Deuteronomy 30:15

ยถ See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

See {H7200}, I have set {H5414} before {H6440} thee this day {H3117} life {H2416} and good {H2896}, and death {H4194} and evil {H7451};

"Look! I am presenting you today with, on the one hand, life and good; and on the other, death and evil -

See, I have set before you today life and goodness, as well as death and disaster.

See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

Commentary

Commentary on Deuteronomy 30:15 (KJV)

This powerful verse from the King James Version is part of Moses' final discourse to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. It follows chapters outlining the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience to the covenant. Here, Moses distills the essence of their situation into a stark, undeniable choice.

Context

Deuteronomy 30 is a pivotal chapter concluding Moses' lengthy address. It offers hope of restoration after exile if the people repent and return to God, promising a renewed covenant relationship. Verse 15 serves as a dramatic summary of everything that has been said regarding the covenant โ€“ the path they choose determines their destiny, both individually and as a nation. It sets the stage for the explicit command to choose life in the following verses.

Key Themes

  • Choice and Responsibility: The verse highlights the free will granted to humanity and the responsibility that comes with it.
  • Two Paths: It presents two distinct and mutually exclusive options: the path of "life and good" and the path of "death and evil."
  • Covenant Consequences: These options are intrinsically linked to the covenant relationship with God โ€“ obedience leads to life and good, while disobedience leads to death and evil.
  • Divine Setting: God (through Moses) has clearly laid out the options, making the choice transparent.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used here are significant. "Life" (ื—ึทื™ึผึดื™ื - chayyim) and "death" (ืžึธื•ึถืช - maveth) are not merely biological terms but refer to the quality of existence in relation to God and the covenant. Chayyim implies flourishing, blessing, and fullness of life in God's presence, while maveth signifies separation, curse, and spiritual decay. Similarly, "good" (ื˜ื•ึนื‘ - tov) and "evil" (ืจึธืข - ra') are defined by their alignment with God's will and covenant commands. Obedience is tov because it aligns with God's nature and purpose; disobedience is ra' because it is contrary to Him and leads to destruction.

Commentary and Application

Moses presents the people with a fundamental choice, much like Joshua later challenged them to choose whom they would serve. This is not a presentation of abstract concepts but of concrete realities tied directly to their actions in relation to God's commands. "Life and good" are experienced through covenant faithfulness and obedience; "death and evil" are the consequences of breaking the covenant through disobedience. This principle echoes throughout scripture, reminding us that our choices have real consequences, just as we are taught that we reap what we sow.

For believers today, this verse serves as a timeless reminder of the moral and spiritual choices we face daily. Choosing "life and good" means choosing to follow Christ, obey His teachings, and live in accordance with the will of God revealed in scripture. Choosing "death and evil" means rejecting God's way, pursuing selfish desires, and aligning with the values of the fallen world. While salvation is by grace through faith, the quality and consequences of our lives are profoundly impacted by these ongoing choices. It calls us to consciously and deliberately choose the path that leads to true life and aligns with God's goodness.

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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 11:26 (11 votes)

    ยถ Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;

  • Deuteronomy 30:19 (10 votes)

    I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

  • 1 John 5:11 (9 votes)

    And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

  • 1 John 5:12 (9 votes)

    He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

  • Galatians 3:13 (8 votes)

    Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:

  • Galatians 3:14 (8 votes)

    That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

  • Deuteronomy 32:47 (7 votes)

    For it [is] not a vain thing for you; because it [is] your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong [your] days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.