Deuteronomy 6:25

And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.

And it shall be our righteousness {H6666}, if we observe {H8104} to do {H6213} all these {H2063} commandments {H4687} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, as he hath commanded {H6680} us.

It will be righteousness for us if we are careful to obey all these mitzvot before ADONAI our God, just as he ordered us to do.'"

And if we are careful to observe every one of these commandments before the LORD our God, as He has commanded us, then that will be our righteousness.โ€

And it shall be righteousness unto us, if we observe to do all this commandment before Jehovah our God, as he hath commanded us.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 6:25 concludes a powerful passage within Moses' final address to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. This verse encapsulates a core principle of the Old Covenant: that Israel's obedience to God's divine commands would be counted as their righteousness. It emphasizes the direct correlation between active observance of the Law and their standing before the LORD.

Context

This verse follows the foundational declaration of the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, which calls Israel to love the LORD their God with all their heart, soul, and might. Moses is passionately instructing the new generation on the importance of diligently teaching and keeping God's statutes, judgments, and commandments. The entire book of Deuteronomy serves as a reminder of the covenant made at Mount Sinai and the blessings of obedience versus the curses of disobedience. For the Israelites, their success and continued dwelling in the land were contingent upon their faithfulness to these laws.

Key Themes

  • Righteousness by Obedience: In the context of the Mosaic Covenant, righteousness (Hebrew: tzedakah) was understood as a right standing or justification achieved through faithful adherence to Godโ€™s revealed laws. This was the means by which Israel maintained their covenant relationship with God.
  • Covenant Loyalty: The commandments were not arbitrary rules but the terms of Godโ€™s covenant with His chosen people. Observing them demonstrated their loyalty and love for the LORD.
  • Holistic Observance: The phrase "all these commandments" underscores the expectation of complete and diligent obedience, not selective adherence. It was about living in accordance with God's entire revealed will.
  • Divine Authority: The source of these commandments is "the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us," highlighting their divine origin and absolute authority.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "righteousness" here is ืฆึฐื“ึธืงึธื” (tzedakah). In this Old Testament context, it often refers to moral rectitude, justice, and conformity to God's standards within the covenant. It's a relational term, signifying that by doing what God commanded, Israel would be in a right relationship with Him. This concept is distinct from the New Testament understanding of righteousness imparted through faith in Christ, which is not based on human performance (Romans 3:22).

Practical Application

While Christians today are not under the Mosaic Law for salvation or justification (Galatians 2:16), Deuteronomy 6:25 still offers valuable lessons:

  • It reminds us that God desires obedience from His people. Our actions matter and reflect our love for Him (John 14:15).
  • It highlights the perfect standard of God's Law, which ultimately revealed humanity's inability to achieve righteousness through their own efforts, thus pointing to the need for a savior.
  • For believers in Christ, our righteousness is imputed through faith in Him, not earned by perfect obedience to the Law. However, true faith leads to a desire to live righteously, guided by the Spirit and the commands of Christ, demonstrating our transformation.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 24:13 (7 votes)

    In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God.

  • Romans 10:3 (6 votes)

    For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

  • James 2:10 (2 votes)

    For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.

  • Proverbs 12:28 (2 votes)

    ยถ In the way of righteousness [is] life; and [in] the pathway [thereof there is] no death.

  • Leviticus 18:5 (2 votes)

    Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I [am] the LORD.

  • Psalms 119:6 (2 votes)

    Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

  • Romans 10:5 (2 votes)

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