Deuteronomy 29:1 kjv
These are the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb.
Deuteronomy 29:1 nkjv
These are the words of the covenant which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant which He made with them in Horeb.
Deuteronomy 29:1 niv
These are the terms of the covenant the LORD commanded Moses to make with the Israelites in Moab, in addition to the covenant he had made with them at Horeb.
Deuteronomy 29:1 esv
These are the words of the covenant that the LORD commanded Moses to make with the people of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant that he had made with them at Horeb.
Deuteronomy 29:1 nlt
These are the terms of the covenant the LORD commanded Moses to make with the Israelites while they were in the land of Moab, in addition to the covenant he had made with them at Mount Sinai.
Deuteronomy 29 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deut 5:2-3 | "The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The LORD did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us..." | Sinai Covenant foundation for present generation |
| Exod 24:7-8 | Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do...” | Ratification of the first covenant at Sinai |
| Deut 1:1 | These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel across the Jordan in the wilderness... | Similar opening indicating authoritative words |
| Deut 4:13 | So He declared to you His covenant which He commanded you to perform, the Ten Commandments... | The core of the Sinai covenant revealed |
| Deut 28:69 | These are the words of the covenant which the LORD commanded Moses to make... | Often, Deut 28:69 is actually Deut 29:1 in English Bibles (28:69 is from the Masoretic Text) |
| Deut 30:1 | "Now it shall come to pass, when all these things come upon you, the blessing and the curse which I have set before you..." | The consequences tied to the Moabite covenant |
| Josh 24:25 | So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and made for them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem. | Later covenant renewal, echoing Moses' work |
| Gen 15:18 | On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land..." | Prior Abrahamic land covenant; Israel is inheriting promises |
| Num 36:13 | These are the commandments and the judgments which the LORD commanded the children of Israel... by the hand of Moses. | Divine authority and Moses' mediation |
| Jer 31:31-34 | "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers..." | Prophecy of a future New Covenant, distinct yet superior |
| Heb 8:6-13 | But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. | The New Covenant surpasses the Old |
| Heb 9:15 | And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant... | Christ mediates the new covenant through His sacrifice |
| Heb 12:24 | to Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. | Jesus' role as mediator of the ultimate covenant |
| Psa 105:8-10 | He remembers His covenant forever, the word which He commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant which He made with Abraham... | God's eternal faithfulness to His covenants |
| Psa 25:10 | All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. | God's character displayed through His covenant |
| Deut 10:12-13 | "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him..." | Requirement for covenant faithfulness |
| Exod 19:5-6 | 'Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me...'" | Conditional nature of the Mosaic covenant |
| Lev 26:46 | These are the statutes and judgments and laws which the LORD made between Himself and the children of Israel on Mount Sinai by the hand of Moses. | Reiteration of Sinai as the source of laws |
| Ezek 36:26-27 | "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you... I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes..." | Divine enabling for New Covenant obedience |
| Isa 55:3 | Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you—the sure mercies of David. | Future promise of an everlasting covenant |
Deuteronomy 29 verses
Deuteronomy 29 1 Meaning
This verse introduces a distinct covenant that the Lord, through Moses, commanded the children of Israel to make in the land of Moab. It specifies that this covenant is in addition to, and an expansion of, the foundational covenant previously established with them at Horeb (Mount Sinai), intended to bind the new generation entering the Promised Land.
Deuteronomy 29 1 Context
Deuteronomy chapter 29 serves as the introductory address for Moses' third and final major discourse to the Israelites on the plains of Moab. This context is crucial, as the nation stands on the threshold of the Promised Land, forty years after leaving Egypt. The generation that exited Egypt has largely passed away due to wilderness wandering, and a new generation stands before Moses. The "covenant in Moab" (Deut 29-30) is thus a renewal and re-affirmation of the Mosaic covenant, ensuring the new generation explicitly commits to the terms and obligations for life in Canaan. It follows chapters 27-28, which vividly detailed the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, creating a powerful immediate context of choice and consequence. Historically, Israel is about to transition from a nomadic wilderness existence to settled nationhood, requiring a deep understanding and commitment to God's law.
