Deuteronomy 27:9

And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God.

And Moses {H4872} and the priests {H3548} the Levites {H3881} spake {H1696} unto all Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, Take heed {H5535}, and hearken {H8085}, O Israel {H3478}; this day {H3117} thou art become {H1961} the people {H5971} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}.

Next Moshe and the cohanim, who are L'vi'im, spoke to all Isra'el. They said, "Be quiet; and listen, Isra'el! Today you have become the people of ADONAI your God.

Then Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel: “Be silent, O Israel, and listen! This day you have become the people of the LORD your God.

And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Keep silence, and hearken, O Israel: This day thou art become the people of Jehovah thy God.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 27:9 captures a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as Moses and the priests solemnly address the people just before they cross into the promised land. This verse emphasizes their unique status and the responsibility that comes with it.

Context

This verse is part of a larger passage in Deuteronomy (chapters 27-28) where Moses outlines the solemn covenant renewal ceremony to take place once Israel enters Canaan. The tribes are instructed to gather on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal to pronounce blessings and curses based on obedience or disobedience to God's law. This verse serves as a powerful declaration introducing this significant event, reminding Israel of their identity before God as they stand on the threshold of inheriting the land promised to their ancestors.

Key Themes

  • Covenant Relationship: The verse highlights the established and ongoing covenant relationship between the LORD and Israel. They are not just a nation, but "the people of the LORD thy God," set apart by His grace and promise.
  • Identity and Status: The declaration, "this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God," marks a renewed emphasis on their unique identity. It's a reminder that their national identity is intrinsically linked to their relationship with God.
  • Importance of Hearing and Obeying: The command "Take heed, and hearken, O Israel" stresses the absolute necessity of attentive listening and obedience to God's voice and commands. This call to "hearken" (Hebrew: shama) involves not just hearing, but actively responding in obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Take heed, and hearken" uses two strong Hebrew verbs: qashab (take heed, attend) and shama (hearken, hear, obey). This pairing underscores the importance of both paying close attention and acting upon what is heard. The word "become" (Hebrew: hayah) here signifies a state of being or entering into a state, emphasizing their confirmed status in God's eyes as they stand ready to fulfill their destiny.

Reflection

For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of our identity in Christ. Through faith, we are also brought into a special relationship, becoming "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" unto God (1 Peter 2:9). Just as Israel was called to "hearken," we are called to listen attentively to God's word and obey Him. This daily commitment affirms our identity as His people and guides us in living according to His will.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 2:10 (4 votes)

    Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

  • 1 Peter 2:11 (4 votes)

    Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9 (3 votes)

    ¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

  • 1 Corinthians 6:11 (3 votes)

    And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

  • Deuteronomy 26:16 (3 votes)

    ¶ This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.

  • Deuteronomy 26:18 (3 votes)

    And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that [thou] shouldest keep all his commandments;

  • Ephesians 5:8 (3 votes)

    For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light: