Deuteronomy 26 17

Deuteronomy 26:17 kjv

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:

Deuteronomy 26:17 nkjv

Today you have proclaimed the LORD to be your God, and that you will walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments, and His judgments, and that you will obey His voice.

Deuteronomy 26:17 niv

You have declared this day that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in obedience to him, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws?that you will listen to him.

Deuteronomy 26:17 esv

You have declared today that the LORD is your God, and that you will walk in his ways, and keep his statutes and his commandments and his rules, and will obey his voice.

Deuteronomy 26:17 nlt

You have declared today that the LORD is your God. And you have promised to walk in his ways, and to obey his decrees, commands, and regulations, and to do everything he tells you.

Deuteronomy 26 verses

Deuteronomy 26 17 Meaning

Deuteronomy 26:17 conveys the solemn and explicit declaration by the people of Israel, made "this day," that Yahweh (the LORD) is their exclusive God. This declaration is immediately followed by a profound commitment on their part: to continually live according to His divine character ("walk in His ways"), diligently adhere to His complete revelation ("keep His statutes, His commandments, and His judgments"), and attentively and responsively obey His voice in all matters of life and worship. It signifies a decisive, active choice by Israel to enter into and maintain a unique covenant relationship with the one true God, setting Him apart as their sole object of devotion and obedience.

Deuteronomy 26 17 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 26 marks a crucial point in Moses's discourse to Israel, serving as a concluding and liturgical summary to the lengthy legal and covenant instructions given in chapters 12-25. Following the detailed commands regarding firstfruits and tithes (vv. 1-15), which serve as tangible expressions of worship and dependence on God, verses 16-19 encapsulate the core covenant commitment. This passage highlights a moment of mutual declaration: Israel's solemn affirmation to YHWH as their God in verse 17, and YHWH's reciprocal declaration of Israel as His people in verse 18. This bilateral covenant ceremony, taking place on "this day" (likely marking the end of a covenant renewal period or directly preceding the entry into Canaan), sets the theological framework for their life in the Promised Land. The immediate context underscores the solemnity and responsibility of being God's covenant people, reminding them that their national existence and blessings are intrinsically linked to their obedience and fidelity to YHWH alone, in contrast to the polytheistic practices of the surrounding nations they would soon encounter.

Deuteronomy 26 17 Word analysis

• You have declared / הֶאֱמַרְתָּ (he'emarta): This word is the Hiphil form of the Hebrew verb אָמַר (amar), meaning "to say" or "to speak." In the Hiphil, it often means "to cause to say," "to proclaim," or "to affirm." Here, it signifies that Israel has actively and formally, as a community, made a solemn public declaration or proclamation of their allegiance. It is not merely a private thought but a shared, vocalized commitment. It implies causing something to be asserted or made known concerning God.
• this day / הַיּוֹם (hayyom): This phrase emphasizes the immediate, contemporary, and binding nature of the declaration. It points to a specific, sacred moment in time when the covenant is being renewed and solidified, demanding present commitment and ongoing fidelity. It’s a perpetual "today" for every generation.
• that the LORD / אֶת־יְהוָה (et-YHWH): "The LORD" refers to YHWH, the personal, covenant Name of God, revealing His self-existent and ever-present nature. The prefix "את" (et) is a direct object marker, indicating that YHWH Himself is the direct object of Israel's declaration – it is Him they declare.
• is your God / לִהְיוֹת לְךָ לֵאלֹהִים (lihyot lekha le'elohim): Literally, "to be for you as God." This phrase emphasizes an exclusive, relational, and possessing declaration. Israel commits to Yahweh not just as a god, but as their God, distinguishing Him from all other deities and pledging sole devotion to Him. It establishes the nature of the relationship.
• and that you will walk / וְלָלֶכֶת (ve-lalechet): This means "and to walk," deriving from the verb הָלַךְ (halakh). It denotes a way of life, a continuous course of action, behavior, and conduct. It's not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment to a certain manner of living.
• in his ways / בִּדְרָכָיו (bi-drakhav): "Ways" (דְּרָכָיו - drakhav) refers to God's character, His divine attributes, His righteous paths, and the principles by which He operates and instructs. Walking in His ways means aligning one's actions, decisions, and entire lifestyle with God's nature and revealed will.
• and keep / וְלִשְׁמֹר (ve-lishmor): From שָׁמַר (shamar), meaning "to guard," "to observe," "to protect," or "to carefully obey." It denotes a diligent, vigilant, and careful adherence to what has been entrusted or commanded. It's more than casual observance; it implies preserving and practicing with intention.
• his statutes / חֻקֹּתָיו (ḥuqqotav): Refers to divine decrees, ordinances, or fixed regulations established by God, often moral or ceremonial in nature, which provide structure and boundaries for covenant life. These are God's fixed rulings.
• his commandments / וּמִצְוֹתָיו (u-mitzvotav): Refers to specific, direct instructions or precepts given by God. These are specific imperatives requiring obedience, often moral principles or commands for daily conduct.
• and his judgments / וּמִשְׁפָּטָיו (u-mishpatav): Refers to divine judgments, legal rulings, just decisions, or judicial pronouncements that establish justice and righteousness among the people. These principles define right and wrong in various situations.
• and obey / וְלִשְׁמֹעַ (ve-lishmoa): From שָׁמַע (shama), meaning "to hear," "to listen," and importantly, "to obey." This emphasizes not just passive hearing but active, responsive listening that results in action and compliance.
• his voice / בְּקֹלֹו (be-qolō): Refers to God's spoken word, His communication, His commands as heard. To obey His voice means to be continually attentive and responsive to His ongoing communication and direction, implying an intimate, dynamic relationship.

