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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 6:17–25. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here, I. Moses charges them to keep God's commandments themselves: You shall diligently keep God's commandments, Deu 6:17-19. Note, It requires a great deal of care and pains to keep up religion in the power of it in our hearts and lives. Negligence will ruin us; but we cannot be saved without diligence. To induce them to this, he here shows them, 1. That this would be very acceptable to God: it is right and good in the sight of the Lord; and that is right and good indeed that is, so in God's sight. If we have any regard to the favour of our Creator as our felicity, and the law of our creation as our rule, we shall be religious. 2. That it would be very advantageous and profitable to themselves. It would secure to them the possession of the land of Canaan, prosperity there, and constant victory over those that stood in their way. In short, "Do well, and it shall be well with thee."
II.He charges them to instruct their children in the commands of God, not only that they might in their tender years intelligently and affectionately join in religious services, but that afterwards they might in their day keep up religion, and convey it to those that should come after them. Now,
1.Here is a proper question which it is supposed the children would ask (Deu 6:20): "What mean the testimonies and the statutes? What is the meaning of the feasts we observe, the sacrifices we offer, and the many peculiar customs we keep up?" Observe,
(1.)All divine institutions have a certain meaning, and there is something great designed in them.
(2.)It concerns us to know and understand the meaning of them, that we may perform a reasonable service and may not offer the blind for sacrifice.
(3.)It is good for children betimes to enquire into the true intent and meaning of the religious observances they are trained up in. If any are thus inquisitive in divine things it is a good sign that they are concerned about them, and a good means of their attaining to a great acquaintance with them. Then shall we know if thus we follow on to know.
2.Here is a full answer put into the parents' mouths to be given to this good question. Parents and teachers must give instruction to those under their charge, though they do not ask it, nay, though they have an aversion to it; much more must they be ready to answer questions, and to give instruction when it is desired; for it may be hoped that those who ask it will be willing to receive it. Did the children ask the meaning of God's laws? Let them be told that they were to be observed,
(1.)In a grateful remembrance of God's former favours to them, especially their deliverance out of Egypt, Deu 6:21-23. The children must be often told of the deplorable state their ancestors were in when they were bondmen in Egypt, the great salvation God wrought for them in fetching them out thence, and that God, in giving them these peculiar statutes, meant to perpetuate the memorial of that work of wonder, by which they were formed into a peculiar people.
(2.)As the prescribed condition of his further favours (Deu 6:24): The Lord commanded us all these statutes for our good. Note, God commands us nothing but what is really for our good. It is our interest as well as our duty to be religious.
[1.]It will be our life: That he might preserve us alive, which is a great favour, and more than we could expect, considering how often we have forfeited life itself. Godliness has the promise of the continuance and comfort of the life that now is as far as it is for God's glory.
[2.]It will be our righteousness. Could we perfectly fulfil but that one command of loving God with all our heart, soul, and might, and could we say, "We have never done otherwise," this would be so our righteousness as to entitle us to the benefits of the covenant of innocency; had we continued in every thing that is written in the book of the law to do it, the law would have justified us. But this we cannot pretend to, therefore our sincere obedience shall be accepted through a Mediator to denominate us, as Noah was, righteous before God, Gen 7:1; Luk 1:6; and Jo1 3:7. The Chaldee reads it, There shall be a reward to us if we observe to do these commandments; for, without doubt, in keeping God's commandments there is great reward.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
As the law teaches, “You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart and your whole soul.” But the person who puts his entire hope in the Lord also praises with his whole heart. He does not put his trust in the transient consolations of the world, once he has trained himself on the Lord with total purity of mind.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 6:17 presents a vital and direct command to the new generation of Israelites on the precipice of entering the Promised Land, urging them to maintain unwavering and comprehensive obedience to God's divine instructions. This verse encapsulates a core Deuteronomic principle: Israel's sustained blessing, prosperity, and their very covenant relationship with Yahweh are intricately tied to their diligent and wholehearted adherence to His commandments, testimonies, and statutes, which collectively represent the full scope of His revealed will for their corporate and individual lives.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 6:17 is strategically situated within Moses' second major discourse, delivered to Israel on the plains of Moab as they prepared to enter Canaan. It immediately follows the profound declaration of the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, which commands Israel to love the LORD their God with all their heart, soul, and might. Verse 17 then serves as the practical outworking of this supreme love: diligent obedience. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 6:10-16) warn against forgetting God amidst future prosperity and succumbing to the idolatry prevalent in the land. Conversely, the subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 6:18-19) promise blessing and success in the land as a direct consequence of doing "that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD." Thus, verse 17 functions as a crucial bridge, translating the internal posture of love into external acts of faithful obedience, which are absolutely essential for their covenant life and flourishing in the Promised Land.
