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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.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 6:24 encapsulates the profound rationale behind God's commandments to Israel: they are not arbitrary burdens but divine instructions given out of benevolent love, designed for the perpetual good and sustained life of His covenant people. This verse underscores that obedience, rooted in a reverential fear of the Lord, is the pathway to flourishing, security, and the ongoing experience of God's faithfulness, manifesting His desire for His people to live abundantly in His presence and under His protection.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 6:24 is situated within the heart of Moses's second major address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. This chapter, often called the "Shema" after its opening word in Deuteronomy 6:4, forms the theological core of Deuteronomy. It emphasizes the absolute singularity of Yahweh, the imperative to love Him supremely, and the diligent transmission of His commands to future generations. Verse 24 serves as a crucial explanation for why these commands are given, connecting obedience to the Law directly to the well-being and preservation of the nation, reinforcing the idea that the statutes are a gift, not a burden, and a means to maintain their unique covenant relationship with God. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 6:20-23) anticipate a future generation asking about the meaning of the statutes, and Moses provides the answer, grounding the Law in God's redemptive history and His gracious purposes.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Israelites stood at a pivotal moment in their history, poised to transition from wilderness wandering to settled life in Canaan. Having experienced God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt and sustained provision for forty years, they were about to face new temptations and challenges in a land inhabited by pagan nations. Moses's addresses in Deuteronomy served as a vital re-instruction and covenant renewal, reminding them of God's past faithfulness and the foundational principles of their national identity and worship. In the ancient Near East, laws were often seen as expressions of a king's wisdom and a means to ensure societal order and prosperity. For Israel, God's laws were unique in their moral depth and their direct connection to a personal, covenantal relationship with the divine King, ensuring not just societal order but also spiritual purity and the preservation of their distinct identity as God's chosen people. The emphasis on "this day" highlights the immediacy and continued relevance of God's faithfulness to their present circumstances.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully articulates several central themes of Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights Divine Benevolence, asserting that God's commands are "for our good always," portraying God as a loving Father whose instructions are always intended for the flourishing and blessing of His children, rather than mere restriction. This aligns with the repeated promises of blessing for obedience found throughout the book, such as in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. Secondly, The Fear of the LORD is presented not as cowering terror but as a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, power, and authority, which serves as the proper foundation for true obedience and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 9:10. Thirdly, the theme of Preservation and Life is paramount, emphasizing that obedience to God's statutes is intrinsically linked to physical survival, prosperity in the land, and the continuation of their covenant relationship. This promise of life and blessing for obedience is a recurring motif throughout Deuteronomy, particularly evident in the covenant blessings outlined in Deuteronomy 30:19-20.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H6680) signifies a strong, authoritative directive from a superior to a subordinate. It implies not merely a suggestion but an imperative, reflecting God's sovereign authority over His people. Yet, in the context of Deuteronomy, it is an authority exercised within a covenant relationship, emphasizing God's right to instruct those He has redeemed and chosen. The command is a divine injunction, a binding decree from the Creator to His covenant people.
More than simple dread, yârêʼ (H3372) encompasses a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's majesty, holiness, and power. It is the proper response of a creature to its Creator, leading to worship, obedience, and a deep understanding of one's place before the Almighty. This reverential fear is the beginning of wisdom and the foundation of true piety, motivating a desire to align one's life with God's will.
This word (H2896), used here in the phrase "for our good," signifies something beneficial, pleasant, prosperous, or excellent in the widest sense. It assures the Israelites, and by extension all believers, that God's intentions for His people are always ultimately for their welfare, flourishing, and well-being, both corporately and individually. It portrays God's commands as a pathway to genuine life and prosperity, not a burdensome obligation.
Verse Breakdown
"And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes"
This opening clause firmly establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the Law. It is not human legislation but a direct mandate from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The "statutes" refer to the comprehensive body of laws, ordinances, and principles given through Moses, which govern every aspect of Israelite life—worship, ethics, social justice, and national identity. The emphasis is on "doing" or "observing" them, highlighting the practical, active nature of obedience, which is the required response to God's authoritative word.
"to fear the LORD our God"
This phrase specifies the foundational disposition required for true obedience. It's not a blind adherence to rules but an obedience born out of a deep reverence and awe for God's character and power. This "fear" is the motivating force, acknowledging God's sovereignty and holiness, and recognizing His rightful place as the object of their worship and devotion. It is the proper response to the God who has delivered and chosen them, fostering a humble and trusting submission.
"for our good always"
This is the core theological justification for God's commands. It reveals God's benevolent character and His ultimate purpose for His people. The Law is presented as a gift, a means by which Israel can experience true flourishing, security, and blessing in every generation ("always"). It counters any perception of the Law as burdensome or arbitrary, asserting its inherently beneficial nature, leading to a life of well-being and prosperity in all aspects.
