Deuteronomy 26:17

Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice:

Thou hast avouched {H559} the LORD {H3068} this day {H3117} to be thy God {H430}, and to walk {H3212} in his ways {H1870}, and to keep {H8104} his statutes {H2706}, and his commandments {H4687}, and his judgments {H4941}, and to hearken {H8085} unto his voice {H6963}:

You are agreeing today that ADONAI is your God and that you will follow his ways; observe his laws, mitzvot and rulings; and do what he says.

Today you have proclaimed that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in His ways, keep His statutes and commandments and ordinances, and listen to His voice.

Thou hast avouched Jehovah this day to be thy God, and that thou wouldest walk in his ways, and keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his ordinances, and hearken unto his voice:

Commentary

Context of Deuteronomy 26:17

Deuteronomy 26:17 stands at a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as they are poised to enter the Promised Land. This verse is part of a larger section (Deuteronomy 26:16-19) that serves as a climactic covenant renewal ceremony. Following instructions for bringing the firstfruits and tithes to the Lord, which were acts of worship and gratitude, Moses calls the people to a solemn declaration. This declaration solidifies the mutual commitment between God and His people, reiterating the terms of the covenant first established at Mount Sinai. It emphasizes Israel's responsibility to uphold their part of the agreement.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Covenant Affirmation: This verse highlights a reciprocal agreement. Israel, through this public declaration, formally accepts the LORD as their exclusive God. In return, the very next verse, Deuteronomy 26:18, shows God affirming Israel as His special people.
  • Solemn Commitment and Allegiance: The act of "avouching" signifies a profound, public, and binding pledge. It's not a casual acknowledgment but a deep commitment to exclusive worship and loyalty to the God of Israel, rejecting all other gods.
  • Active Obedience: The declaration is immediately followed by a commitment to practical living: "to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice." This emphasizes that true faith involves tangible actions and a life lived in accordance with God's revealed will. This commitment to obedience is a hallmark of the covenant relationship.

Linguistic Insight: "Avouched"

The KJV word "avouched" (from the Hebrew word 'amarti) carries significant weight. It means to declare, affirm, solemnly pledge, or cause to say. It indicates that Israel has publicly and formally declared their allegiance and sworn their commitment to the LORD. This isn't merely a passive acceptance but an active, verbal, and binding vow made by the entire nation.

Practical Application for Today

Deuteronomy 26:17 provides a powerful model for personal faith and commitment today:

  • Personal Declaration: Like ancient Israel, believers today are called to personally "avouch" or declare the Lord Jesus Christ as their God and Savior. This involves a conscious decision to trust and follow Him.
  • Committed Living: Our declaration of faith is not just a verbal assent but is expressed through our daily walk. We are called to "walk in His ways" by aligning our lives with biblical principles, seeking to live righteously, and following the teachings of Christ.
  • Listening to God's Voice: The command "to hearken unto his voice" underscores the importance of listening to and obeying God's Word. This involves regular engagement with Scripture and seeking to understand and apply its truths in our lives, just as Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice."
  • Identity in Christ: This verse reminds us of our identity as God's chosen people, called to live distinctly and faithfully in a world that often pulls us away from His ways.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 24:7 (5 votes)

    And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.

  • Isaiah 12:2 (5 votes)

    Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19 (4 votes)

    What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

  • 1 Corinthians 6:20 (4 votes)

    For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:5 (3 votes)

    And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

  • Deuteronomy 15:5 (3 votes)

    Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day.

  • Acts 27:23 (3 votes)

    For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,