Deuteronomy 6:24

KJV

And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as [it is] at this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} us to do {H6213} all these statutes {H2706}, to fear {H3372} the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, for our good {H2896} always {H3117}, that he might preserve us alive {H2421}, as it is at this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI ordered us to observe all these laws, to fear ADONAI our God, always for our own good, so that he might keep us alive, as we are today.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes and to fear the LORD our God, that we may always be prosperous and preserved, as we are to this day.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear Jehovah our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as at this day.

Commentary

### 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](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"), 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.
* **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.
* **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. 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](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom"). 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 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _ṣiwwâ'_):** This verb 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.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yārē'_):** More than simple dread, _yārē'_ 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.
* **For our good (Hebrew, _leṭôb'_):** This phrase unequivocally states the inherently beneficial and positive outcome of following God's ways. 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, 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.
* **"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.
* **"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.
* **"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.

#### 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.

### 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.

* [Psalm 19:7-11](/psalm/19-7 "The Perfection and Benefit of God's Law")
* [Proverbs 3:1-2](/proverbs/3-1 "Wisdom's Path to Life and Peace")
* [Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "The Law is Holy, Just, and Good")

### 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's commands as "for our good" change your perspective on obedience?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be resisting God's commands, perhaps viewing them as burdensome rather than beneficial?**
* **What does "fearing the LORD" practically look like in your daily walk with God?**
* **How has God "preserved you alive" or brought you good through your obedience to His Word?**

### FAQ

**Is the Old Testament Law still relevant for Christians today, given that we are under grace?**

Answer: While Christians are indeed under grace and not under the Mosaic Law as a means of salvation or justification ([Romans 6:14](/romans/6-14 "Romans 6:14 - Not Under Law, But Under Grace")), 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](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). 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.

**What is the difference between "fearing the LORD" and being afraid of God?**

Answer: The "fear of the LORD" described in Deuteronomy 6:24 (Hebrew: _yārē'_) 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](/psalm/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom") states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom."

### 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](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). 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](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). 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](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The "fear of the LORD" now culminates in a reverent awe for Christ, who is the very wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). 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](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Righteousness of the Law Fulfilled in Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 32:39

And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:

Psalms 41:2

The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; [and] he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

Deuteronomy 10:12

¶ And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

Deuteronomy 10:13

To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?

Isaiah 3:10

Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

Romans 10:5

For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

Deuteronomy 4:1

¶ 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.