Deuteronomy 29 13

Deuteronomy 29:13 kjv

That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

Deuteronomy 29:13 nkjv

that He may establish you today as a people for Himself, and that He may be God to you, just as He has spoken to you, and just as He has sworn to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Deuteronomy 29:13 niv

to confirm you this day as his people, that he may be your God as he promised you and as he swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Deuteronomy 29:13 esv

that he may establish you today as his people, and that he may be your God, as he promised you, and as he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

Deuteronomy 29:13 nlt

By entering into the covenant today, he will establish you as his people and confirm that he is your God, just as he promised you and as he swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Deuteronomy 29 verses

Deuteronomy 29 13 Meaning

Deuteronomy 29:13 encapsulates God's purpose in renewing the covenant with Israel at Moab. It declares His intent to firmly establish Israel as His unique and chosen people, forming a deeply personal relationship where He would be their God. This establishment and relationship are firmly rooted in His pre-existing, unwavering promise and oath to their patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting God's faithfulness and the continuity of His redemptive plan across generations.

Deuteronomy 29 13 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 29 begins Moses' third major discourse to Israel, delivered in the plains of Moab. This passage initiates a covenant renewal ceremony just before Israel enters the Promised Land, marking the final public address before Moses' death. The immediate context of verse 13 emphasizes the seriousness and inclusiveness of this covenant oath, binding both the present generation and their future descendants (vv. 14-15). Historically, it stands as a bridge between the foundational covenant given at Sinai (mediated through Moses) and the fulfillment of God's ancient promises to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob). It serves as a stark warning against idolatry and apostasy, which had been prevalent temptations for Israel in their desert wanderings and would continue to be in the land of Canaan (vv. 16-18). The covenant ceremony ensures Israel understands that their continued identity and blessed existence as God's people are directly linked to their faithfulness, rooted in His prior faithfulness.

Deuteronomy 29 13 Word analysis

• That he may establish (לְהָקִים, le'hakim): Derived from the root קוּם (qum), meaning to stand, rise, or cause to stand. Here, it denotes permanence, confirmation, or bringing into full existence. It’s not just a momentary declaration but an enduring establishment of their identity and relationship with God. This signifies a firm, lasting setup, a ratification of their covenant standing.
• Thee today (אֹתְךָ הַיּוֹם, ot’kha hayyom): The phrase "today" (הַיּוֹם) is crucial in Deuteronomy. It emphasizes the immediacy and present relevance of the covenant and Moses’ words for that specific generation, even as it looks forward to future generations. Each generation stands accountable "today."
• For a people (לְעָם, le'am): The word עָם (am) signifies a people, a nation, a community. Here, it highlights Israel’s unique national identity as chosen and set apart by God. They are not merely an ethnic group, but a collective body designated by divine decree for a specific purpose.
• Unto himself (ל֗וֹ, lo): This personal pronoun attached to God ("for Him") underscores God’s possessive right over Israel. They are His segullah, His treasured possession, a unique asset, distinguished from all other nations. This concept elevates Israel's status and responsibility.
• And that he may be (וּלְהוֹת, u'lehot): From הָיָה (hayah), "to be, become." This points to the reciprocal aspect of the covenant relationship. God commits Himself to being active and present in their lives as their divine Protector, Provider, and Sovereign.
• Unto thee a God (לֵאלֹהִים, le'lohim): This is a pivotal covenantal statement: "I will be their God." Elohim denotes the divine being, often encompassing His omnipotence and majesty. Here, it specifies His exclusive claim over Israel and His unique covenant role, contrasting with pagan deities.
• As he hath said (כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר, ka'asher dibber): Refers to the verbal promises and commands God had previously given to Israel, particularly through Moses at Sinai, forming the basis of the Mosaic Covenant. This acknowledges God’s prior revelation.
• As he hath sworn (וְכַאֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע, ve'kha'asher nishba'): From שָׁבַע (shava), to swear, take an oath. An oath by God is utterly binding and irreversible, demonstrating His steadfast character and eternal commitment. It signifies a divine, solemn promise with immutable assurance.
• Unto thy fathers (לַאֲבֹתֶיךָ, la'avoteikha): Directly referencing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This links the present generation's covenant with the foundational, unconditional promises made to the patriarchs centuries earlier, ensuring continuity in God's plan.
• To Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob (לְאַבְרָהָם לְיִצְחָק וּלְיַעֲקֹב, le'avraham le'yitzchaq u'leya'aqov): The specific naming of these three patriarchs solidifies the genealogical and historical lineage through which God's promises and covenant faithfulness flow. This trifecta represents the ancestral foundation of Israel's relationship with God.

• "That he may establish thee today for a people unto himself": This phrase highlights God's active role in Israel's formation as His chosen people. "Establish" signifies the enduring, binding nature of this identity. "Unto himself" underscores His proprietorship and their special status as His unique possession among all nations. This sets them apart not by their own merit, but by divine choice and purpose.
• "And that he may be unto thee a God": This forms the reciprocal side of the covenantal relationship. God commits to fulfilling His divine responsibilities towards His people: protecting, guiding, providing, and relating to them in a special, intimate way that transcends a general divine oversight of humanity. This is the ultimate expression of the covenant.
• "As he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers": This crucial coupling of clauses explicitly links the current Mosaic Covenant with the earlier, foundational Abrahamic Covenant. "As he hath said unto thee" refers to the covenant articulated at Sinai (and re-affirmed now). "As he hath sworn unto thy fathers" points back to the unconditional promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., land, descendants, blessing). This demonstrates God's consistent, unchangeable character and His unfolding redemptive plan across history, confirming that the Mosaic Covenant builds upon, rather than replaces, the patriarchal promises. It signifies both present obligation and eternal foundation.

Deuteronomy 29 13 Bonus section

The concept of "God being their God and them being His people" is often referred to as the "covenant formula" or "credo." It is a fundamental theological concept that defines the unique relationship between Yahweh and Israel throughout the Old Testament and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, extending to all who believe. This verse in Deuteronomy explicitly connects the present performance of the covenant by Israel to the past promises made by God. The "oath" to the fathers speaks to the unilateral, unchangeable aspect of God's character and plan, while the establishment "today" implies the bilateral commitment required from the people in response. This dual aspect is crucial: God's faithfulness motivates and enables Israel's covenant fidelity. The repetition of the patriarchal names (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) serves not merely as a historical reference, but as a theological anchor, demonstrating God's sovereign initiative and enduring grace from generation to generation, upon which all of Israel's present and future hope rests.

Deuteronomy 29 13 Commentary

Deuteronomy 29:13 is a powerful summary statement of the covenant's essence. It declares God's steadfast intent to formalize Israel's relationship with Him, establishing them as His exclusive people while simultaneously committing Himself to be their personal God. This declaration is presented as an ongoing act, initiated "today" at Moab, yet intrinsically connected to His unbreakable, sworn promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The verse profoundly roots Israel's present identity and future destiny in the fidelity of their unchanging God, bridging the gap between unconditional patriarchal promises and conditional Mosaic obligations. It highlights that God's covenant with this generation is not arbitrary but flows from a long history of divine election and promise-keeping, ensuring Israel's identity is secure in His purpose and oath, demanding their loyalty in return.