• "You have declared this day that the LORD is your God": This phrase represents a formal, national, and reciprocal covenant affirmation. It parallels Yahweh's declaration in verse 18 ("And the LORD has declared this day concerning you... that you are a people for his treasured possession"). Israel chooses YHWH exclusively, as He has chosen them. This declaration makes Yahweh unique in their national and personal identity.
• "walk in his ways, and keep his statutes, his commandments, and his judgments, and obey his voice": This is a comprehensive description of covenant faithfulness. "Walking in His ways" sets the broad life direction. The tripartite "statutes, commandments, judgments" covers the full spectrum of God's revealed law – general decrees, specific injunctions, and principles of justice. "Obey his voice" highlights the ongoing, active listening and responsive relationship with a communicating God. This holistic expression underlines that covenant loyalty permeates every aspect of existence – thoughts, actions, moral choices, and daily conduct.

Deuteronomy 26 17 Bonus section

The structure of Deuteronomy 26:17-19 mirrors the ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties, common between a great king (suzerain) and his vassal states. In these treaties, there were typically declarations of relationship, stipulated laws, and pronouncements of blessings/curses. Here, Yahweh is the Great King, and Israel is His vassal. Verse 17 represents Israel's reciprocal oath of fealty, while verse 18 outlines the suzerain's promise and designation for His loyal subjects. This bilateral declaration forms the foundation of the covenant relationship and is vital for understanding Israel's identity and responsibilities. The language used reflects a conscious decision to separate from the polytheism and immorality of surrounding nations, particularly anticipating entry into Canaan. This verse underscores the radical uniqueness of monotheistic covenant loyalty and sets the stage for the blessings promised upon obedience in the following chapters of Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 26 17 Commentary

Deuteronomy 26:17 presents a solemn and momentous covenant pledge made by Israel to Yahweh. This declaration is more than a passive acknowledgment; the Hebrew word "he'emarta" (declared) implies a forceful, public, and deliberate affirmation that causes Yahweh to be proclaimed as their singular God. Made "this day," it highlights a critical and ongoing commitment in their covenant journey. Following this definitive proclamation of loyalty to YHWH as their exclusive God, Israel pledges to "walk in His ways," signifying a dedication to live out His character and moral standards. This lifestyle of devotion is concretized through a promise to "keep His statutes, His commandments, and His judgments" – a comprehensive summary encompassing the full range of divine instructions, covering all areas of life, from fixed moral ordinances to specific precepts and just regulations. Crucially, the verse culminates with the vow to "obey His voice," emphasizing an active, listening, and responsive obedience to God's ongoing communication, forming the bedrock of their living relationship with Him. This verse thus articulates Israel's side of the covenant, a dynamic and inclusive commitment to worship and obey the Lord alone, providing a model for true devotion in action and heart.