Deuteronomy 26 18

Deuteronomy 26:18 kjv

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;

Deuteronomy 26:18 nkjv

Also today the LORD has proclaimed you to be His special people, just as He promised you, that you should keep all His commandments,

Deuteronomy 26:18 niv

And the LORD has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands.

Deuteronomy 26:18 esv

And the LORD has declared today that you are a people for his treasured possession, as he has promised you, and that you are to keep all his commandments,

Deuteronomy 26:18 nlt

The LORD has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands.

Deuteronomy 26 verses

Deuteronomy 26 18 Meaning

Deuteronomy 26:18 signifies a profound reaffirmation of the covenant relationship between YHWH and Israel. It declares that YHWH has formally accepted Israel as His chosen, special people, His exclusive, treasured possession. This designation, though an act of divine grace, carries the reciprocal expectation that Israel will meticulously obey all His commandments, thereby walking in the path He has laid out for them, fulfilling their unique purpose and privilege among the nations, exactly as He previously promised them.

Deuteronomy 26 18 Context

Deuteronomy 26:18 stands as a climactic covenant declaration, following chapters that detail various laws and responsibilities. The immediate preceding verses (26:16-17) depict a reciprocal agreement: Israel declares YHWH as their God and promises to obey, and then YHWH, through Moses, affirms their status. This verse solidifies the divine side of the oath. Historically, it is situated at the close of the long discourse delivered by Moses to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, before entering the Promised Land. It served to reiterate and renew the Sinai Covenant, emphasizing that Israel's identity and future success were predicated upon their unique relationship with YHWH and their unwavering fidelity to His laws. This affirmation served as a strong polemic against the polytheistic and idolatrous practices of the surrounding Canaanite nations, asserting that Israel's God was uniquely sovereign and demanded exclusive allegiance.

Deuteronomy 26 18 Word analysis

• And YHWH (וַיהוָ֣ה – waYHWH): The Hebrew conjunctive "and" (וַ - wa) links this statement to Israel's declaration in the preceding verse (26:17), establishing a mutual covenant affirmation. YHWH is the personal covenant name of God, emphasizing His self-revelation and commitment. It signifies His unchanging nature and presence among His people.
• has declared you (הֶאֱמִירְךָ֣ - he'emircha): From the root אָמַר (amar), meaning "to say, speak, declare." Here, it's in the Hiphil stem, indicating causation – YHWH has "caused you to declare/say" or "He has made you declare/accept Him." The meaning implies a formal, solemn pronouncement, much like a binding declaration. It is a formal establishment of Israel's status. Some scholars also translate this as YHWH Himself declaring, similar to "YHWH has affirmed you." This dual meaning of Israel's declaration of allegiance and God's corresponding declaration underscores the bilateral nature of the covenant commitment at this point.
• today (הַיּ֗וֹם - hayyom): Emphasizes the immediacy and binding nature of this covenant renewal. It's a key word in Deuteronomy, highlighting the present moment of decision and the ongoing validity of the covenant for the current generation. It underscores the active, real-time establishment of their status before God.
• to be His people (לִהְי֥וֹת ל֥וֹ לְעַם - lihyot lo l'am): "People" (עַם - 'am) in this context is not just a general populace but a people set apart, in an exclusive relationship with God, distinguishing them from other nations. This is a central identity marker for Israel. It speaks of belonging, ownership, and covenant partnership.
• a treasured possession (סְגֻלָּה - segullah): This term is highly significant, conveying exclusivity, value, and uniqueness. It means "private property," "special treasure," "peculiar possession." It indicates something jealously guarded and highly esteemed. This term, also found in Exodus 19:5 and Malachi 3:17, implies that Israel is chosen not because of their merit but by divine sovereign choice and grace, to be singularly owned and valued by God. They are His most precious belonging among all the earth.
• as He promised you (כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּר - ka'asher dibber): Points to the faithfulness of God to His earlier declarations, particularly the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12:1-3, 7; 15:18; 17:7) and the Sinaitic covenant (Ex 19:5). It affirms God's consistency and trustworthiness in fulfilling His word through generations.
• and that you should keep (וּלְשְׁמֹ֖ר - ul'shmor): From the verb שָׁמַר (shamar), meaning "to watch, guard, keep, obey, observe." This is the essential human response and ongoing condition of the covenant. It requires careful attention, diligent adherence, and loyal preservation of His laws. Obedience is the means by which Israel's unique status is maintained and its covenant relationship flourishes.
• all His commandments (כָּל־מִצְוֺתָֽיו - kol mitzvotav): "Commandments" (מִצְוָה - mitzvah) refers to the totality of God's statutes, ordinances, and precepts given through Moses. The emphasis on "all" signifies comprehensive, unqualified obedience, leaving no room for selective observance or disregard. This holistic demand highlights the moral and relational scope of the covenant.

Words-group analysis

• And YHWH has declared you today: This phrase marks God's formal and public acknowledgment of Israel, aligning with Israel's own prior declaration. It highlights the divine initiative and authority in establishing their covenant relationship at that specific point in time. It is a moment of mutual ratification, yet initiated by YHWH’s faithfulness to His prior word.
• to be His people, a treasured possession: This encapsulates Israel's core identity and privilege. "His people" denotes belonging and relationship, while "a treasured possession" (segullah) elevates their status to one of unique value and exclusivity in God's sight. This speaks to election, divine favor, and purpose among nations. It's about being chosen and set apart.
• as He promised you, and that you should keep all His commandments: This section defines the basis and expectation of this elevated status. "As He promised you" roots their current status in God's historical faithfulness and His unilateral covenant promises (e.g., Abrahamic Covenant). "And that you should keep all His commandments" articulates the reciprocal obligation: Israel’s privilege comes with the duty of comprehensive and wholehearted obedience. This highlights that while their election is by grace, the experience of its blessings and the fulfillment of their purpose is conditional upon their obedience.

Deuteronomy 26 18 Bonus section

The term segullah (treasured possession) is particularly profound as it denotes something specifically chosen and set aside as one's personal, most prized possession, often guarded carefully from others. It is distinct from common property. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, a king might have a segullah of personal jewels or a special army corps. For God to call Israel His segullah conveys an intimacy and special favor unmatched by any other nation. This implies a unique relationship not founded on their inherent greatness (Dt 7:7), but solely on God's elective love and purposeful choosing. This theme prefigures the New Testament concept of the church as Christ's "own possession" (Tit 2:14; 1 Pet 2:9), extending this chosen status to all who believe, encompassing them into a people dedicated to God and called to embody His nature in the world. This relationship also speaks to boundaries: Israel, as YHWH's segullah, was to remain distinct and undefiled by the surrounding cultures' pagan practices, ensuring their loyalty remained exclusively to the one true God.

Deuteronomy 26 18 Commentary

Deuteronomy 26:18 forms the capstone of a section on covenant duties, underscoring the deep mutual commitment between YHWH and Israel. It vividly portrays YHWH's sovereign grace in electing Israel as His own exclusive and highly valued possession among all peoples. This declaration is not based on Israel's merit, but on God's prior promise and enduring faithfulness. However, this profound privilege necessitates a complete and continuous obedience to all His commandments. This relationship is designed for mutual blessing: Israel flourishes through obedience, and God's glory is demonstrated through His unique people. The verse is not merely a statement of status but a call to live out that distinct identity in tangible submission to God's will. For instance, being His "treasured possession" meant adhering to His ethical and ritual laws, reflecting His character to the nations, and enjoying His covenant protection and provision, exemplified in successful harvest offerings and righteous living.