Historical & Cultural Context
This address is directed to a new generation of Israelites, those born in the wilderness, who did not directly experience the Exodus or the initial covenant ratification at Mount Sinai. Moses, acting as God's prophet and mediator, is re-presenting the Law (Deuteronomy literally means "second law") to prepare them for the unique challenges and responsibilities of life in the Promised Land. The covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel was distinct among ancient Near Eastern treaties; it functioned as a suzerain-vassal treaty, where God, the great King, established the terms for His people, the vassals. Obedience was not merely legalistic compliance but a deeply relational act, a tangible demonstration of loyalty, trust, and gratitude to their Deliverer and Provider. The land itself was a conditional inheritance, its continued enjoyment and productivity directly dependent on Israel's fidelity to the covenant. The pervasive idolatry and pagan practices of the surrounding Canaanite nations formed a stark cultural backdrop, making the call to exclusive and diligent worship of Yahweh, expressed through obedience to His distinct laws, a radical and vital imperative for Israel's unique identity and very survival as God's chosen people.
Key Themes
Deuteronomy 6:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to the book of Deuteronomy. Firstly, Covenant Fidelity is paramount; Israel's relationship with God is fundamentally defined by their adherence to the covenant stipulations given at Mount Horeb (Sinai). Their faithfulness to these terms is the bedrock of their national existence and divine blessing. Secondly, Holistic Obedience is profoundly emphasized, advocating not for partial or superficial compliance, but for a diligent, comprehensive keeping of all aspects of God's revealed will. This stands in stark contrast to the disobedience of the previous generation, whose failure to trust and obey led to their demise in the wilderness (Numbers 14). Thirdly, the theme of Divine Authority and Benevolence permeates the verse, as the laws originate from "the LORD your God," highlighting that these commands are not arbitrary burdens but rather expressions of a loving and wise God who desires Israel's ultimate good and flourishing in the land He is graciously giving them (Deuteronomy 4:40).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Translated as "diligently keep." This primitive root properly means "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard." In the context of commandments, it implies active, vigilant, and careful observance. The adverbial "diligently" in the English translation captures the intensity of this Hebrew verb, suggesting a watchful commitment, thoroughness, and earnestness in obeying God's instructions. It's about guarding God's law in one's heart and life, ensuring no deviation or neglect.
Translated as "commandments." This term refers to a command, whether human or divine, and collectively, the Law. These are general divine precepts or injunctions, often moral in nature, that cover broad areas of conduct. They are direct orders from God, foundational to ethical and spiritual living, representing His authoritative will.
Translated as "statutes." This word denotes an enactment, hence an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage). It refers to specific decrees, ordinances, or prescribed rules, often ritual or ceremonial in nature, whose rationale might not be immediately apparent but are binding because they are divinely instituted. These are fixed, unchangeable laws, representing the specific, non-negotiable aspects of God's revealed will.
Verse Breakdown
"Ye shall diligently keep"
This opening imperative establishes the core demand: an active, intentional, and thorough commitment to obedience. It is not a mere suggestion but a command, requiring vigilance and careful attention to every detail of God's law. The emphasis is on the manner of keeping—with diligence, earnestness, and a protective watchfulness, ensuring the integrity of God's commands in their lives.
"the commandments of the LORD your God"
This phrase identifies both the ultimate source and the supreme authority of the laws. They are not human inventions or cultural norms but divine mandates emanating from Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), the covenant God who redeemed Israel from slavery and is leading them into their inheritance. The possessive "your God" (H430, ʼĕlôhîym) highlights the personal, relational, and exclusive aspect of this divine authority within the covenant, emphasizing Israel's unique relationship with Him.
"and his testimonies, and his statutes"
This expansion clarifies the comprehensive scope of the obedience required. It's not just a select few "commandments" but the full breadth of God's revealed will—His ethical precepts (mitsvâh), His commemorative laws that bear witness to His character and saving acts (ʻêdâh), and His specific, binding decrees (chôq). This comprehensive listing underscores that all aspects of God's law are to be observed without exception, preference, or partiality, leaving no area of life outside the scope of divine instruction.
