect, awe, and submission to God's authority and holiness, which is foundational to true obedience (The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom).
  • Complete and Consistent Obedience: God desires them to "keep all my commandments always," highlighting the call to wholehearted and enduring faithfulness, not partial or temporary adherence.
  • Blessings of Obedience: The promised outcome is "that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever," linking obedience directly to present and future prosperity, security, and flourishing for individuals and generations.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "heart" here is ΧœΦ΅Χ‘ΦΈΧ‘ (levav), which encompasses not just emotions but also the intellect, will, and conscience – the very core of a person's being. When God desires "such an heart," He is wishing for a fundamental orientation towards Him. The word for "fear" is יִרְאָה (yirah), which can mean terror, but often in the context of God, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respect that leads to humble submission and worship.

Reflection

Deuteronomy 5:29 speaks to the timeless truth that God desires a relationship rooted in a willing heart and reverent obedience. His commandments are not arbitrary burdens but pathways to blessing and well-being. This verse serves as a poignant reminder that God's heart is for our good, and that our deepest flourishing comes from loving Him and keeping His commandments, not out of obligation, but from a transformed heart that fears and loves Him.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 48:18

    O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

  • Ezekiel 33:31

    And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

  • Ezekiel 33:32

    And, lo, thou [art] unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.

  • Deuteronomy 11:1

    ΒΆ Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.

  • Matthew 23:37

    O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!

  • Luke 19:42

    Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things [which belong] unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

  • Deuteronomy 4:40

    Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong [thy] days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.