Deuteronomy 6:1

¶ Now these [are] the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do [them] in the land whither ye go to possess it:

Now these are the commandments {H4687}, the statutes {H2706}, and the judgments {H4941}, which the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} commanded {H6680} to teach {H3925} you, that ye might do {H6213} them in the land {H776} whither ye go {H5674} to possess {H3423} it:

"Now this is the mitzvah, the laws and rulings which ADONAI your God ordered me to teach you for you to obey in the land you are crossing over to possess,

These are the commandments and statutes and ordinances that the LORD your God has instructed me to teach you to follow in the land that you are about to enter and possess,

Now this is the commandment, the statutes, and the ordinances, which Jehovah your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it;

Commentary

Context

Deuteronomy 6:1 serves as a foundational verse, introducing the core purpose of the extensive legal and moral instructions Moses delivered to the Israelite nation. This book, whose name means "second law," is essentially Moses' farewell address to the generation poised to enter the Promised Land after forty years of wandering in the wilderness. It reiterates and expounds upon the laws given at Mount Sinai, preparing the people for life in Canaan, emphasizing the importance of remembering and obeying God's covenant.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Revelation: The verse explicitly states that these are "the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded." This highlights the divine origin of the law, not as human invention, but as direct revelation from God Himself.
  • Comprehensive Scope of God's Law: The tripartite phrase "commandments, statutes, and judgments" signifies the full spectrum of God's divine instruction. These terms collectively encompass moral precepts, ceremonial ordinances, and civil laws, illustrating God's comprehensive guidance for every aspect of life.
  • Purpose of Instruction: The immediate goal of God commanding these laws was "to teach you." This underscores the pedagogical nature of God's word—it's meant to be understood, learned, and internalized by His people.
  • Obedience for Possession: The ultimate aim is "that ye might do [them] in the land whither ye go to possess it." Obedience to God's law was inextricably linked to Israel's ability to successfully occupy and maintain the promised inheritance. Their tenure in the land was conditional upon their faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used are significant:

  • Mitzvah (מִצְוָה - "commandments"): Refers to general precepts or moral injunctions.
  • Chuqqah (חֻקָּה - "statutes"): Often denotes ordinances, decrees, or fixed regulations, sometimes ceremonial or ritualistic, whose reasons might not be immediately apparent but are binding by divine decree.
  • Mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט - "judgments"): Pertains to judicial decisions, case laws, or principles of justice that govern social and legal interactions.

Together, these terms emphasize the holistic nature of God's law, covering moral, ceremonial, and civil aspects of Israelite life.

Practical Application

For believers today, Deuteronomy 6:1 speaks to the enduring principle that God's Word is given not merely for intellectual assent but for practical application. Just as Israel was to obey God's laws to thrive in the physical Promised Land, believers are called to live according to God's principles to experience spiritual flourishing and inherit the blessings of His kingdom. This verse reminds us that:

  • God's Word is Authoritative: We must acknowledge the divine origin and authority of Scripture.
  • Learning Precedes Doing: We are first "commanded to teach" (to learn) before we can "do." Diligent study of the Bible is essential.
  • Obedience is Key: True faith is demonstrated through active obedience to God's commands, which leads to blessing and a deeper relationship with Him.
  • Living Out Faith: Our faith is meant to be lived out in our daily lives, influencing how we interact with the world around us.
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 4:1 (9 votes)

    ¶ Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

  • Deuteronomy 12:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ These [are] the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.

  • Deuteronomy 4:45 (5 votes)

    These [are] the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after they came forth out of Egypt,

  • Leviticus 27:34 (4 votes)

    These [are] the commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses for the children of Israel in mount Sinai.

  • Deuteronomy 5:31 (4 votes)

    But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do [them] in the land which I give them to possess it.

  • Deuteronomy 4:5 (3 votes)

    Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.

  • Deuteronomy 4:14 (3 votes)

    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.