Deuteronomy 28 1

Deuteronomy 28:1 kjv

And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

Deuteronomy 28:1 nkjv

"Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.

Deuteronomy 28:1 niv

If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.

Deuteronomy 28:1 esv

"And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.

Deuteronomy 28:1 nlt

"If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the world.

Deuteronomy 28 verses

Deuteronomy 28 1 Meaning

Deuteronomy 28:1 establishes a fundamental covenant principle: Israel's obedient submission to the Lord's commandments would result in their divine exaltation and preeminence above all other nations. It articulates a direct, conditional relationship between faithfulness to God's word and the promised outpouring of blessings, particularly national honor and distinction. This verse serves as the programmatic introduction to the detailed blessings for obedience, setting the stage for the reciprocal relationship between God and His people under the covenant.

Deuteronomy 28 1 Context

Deuteronomy 28 opens with a vivid articulation of covenant blessings that are contingent upon Israel's faithful obedience, immediately followed by severe curses for disobedience. This chapter serves as the climatic conclusion to Moses' final discourses before the Israelites enter the Promised Land. It powerfully reinforces the terms of the Mosaic Covenant, initially given at Mount Sinai, re-presented to a new generation at the plains of Moab. Historically, such conditional promises and warnings were common in ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties, where a great king (God) would outline the responsibilities and consequences for a vassal kingdom (Israel). Thus, this verse is not merely a moral exhortation but a binding covenant stipulation laying out Israel's destiny, whether for greatness or for disaster, entirely dependent on their adherence to the Law. It frames the subsequent narrative of Israel's history in the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy 28 1 Word analysis

• And it shall come to pass (והיה - v’hāyāh): This phrase commonly introduces a future event or outcome. Here, it sets up a clear conditional premise—the outcome will happen if the condition is met, highlighting divine certainty and the foundational "if...then" structure of the covenant.
• if thou shalt hearken diligently (אם שׁמע תשׁמע - ’im šāmoa‘ tišma‘): The Hebrew uses an infinitive absolute (šāmoa‘) before the verb (tišma‘), creating an emphatic construct. It means "if you truly hear," "if you intensely listen," or "if you indeed obey." This signifies not just passive listening, but active, persistent, and complete attention leading to submission and obedience. In Hebrew thought, 'hearing' inherently implies 'obeying.'
• unto the voice (בקול - b’qōl): Refers to the audible or conveyed instructions, commands, and will of the Lord. It implies a direct, personal communication from God.
• of the Lord thy God (יהוה אלהיך - YHWH ’ĕlōheykā):
  • YHWH: The personal, covenantal, and redemptive name of God, emphasizing His steadfast faithfulness to His promises.
  • Eloheykā: "Thy God," pointing to the exclusive and intimate relationship between Israel and their Creator, distinct from other nations and their deities.
  • Together, it underscores the sovereign, powerful, and yet deeply personal nature of the divine law-giver.
• to observe and to do (לשׁמר ולעשׂות - lišmōr ula‘ăśōt):
  • Observe (שׁמר - šāmar): Implies guarding, watching over, keeping, being mindful of the commandments, holding them dear. It denotes an internal disposition of care and faithfulness.
  • Do (עשׂות - ‘āśōt): Signifies active execution, carrying out, performing. It is the practical, outward manifestation of inward commitment. Both are essential; one cannot merely "observe" without "doing."
• all his commandments (כל־מצותיו - kol-miṣwōtāv): "All" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the demand. Obedience is required across the entirety of God's statutes, without picking and choosing. This underscores the wholeness of dedication.
• which I command thee this day (אשׁר אנכי מצוך היום - ’ăšer ’ānōḵî m^eṣawwəḵā hayyōm): "I" refers to the Lord, speaking through Moses, reinforcing the divine authority behind the commands. "This day" highlights the immediacy and present relevance of the covenant stipulations being reiterated.
• that the Lord thy God will set thee on high (והשׂימך יהוה אלהיך עליון - wəhiśśimkā YHWH ’ĕlōheykā ‘elyōn):
  • Set thee (śîm): To place, appoint, establish.
  • On high (‘elyōn): This signifies an elevated position, supreme, preeminent, most high. It speaks of dignity, honor, influence, and recognition. This is not mere survival but an exalted status among nations, reflecting God's blessing.
• above all nations of the earth (על כל־גויי הארץ - ‘al kol-gôyê hā’āreṣ): Specifies the scope of Israel's preeminence. It’s a position of unique distinction, not merely in terms of geographical or military power, but as a testimony to God's presence and power among His people, serving as a light to the Gentiles. This statement stands in stark contrast to the polytheism and national pride of contemporary pagan nations, asserting YHWH's absolute supremacy.

Deuteronomy 28 1 Bonus section

• The covenant articulated here is often termed a "conditional covenant," meaning the blessings (and curses, as shown later in the chapter) are dependent on Israel's faithfulness. This contrasts with unconditional covenants like God's promise to Abraham.
• This verse provides the foundation for the Deuteronomistic History (Joshua through Kings), which consistently explains Israel's success or failure in the land based on their obedience or disobedience to the covenant.
• While primarily addressing national Israel, the underlying spiritual principle — that obedience to God's word leads to spiritual blessings, influence, and prominence (in the sense of being a testimony for God) — resonates throughout scripture and applies to believers under the New Covenant (e.g., Christ's emphasis on keeping His commands for abiding in His love, John 15:10).
• The "voice of the Lord" not only refers to the written law but implies an ongoing relationship where Israel was to continually discern and follow God's active leading and revelation.
• The promised exaltation was not merely about material wealth but also about the national honor and spiritual significance that would emanate from being God's peculiar people (Exod 19:5).

Deuteronomy 28 1 Commentary

Deuteronomy 28:1 encapsulates the core of covenant theology in the Old Testament: blessing is contingent upon obedience. The verse details a promise of national preeminence for Israel, elevating them "above all nations," but crucially prefaces this with an intensive requirement: to "hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord" and "observe and to do all his commandments." This is not a passive reception of rules but an active, committed, and comprehensive submission to divine instruction, encompassing both inward adherence (to observe) and outward execution (to do). The use of YHWH Eloheyka emphasizes that this promise stems from the personal and powerful God who has chosen Israel and bound Himself to them in covenant. The promise of being set "on high" speaks to Israel's divinely intended role as a prominent, perhaps even model, nation demonstrating God's blessing and wisdom to the rest of the world (cf. Deut 4:6). It’s a polemic against the idea that national strength comes from human power or pagan deities, asserting that true exaltation derives solely from faithfulness to the one true God. This foundational principle, though initially applied nationally to Israel under the Old Covenant, echoes the broader biblical truth that those who align their lives with God’s will experience His favor and a form of spiritual distinction.