Deuteronomy 4 5

Deuteronomy 4:5 kjv

Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.

Deuteronomy 4:5 nkjv

"Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess.

Deuteronomy 4:5 niv

See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it.

Deuteronomy 4:5 esv

See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.

Deuteronomy 4:5 nlt

"Look, I now teach you these decrees and regulations just as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy.

Deuteronomy 4 verses

Deuteronomy 4 5 Meaning

Deuteronomy 4:5 declares Moses' faithful role as the divinely appointed teacher, who has thoroughly instructed the Israelites in God's specific commands and moral principles. These teachings are not Moses' own inventions but are directly from the Lord their God. The ultimate purpose of this instruction is that the people may meticulously obey and apply these laws in their daily lives once they enter and possess the Promised Land. This verse highlights the divine origin, comprehensive nature, and practical necessity of God's law for Israel's welfare and existence as a covenant nation.

Deuteronomy 4 5 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 4 opens Moses' second discourse to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just prior to their entry into the Promised Land. This chapter serves as a profound appeal to remember and diligently keep the covenant established at Horeb (Sinai). Moses emphasizes the life-giving nature of obedience to God's commands and warns sternly against idolatry and apostasy, which had led to their fathers' downfall. Verse 5 is nestled within this passionate appeal, serving as a reminder of Moses' role as the faithful intermediary and the divine source of the laws, underscoring that these laws are not arbitrary but essential for their future existence and success in the land they are about to possess. Historically, Israel was about to transition from wilderness wanderings to a settled agricultural and national existence in a land inhabited by polytheistic nations. Moses is preparing them for a unique, holy existence.

Deuteronomy 4 5 Word analysis

• See (רְאֵה, re'eh): This is an imperative, second person singular command, drawing immediate, sharp attention from the listener. It implies not just physical sight, but deep apprehension, understanding, and serious consideration of what follows. It's a call to actively perceive and reflect.

• I have taught (לִמַּדְתִּי, limmadeti): Derived from the verb lamad, which means both "to learn" and "to teach." Here, in the Piel stem, it strongly conveys the active process of instructing, training, and making one knowledgeable. Moses stresses his active and deliberate instruction, indicating thoroughness.

• you (אֶתְכֶם, etkhem): Refers to the entire nation of Israel present, signifying that these teachings are for the whole community, not just leaders or a select few.

• statutes (חֻקִּים, chukkim): These are often understood as fixed, immutable decrees, divine ordinances, or regulations, sometimes perceived as statutes that are "carved" or "engraved" (from chaqaq, to engrave). They represent God's foundational, non-negotiable laws and principles.

• judgments (מִשְׁפָּטִים, u'mishpatim): Derived from shaphat, to judge or rule. These refer to civil laws, ethical guidelines, and judicial decisions—case laws that address specific situations and how justice is to be administered. They represent the practical application of the chukkim in daily life and legal disputes.

• just as (כַּאֲשֶׁר, ka'asher): A comparative particle, emphasizing precise correspondence. Moses is not modifying or originating the law; he is merely transmitting it exactly as received. This establishes the unchallengeable authority of the commandments.

• the Lord my God (יְהוָה אֱלֹהָי, YHWH Elohai): "YHWH" (often rendered LORD) is God's covenant name, emphasizing His personal, relational commitment to Israel. "Elohai" (my God) points to Moses' personal covenant relationship and serves as a confirmation of the divine source and the prophet's personal accountability in faithfully delivering God's word.

• commanded me (צִוָּנִי, tzivani): Conveys direct, authoritative instruction from God. Moses acts solely as a messenger and steward of God’s commands, not as an innovator or legislative power in his own right. This stresses divine inspiration and absolute authority behind the laws.

• that you should do thus (לַעֲשׂוֹת כֵּן, la'asot ken): This phrase defines the explicit purpose and ultimate outcome: not mere intellectual understanding, but practical obedience. "Do thus" refers directly back to the chukkim and mishpatim. Knowledge must translate into action.

• in the land (בָּאָרֶץ, ba'aretz): Specifies the geographical context where these laws are to be lived out. This indicates that the laws are for the concrete, lived experience of Israel in their new home, impacting every aspect of their society and culture.

• which you go to possess (אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּם בָּאִים שָׁמָּה לְרִשְׁתָּהּ, asher attem ba'im shammah l'rishtah): This emphasizes the future orientation and conditional nature of their inheritance. Possessing the land is not automatic but inextricably linked to their diligent obedience to these very laws. It sets up the core Deuteronomic principle of blessing for obedience and curses for disobedience related to the land.

• "I have taught you statutes and judgments": Highlights Moses' crucial role as a divinely appointed educator, transmitting the divine will systematically to the entire nation. It implies the comprehensiveness of the divine law covering both general principles and specific applications.

• "just as the Lord my God commanded me": This phrase functions as a strong apostolic endorsement, authenticating the origin and authority of the laws. It unequivocally declares that these laws are God's very words, faithfully relayed by Moses, serving as a buffer against any suggestion of human origin or fallibility.

• "that you should do thus in the land which you go to possess": This complete clause underscores the telos or purpose of God's revelation. The goal is not merely theoretical knowledge but practical, communal, and lived obedience within the specific geographical context of the Promised Land. It connects the blessing of the land directly to covenant fidelity.

Deuteronomy 4 5 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "statutes" (chukkim) sometimes implies something that is "cut" or "engraved," suggesting permanence and divine imprint. "Judgments" (mishpatim) speaks to the judicial aspect, meaning what is right or fair in the eyes of God. Together, they represent the complete legal and ethical framework God provided for Israel, intending to guide every aspect of their corporate and individual lives. This holistic approach to law meant there was no real sacred-secular divide; all life under God was to be governed by His principles. The teaching of these laws was also meant to demonstrate God's unparalleled wisdom to the surrounding nations, showcasing Israel as a beacon of righteousness (Deut 4:6-8). Moses’ careful transmission of the divine law serves as a preeminent biblical example of prophetic fidelity to God’s word.

Deuteronomy 4 5 Commentary

Deuteronomy 4:5 encapsulates the foundational essence of Israel's covenant with God through the giving of the law. Moses' address emphasizes that the meticulously detailed chukkim (statutes or overarching divine decrees) and mishpatim (judgments or specific case laws and applications) are not his inventions but flow directly from the imperative commands of YHWH, Israel's covenant God. This divine origin imparts absolute authority and unchanging character to these laws. The dual categories of "statutes and judgments" show the comprehensive nature of God's revelation, covering both fixed principles and their adaptable application to diverse life situations, from cultic worship to civil justice.

The verse's immediate context highlights the distinctiveness of Israel as a nation. Unlike surrounding pagan cultures guided by arbitrary human decrees or capricious deities, Israel was to be governed by divine wisdom and righteousness, designed for their ultimate well-being and to set them apart. This commitment to active doing (לַעֲשׂוֹת) the laws "in the land" reveals that the laws were practical guides for establishing a just and holy society, not mere theological abstractions. The very possession and retention of the land were conditional upon this obedience, forming the heart of the Deuteronomic covenant theology. Thus, this verse lays the groundwork for understanding the prosperity and flourishing of God's people as inextricably linked to their fidelity to His revealed will. The command to "see" implies a call to deep apprehension and serious commitment, not just passive listening.