Deuteronomy 30:16

In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

In that I command {H6680} thee this day {H3117} to love {H157} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, to walk {H3212} in his ways {H1870}, and to keep {H8104} his commandments {H4687} and his statutes {H2708} and his judgments {H4941}, that thou mayest live {H2421} and multiply {H7235}: and the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} shall bless {H1288} thee in the land {H776} whither thou goest {H935} to possess {H3423} it.

in that I am ordering you today to love ADONAI your God, to follow his ways, and to obey his mitzvot, regulations and rulings ; for if you do, you will live and increase your numbers; and ADONAI your God will bless you in the land you are entering in order to take possession of it.

For I am commanding you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live and increase, and the LORD your God may bless you in the land that you are entering to possess.

in that I command thee this day to love Jehovah thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his ordinances, that thou mayest live and multiply, and that Jehovah thy God may bless thee in the land whither thou goest in to possess it.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 30:16 is part of Moses' final address to the Israelites before they enter the promised land. It summarizes the core requirements of the covenant: love, obedience, and the resulting promise of life and blessing.

Context

This verse falls within Deuteronomy chapter 30, which presents a powerful call to choose life by returning to the LORD and obeying His voice. Moses has just laid out the consequences of both obedience (blessing) and disobedience (curses) in the preceding chapters (Deuteronomy 28-29). Here, he reiterates the path to blessing, emphasizing that the command is not distant or difficult, but near and achievable through the heart.

Key Themes

  • Love for God: The foundation of the covenant relationship is loving the LORD thy God. This love is not merely an emotion but is demonstrated through action and loyalty.
  • Obedience: Loving God is inextricably linked to walking in His ways and keeping His commandments, statutes, and judgments. Obedience is the practical expression of love and faith.
  • Life and Blessing: The consequence of this love and obedience is the promise that "thou mayest live and multiply." This refers to physical life, prosperity, and fruitfulness in the land God is giving them.
  • Inheritance of the Land: The specific blessing is tied to the possession of the land promised to Israel, where God Himself would bless them as they entered and settled.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "love" ('ahab) in this context implies a deep commitment and loyalty, going beyond mere affection. To "walk in his ways" (halak) suggests a continuous lifestyle or journey lived according to God's principles. The terms "commandments," "statutes," and "judgments" represent different categories of God's law, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the required obedience.

Reflection and Application

While the immediate context was Israel entering Canaan, the principle remains timeless. Our relationship with God is founded on loving Him, which naturally leads to a desire to obey His word. The result is not necessarily material wealth today, but spiritual life, blessing, and fruitfulness in our walk with Him. This verse highlights that God's commands are given for our good, leading to genuine life and the experience of His blessing in the "land" or sphere He has called us to possess in faith. It echoes the choice presented in Deuteronomy 30:19 between life and death, blessing and curse, framed as a choice to love and obey God.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 30:6 (13 votes)

    And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

  • Matthew 22:37 (13 votes)

    Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

  • Matthew 22:38 (13 votes)

    This is the first and great commandment.

  • 1 John 5:2 (12 votes)

    By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

  • 1 John 5:3 (12 votes)

    For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

  • Deuteronomy 6:5 (10 votes)

    And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

  • John 14:21 (10 votes)

    He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.