TRV
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 6:18 stands as a pivotal exhortation within Moses' final address to the new generation of Israelites, urging them to live in faithful obedience to God's commands. It articulates the profound principle that actively doing what is morally upright and pleasing in the Lord's eyes is intrinsically linked to holistic well-being and the successful inheritance and secure possession of the Promised Land, thereby fulfilling God's ancient covenant promises made to their forefathers. This verse encapsulates the essence of Deuteronomic theology, emphasizing that divine blessing is contingent upon human fidelity to the covenant.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically positioned within Moses' second major discourse in Deuteronomy, immediately following the profound declaration of the "Shema" in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The Shema calls for singular devotion to Yahweh, emphasizing that love for God must be expressed through diligent obedience to His commands, which are to be taught to future generations. Verse 18 then serves as a practical summary principle, directly connecting this call to obedience with the tangible outcome of flourishing in the land. It reinforces the preceding warnings against forgetting the Lord and the subsequent instructions for life in Canaan, such as avoiding idolatry and remembering God's mighty acts of deliverance, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:10-15. The entire chapter, indeed the book, reinforces the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant, where blessings are contingent upon Israel's faithful adherence to God's stipulations.
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting for this discourse is the plains of Moab, with the Israelites poised on the brink of entering the Promised Land after forty years of wilderness wandering. Moses is addressing a new generation, many of whom did not experience the Exodus firsthand. This context is crucial as it represents a covenant renewal, preparing the people for a settled life in Canaan, a land already inhabited by various pagan peoples. The emphasis on doing what is "right and good in the sight of the LORD" directly contrasts with the idolatrous and immoral practices of the Canaanites, which Israel was commanded to avoid and eradicate. The concept of a suzerain-vassal treaty, common in the Ancient Near East, provides a framework for understanding the covenant relationship, where the Great King (Yahweh) stipulates conditions for the vassal (Israel) to receive protection and blessing, including the grant of land. This historical juncture demanded a clear articulation of the principles for successful occupation and flourishing.
Key Themes
Deuteronomy 6:18 powerfully articulates several key themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Foremost is the theme of Obedience and Blessing, often termed "Deuteronomic Theology," which posits a direct, cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's faithfulness to the covenant and their experience of divine favor and prosperity in the land. This is not merely about following rules but about living in alignment with God's character and will, which naturally results in His favor, as seen in the promise "that it may be well with thee." Another crucial theme is Covenant Fulfillment, as the verse explicitly links obedience to the ability to "possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers." This connects the present generation's actions to the ancient promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as recorded in passages like Genesis 12:7 and Genesis 15:18. Finally, the phrase "in the sight of the LORD" highlights the theme of Divine Perspective and Accountability, emphasizing that true goodness and righteousness are defined not by human standards or societal norms, but by God's perfect and righteous judgment.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies to "do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In Deuteronomy 6:18, it implies an active, intentional, and comprehensive engagement in living out God's commands. It's not merely passive assent but a dynamic performance of righteousness, encompassing actions, decisions, and the very way of life.
Derived from a root meaning "to be straight," yashâr denotes actions that are straight, upright, just, and morally correct. It speaks to integrity and ethical soundness, a life lived without deviation from the path God has set. It implies conformity to a divine standard of rectitude, ensuring that one's conduct aligns with God's perfect will.
This term conveys a broad sense of goodness, encompassing pleasantness, benefit, excellence, and moral quality. When paired with yashâr, it suggests not only that actions are ethically sound but also that they are beneficial, wholesome, and pleasing to God, leading to positive outcomes for the individual and the community. It describes a holistic righteousness that is both ethically sound and inherently beneficial.
Literally meaning "eye," this word is used figuratively here to mean "in the sight of," "in the opinion of," or "before the face of." Paired with "LORD," it emphasizes that the standard for "right and good" is divine, not human. It means that actions are judged by God's perfect and holy perspective, not by the shifting sands of human opinion or cultural norms. It highlights divine scrutiny and the ultimate accountability of Israel to their covenant Lord.
Verse Breakdown
"And thou shalt do [that which is] right and good in the sight of the LORD"
This is a direct, singular imperative addressed to each individual Israelite. It calls for active, intentional living that conforms to God's moral and ethical standards. The "right and good" are not left to human discretion but are defined by God's character and revealed in His law. The phrase "in the sight of the LORD" underscores that true righteousness is not merely external conformity but an internal disposition that seeks God's approval above all else, acknowledging His omnipresence and perfect judgment.
"that it may be well with thee"
This clause presents the immediate and personal consequence of obedience. "Well with thee" (Hebrew: yâṭab l'kha) signifies holistic flourishing, encompassing physical health, material prosperity, peace, security, and spiritual well-being. It implies a life lived in harmony with God's design, leading to a state of blessing and contentment, both individually and communally. This well-being is a direct outcome of living in alignment with God's righteous ways.