"that he might preserve us alive, as [it is] at this day"
This clause articulates the tangible outcome of obedience: the preservation of life. For ancient Israel, this encompassed physical survival, prosperity in the land of Canaan, protection from enemies, and the continuation of their covenant relationship with God. The phrase "as [it is] at this day" serves as a powerful reminder of God's past faithfulness in sustaining them through the wilderness, grounding the promise in their lived experience and providing a tangible example of His life-giving power through obedience. It underscores God's active involvement in their history and His commitment to their ongoing existence.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:24 employs several significant literary devices. Didacticism is central, as the verse functions as a direct teaching about the purpose and benefit of God's commands, designed to instruct and persuade the audience. It utilizes Covenant Language, drawing on the established relationship between Yahweh and Israel, where commands are given within the framework of promises and obligations. The phrase "for our good always" exemplifies Emphasis through direct assertion, powerfully stating the divine intention behind the Law. Furthermore, the verse employs Rhetorical Appeal by linking obedience directly to tangible benefits ("preserve us alive"), thereby motivating the Israelites to embrace the statutes not out of fear of punishment, but out of a desire for flourishing and continued life. The concluding phrase "as [it is] at this day" serves as a Historical Allusion and Testimony, grounding the theological principle in their immediate, observable reality and God's proven faithfulness, making the abstract concept of divine benevolence concrete.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 6:24 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's Law and His character. It refutes the notion of God's commands as restrictive burdens, instead presenting them as expressions of divine love and wisdom, meticulously crafted for humanity's ultimate well-being. This perspective aligns with the broader biblical understanding that true flourishing (shalom) is found in alignment with God's will. The "fear of the Lord" is consistently presented throughout Scripture as the beginning of wisdom and the proper posture for receiving divine instruction, leading to life and blessing. This verse foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on the Law as good and holy, even if it cannot save, and points to God's consistent desire for His people's abundant life and spiritual prosperity.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 6:24 offers a timeless truth for believers today: God's commands are not arbitrary rules designed to limit our freedom, but loving guidelines intended to lead us into the fullest, most vibrant life possible. When we approach God's Word with a reverential fear—an awe-filled respect for His character and authority—we begin to see His statutes not as obligations but as invitations to participate in His good purposes for us. This verse calls us to trust in God's benevolent nature, recognizing that His instructions are always "for our good always." In a world that often equates freedom with lawlessness, this passage reminds us that true freedom and preservation are found in joyful submission to the One who knows what is best for us, leading to spiritual flourishing and a life sustained by His grace, just as He has sustained His people throughout history. It challenges us to examine our hearts: do we view God's commands as burdens or as blessings? Our perspective profoundly impacts our obedience and our experience of His preserving grace.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is the Old Testament Law still relevant for Christians today, given that we are under grace?
While Christians are indeed under grace and not under the Mosaic Law as a means of salvation or justification (Romans 6:14), Deuteronomy 6:24 highlights the enduring principle that God's commands are always "for our good." The moral principles of the Old Testament Law, which reflect God's unchanging character and His design for human flourishing, remain relevant. Jesus affirmed the Law's enduring truth, stating He came not to abolish but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). Therefore, while we are not bound by its ceremonial or civil aspects in the same way as ancient Israel, the Law provides moral guidance, reveals God's holiness, and points us to our need for Christ. Its purpose to lead to "good" and "preserve us alive" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the life of obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live according to God's righteous standards out of love, not legalism.
What is the difference between "fearing the LORD" and being afraid of God?
The "fear of the LORD" described in Deuteronomy 6:24 (Hebrew: yârêʼ') is not a cowering terror or a paralyzing dread, but rather a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, power, and majesty. It's the recognition of His supreme authority and His rightful place as Creator and Redeemer. This reverential fear leads to worship, obedience, and a desire to please Him, knowing that He is both just and loving. It is a fear that draws us closer to God in humility and trust, rather than driving us away in terror. As Psalm 111:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." It is a healthy, worshipful awe that acknowledges God's immense power and perfect character, fostering a desire to honor Him in all things.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 6:24, with its emphasis on God's commands being "for our good always" and for the preservation of life, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament Law revealed God's perfect standard and His desire for humanity's flourishing, it also exposed humanity's inability to perfectly keep it, leading not to life but to condemnation (Romans 3:20). Jesus, however, perfectly embodied and fulfilled the Law, living a life of complete obedience to the Father, not for His own good, but for ours (Matthew 5:17). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He became the ultimate means by which God "preserves us alive," offering not just physical preservation but eternal life and spiritual flourishing (John 3:16). The "fear of the LORD" now culminates in a reverent awe for Christ, who is the very wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). In Him, we receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live in obedience to God's will, not under the burden of the Law, but in the freedom of grace, experiencing the true "good" that God always intended for His people (Romans 8:4). Jesus is the embodiment of God's good command, leading us into the abundant life promised by God, a life that is truly preserved and made whole in Him.