Deuteronomy 29 1 Word analysis
- "These are the words" (Heb. 'Elleh haddevarim אֵלֶּה הַדְּבָרִים): This phrase functions as an official declaration, pointing to the preceding discourse (Deut 1-28) which laid out the divine commands, and also introduces the ensuing covenant obligations (Deut 29-30). It underscores the authoritative and divine origin of the message, echoing the opening of Deuteronomy 1:1.
- "of the covenant" (Heb. habberith הַבְּרִית): Signifies a solemn, binding agreement initiated by God, not merely a contract. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a covenant often involved obligations, promises, and stipulations, with severe consequences for disobedience. This specific covenant forms the legal and spiritual framework for Israel's relationship with Yahweh and their life in the land.
- "which the LORD" (Heb. 'Asher YHVH אֲשֶׁר יְהוָה): "YHVH" (Yahweh) is the Tetragrammaton, God's personal, covenantal name, revealing His self-existence, eternal presence, and unwavering faithfulness to His promises. The mention of YHVH here emphasizes that this covenant is divine in origin and absolute in authority.
- "commanded" (Heb. tsivvah צִוָּה): Implies a direct, authoritative order from God, not merely a suggestion. It conveys the obligating nature of the covenant and the expectation of obedience.
- "Moses": The divinely appointed mediator, prophet, and leader through whom God communicates His will and establishes His covenant with Israel. His role highlights the historical and prophetic authenticity of the commands.
- "to make with" (Heb. likhrot 'et לִכְרֹת אֶת־): Literally, "to cut a covenant." This idiom refers to the ancient practice of ratifying a covenant through sacrificial animals that were "cut" in half, with parties walking between the pieces. This symbolized the deadly consequences (being cut off) for breaking the covenant, underscoring its gravity and seriousness.
- "the children of Israel": Refers to the entire nation, not just individuals. It signifies the corporate responsibility and identity of Israel as God's chosen people, all of whom are bound by this agreement across generations.
- "in the land of Moab" (Heb. Eretz Moab בְּאֶרֶץ מוֹאָב): Specifies the geographical location on the east side of the Jordan River, historically marking Israel's last encampment before entering the land of Canaan. This specific location emphasizes the imminent fulfillment of God's promise to bring them into the land and the need for renewed commitment at this pivotal transition point.
- "besides the covenant" (Heb. mil'vad habberith מִלְּבַד הַבְּרִית): This key phrase means "apart from," "in addition to," or "distinct from." It signifies that the Moabite covenant is not a replacement but a re-establishment, expansion, and supplementary commitment building upon the foundational covenant at Horeb. It underscores that God's requirements are ongoing and applicable to new generations in new circumstances.
- "which He had made with them in Horeb": Refers directly to the covenant established at Mount Sinai (also known as Horeb), encompassing the giving of the Law, the Ten Commandments, and the statutes and ordinances that form the core of Israelite faith and practice. This reference ties the present covenant to the enduring principles and foundational relationship forged there.
Deuteronomy 29 1 Bonus section
The structure of Deuteronomy, including this verse as an introduction to a covenant text, mirrors the format of ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties, where a great king (Suzerain, here YHVH) would outline his previous benevolent acts, issue commands, and specify the consequences for obedience or rebellion to his vassal states (Israel). The "besides the covenant" aspect highlights God's progressive and adaptable engagement with His people across time and circumstances, yet always rooted in His foundational truths.
Deuteronomy 29 1 Commentary
Deuteronomy 29:1 introduces what is often termed the "Moabite Covenant" or "Palestinian Covenant." This verse clarifies that the subsequent discourse (Deuteronomy 29-30) constitutes a renewed covenant, distinct yet intrinsically linked to the original covenant made at Horeb (Sinai). Its purpose is to re-engage the new generation of Israelites, born and matured in the wilderness, who did not personally experience the initial Sinai revelation. Standing on the plains of Moab, on the brink of entering the Promised Land, they are being called to personally affirm their commitment to the divine stipulations for living in the land God is giving them. This covenant renewal ensured that the divine Law and its associated blessings and curses remained perpetually binding, adapted to their forthcoming settled life. It underscores God's faithfulness in His ongoing relationship with His people and their enduring obligation to obey His commandments for national blessing and preservation.