"which he hath commanded thee"
This concluding phrase reinforces the divine origin and directness of the command. It emphasizes that these are not suggestions but explicit, authoritative instructions personally given by God (H6680, tsâvâh) to His people, demanding their full and unquestioning obedience. It underscores the personal nature of God's revelation and the non-negotiable nature of His expectations.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:17 employs several potent literary devices to underscore its profound message. The primary device is Emphasis through Repetition and Triadic Structure. The verse reiterates the concept of "keeping" God's law, while the specific listing of "commandments," "testimonies," and "statutes" forms a Triadic Structure. This triad functions as a Merism, signifying the totality and comprehensive nature of God's law, ensuring that no aspect of divine instruction is overlooked. Furthermore, the use of the adverb "diligently" (derived from the intensive form of shâmar) serves as an Intensifier, stressing the quality and earnestness required in their obedience, moving beyond mere compliance to a watchful, protective adherence. The phrase "the LORD your God" also functions as an Appellation of Authority and Relationship, reminding the hearers of the divine source of these laws and their unique covenantal bond with Yahweh, thereby strengthening the imperative for holistic obedience.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 6:17 articulates a foundational principle of biblical theology: the inextricable link between covenant relationship and obedient living. God's commands are not arbitrary rules but expressions of His holy character, His wise design for human flourishing, and His loving desire for His people's good. For ancient Israel, their national identity, their enjoyment of the Promised Land, and their very relationship with Yahweh were contingent upon their diligent obedience. This principle resonates throughout the entirety of Scripture, demonstrating that true faith is never divorced from faithful action. While the specific covenant stipulations given to ancient Israel under the Old Covenant differ from the New Covenant established in Christ, the underlying theological truth—that God's people are called to live in active conformity to His revealed will out of love, devotion, and gratitude—remains a constant and vital theme.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 6:17 issues a profound and timeless call to believers today, urging us toward active, intentional, and comprehensive engagement with God's Word. It challenges us to move beyond passive hearing or mere intellectual assent to a diligent, watchful, and wholehearted obedience to His will. This "diligence" implies a careful and consistent study of Scripture, a prayerful seeking of understanding, and a conscious, daily effort to align our thoughts, words, and actions with God's revealed truth. It powerfully reminds us that our love for God is not merely an emotion or a theological concept but is tangibly demonstrated through our commitment to His commands. In a world that often seeks shortcuts, selective adherence, or convenient interpretations, this verse stands as a timeless reminder that true spiritual vitality, genuine blessing, and a deep relationship with God flow from a wholehearted, diligent pursuit of His ways, trusting implicitly that His commands are always for our ultimate good and His supreme glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the different terms for God's law: "commandments," "testimonies," and "statutes" as used in Deuteronomy 6:17?
These terms—mitsvâh (commandments), ʻêdâh (testimonies), and chôq (statutes)—are not simply synonyms but represent distinct facets of God's comprehensive revealed will for His people. "Commandments" (mitsvâh) generally refer to broad moral precepts or injunctions that govern ethical conduct. "Testimonies" (ʻêdâh) are laws that serve as a witness or reminder of God's character, His saving acts, or His covenant relationship with Israel (e.g., the Sabbath as a testimony to creation and redemption, or Passover as a testimony to the Exodus). "Statutes" (chôq) are specific decrees or ordinances, often ritual or ceremonial in nature, which are binding because they are divinely instituted, even if their rationale isn't immediately obvious to human understanding. The use of all three terms together, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:17, emphasizes the totality and completeness of God's law, indicating that Israel was called to obey every aspect of His divine instruction, leaving no part disregarded. This comprehensive scope underscores that God's authority extends over all areas of life, demanding holistic obedience from His covenant people.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Deuteronomy 6:17 calls ancient Israel to diligent obedience under the Old Covenant, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning are profoundly realized in Jesus Christ. Jesus perfectly embodied the diligent keeping of God's law, declaring that He came "not to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17). He lived a life of flawless and comprehensive obedience, fulfilling every commandment, testimony, and statute, thereby becoming the righteous Lamb of God whose perfect obedience is graciously imputed to all who believe (Romans 5:19). Furthermore, through the New Covenant, Christ enables His followers to truly "diligently keep" God's will, not by mere human effort or legalistic striving, but by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit writes God's laws on our hearts and empowers us to walk in them, transforming our desires and capabilities (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:27). Thus, the call to diligent obedience in Deuteronomy finds its ultimate expression and enablement in union with Christ, who both perfectly obeyed on our behalf and now empowers us to live lives that genuinely reflect His love and truth, motivated by grace rather than fear of judgment (Romans 6:14).