"and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land"
This clause connects obedience to the fulfillment of God's overarching promise to Israel: the inheritance of Canaan. The active verbs "go in" (Hebrew: bôw') and "possess" (Hebrew: yârash) suggest that while the land is a divine gift, its actual secure possession and enjoyment are contingent upon Israel's faithfulness. It links the present generation's actions to the historical trajectory of God's redemptive plan, emphasizing their active role in realizing the covenant promise.
"which the LORD sware unto thy fathers"
This final phrase grounds the promise of the land firmly in the Abrahamic Covenant. It reminds Israel that their inheritance is not earned by their merit alone, but is a gracious gift rooted in God's faithfulness to His sworn oath (Hebrew: shâbaʻ) to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Their obedience is therefore the means by which they enter into and enjoy the blessings of this already-established divine promise, demonstrating their trust in God's faithfulness.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:18 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. Central to its structure is Deuteronomic Theology, a pervasive theme throughout the book, which establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's obedience to God's covenant commands and their experience of blessing, prosperity, and security in the land. Conversely, disobedience leads to curse and exile. The verse also functions as a strong Exhortation, a direct and urgent call to action from Moses to the people, emphasizing the vital importance of their choices. The language is rich in Covenant Language, particularly the use of conditional clauses ("that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in...") which highlight the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship, where God's promises are realized through Israel's fidelity. Furthermore, there is an element of Repetition of key Deuteronomic concepts, such as "the good land" and "sware unto thy fathers," which reinforces the continuity of God's plan and promises across generations and underscores the reliability of His divine oath.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 6:18 articulates a timeless theological principle that resonates throughout Scripture: the profound connection between obedience to God and the experience of His blessing. While the specific context of inheriting a physical land is unique to ancient Israel, the underlying truth—that living in alignment with God's character and will leads to genuine flourishing and the fulfillment of His purposes—remains universally applicable. This verse highlights that God's commands are not arbitrary burdens but are given for humanity's ultimate good, designed to lead to a life of peace, prosperity, and communion with Him. It underscores God's benevolent nature, demonstrating that His desire is for His people to thrive, and that the path to true well-being is found in reverent submission to His wisdom. It teaches that true goodness is not merely external conformity but an internal disposition that seeks God's approval above all else, leading to a life of both ethical integrity and divine favor.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 6:18 offers profound guidance for believers today, transcending its original historical context. While we are not inheriting a physical land, the principle of seeking to do what is "right and good in the sight of the LORD" remains paramount for our spiritual well-being and our participation in God's kingdom. Our "well-being" is now primarily spiritual, encompassing peace with God, joy in the Holy Spirit, and a life of purpose and fruitfulness. Our "possession" is not a geographical territory but the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ, including eternal life, the indwelling Spirit, and a share in God's glorious future. This verse challenges us to examine our motivations: are we living to please God or ourselves? It calls us to prioritize God's standards above cultural norms, trusting that His ways truly lead to the most abundant and fulfilling life, even amidst trials. It reminds us that obedience is not a legalistic burden but an act of faith and love, a pathway to experiencing the fullness of God's blessings in our lives and participating in His ongoing work in the world. It encourages us to cultivate a heart that desires to honor God in every thought, word, and deed, knowing that His eyes are always upon us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is this verse promoting a legalistic view of salvation or blessing?
No, Deuteronomy 6:18 is not promoting legalism in the sense of earning salvation through works. Instead, it is rooted in a covenantal relationship already established by God's grace. Israel was already chosen and delivered from Egypt; their obedience was a response to God's prior grace and faithfulness, a means of maintaining their covenant relationship and experiencing the full blessings promised within that covenant. The "right and good" actions are not a way to earn God's love or initial salvation, but rather the natural expression of a people who love God and desire to live in harmony with His character and purposes. It highlights that God's commands are for our good, leading to flourishing, not for burdensome rule-following. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where obedience flows from a heart transformed by grace, as seen in John 14:15 and Romans 6:1-23.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 6:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel was called to do what was "right and good in the sight of the LORD" to possess a physical land, Jesus perfectly embodied this command. He alone lived a life of flawless obedience, doing "always those things that please Him" (John 8:29). His perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, secured for His people the ultimate "well-being" – reconciliation with God, eternal life, and spiritual flourishing in the truest sense. Through Christ, believers "go in and possess" not a temporal land, but a spiritual inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" for us (1 Peter 1:4). Our ability to live "right and good" is no longer based on our own flawed efforts but is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who enables us to walk in newness of life (Romans 8:4). Thus, the promise of well-being and possession, once tied to a conditional covenant with Israel, is now graciously fulfilled in Christ for all who believe, through His perfect obedience and our union with Him, leading us into the abundant life He promised in John 10:10.