Deuteronomy 30:20

That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, [and] that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he [is] thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

That thou mayest love {H157} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, and that thou mayest obey {H8085} his voice {H6963}, and that thou mayest cleave {H1692} unto him: for he is thy life {H2416}, and the length {H753} of thy days {H3117}: that thou mayest dwell {H3427} in the land {H127} which the LORD {H3068} sware {H7650} unto thy fathers {H1}, to Abraham {H85}, to Isaac {H3327}, and to Jacob {H3290}, to give {H5414} them.

loving ADONAI your God, paying attention to what he says and clinging to him - for that is the purpose of your life! On this depends the length of time you will live in the land ADONAI swore he would give to your ancestors Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya'akov."

and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him. For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

to love Jehovah thy God, to obey his voice, and to cleave unto him; for he is thy life, and the length of thy days; that thou mayest dwell in the land which Jehovah sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

Commentary

Context of Deuteronomy 30:20

Deuteronomy 30:20 is the culmination of Moses' final discourse to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. This chapter, in particular, emphasizes the profound covenant relationship between God and His people. Following a stark presentation of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28), Moses sets before them a foundational choice in Deuteronomy 30:19: "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life." Verse 20 then elaborates on how to choose life, outlining the essential components of a thriving relationship with God and the resulting benefits.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Holistic Devotion: Love, Obey, Cleave: The verse outlines a threefold requirement for Israel's relationship with God.
    • Love the LORD thy God: This isn't merely an emotion but a deep, active commitment of the heart, aligning with the greatest commandment to love God with all one's being.
    • Obey his voice: Love for God naturally leads to obedience to His commands. It's a demonstration of loyalty and trust.
    • Cleave unto him: This implies a tenacious, inseparable attachment, a complete dependence and devotion to God alone.
  • God as the Source of Life and Longevity: The powerful declaration "for he is thy life, and the length of thy days" underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His role as the ultimate sustainer. True life, both spiritual and physical, along with a prosperous existence, flows directly from Him. This concept resonates with Jesus' later declaration of coming to give life more abundantly.
  • Conditional Blessings and the Promised Land: The promise to "dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob" highlights the fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant. However, this dwelling is explicitly linked to their obedience and devotion, emphasizing that their inheritance and well-being in the land depended on their faithfulness to God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "cleave" in this verse is dabaq (Χ“ΦΈΦΌΧ‘Φ·Χ§). It means to cling, stick, hold fast, or be joined. It is used to describe the close bond between husband and wife (Genesis 2:24) and implies an intimate, exclusive, and unwavering attachment. This is far more than casual adherence; it signifies a deep, personal loyalty and commitment to God, becoming one with His purposes and presence.

Practical Application

Though given to ancient Israel, the principles of Deuteronomy 30:20 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. Our relationship with God is also characterized by love, obedience, and an unwavering devotion. Just as God was Israel's life, Jesus Christ is presented as the Way, the Truth, and the Life for those who believe. Our spiritual blessings and inheritance, often described as a spiritual inheritance in Christ, are inextricably linked to our active, loving relationship with Him. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that true life, purpose, and lasting blessing are found in loving God, obeying His voice, and cleaving to Him with all our hearts.

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Cross-References

  • John 11:25 (13 votes)

    Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

  • John 11:26 (13 votes)

    And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

  • Deuteronomy 10:20 (13 votes)

    Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.

  • Acts 17:25 (8 votes)

    Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

  • John 17:3 (8 votes)

    And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

  • John 14:6 (7 votes)

    Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

  • Psalms 66:9 (7 votes)

    Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.