Deuteronomy 7 11

Deuteronomy 7:11 kjv

Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.

Deuteronomy 7:11 nkjv

Therefore you shall keep the commandment, the statutes, and the judgments which I command you today, to observe them.

Deuteronomy 7:11 niv

Therefore, take care to follow the commands, decrees and laws I give you today.

Deuteronomy 7:11 esv

You shall therefore be careful to do the commandment and the statutes and the rules that I command you today.

Deuteronomy 7:11 nlt

Therefore, you must obey all these commands, decrees, and regulations I am giving you today.

Deuteronomy 7 verses

Deuteronomy 7 11 Meaning

Deuteronomy 7:11 states that Israel must actively observe and obey the entire corpus of God’s divine instructions, encompassing His specific commandments, binding statutes, and righteous rules, as these were personally delivered to them by God through Moses, to be diligently put into practice without delay. This verse encapsulates the foundational principle of obedience required from Israel within their covenant relationship with God.

Deuteronomy 7 11 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 7 sets the stage for Israel's entry into the Promised Land. Prior to verse 11, God outlines specific commands regarding interaction with the pagan nations dwelling in Canaan. Verses 1-6 instruct Israel to utterly destroy these nations, tear down their altars, and avoid intermarriage. This is not out of malice but because these nations were dedicated to destruction due to their idolatry and wickedness (e.g., child sacrifice). Verses 7-10 reveal the profound reason for God's choice of Israel: not because of their size or merit, but solely due to His unconditional love for them and His faithfulness to the covenant sworn to their ancestors. These verses underscore God's unwavering loyalty to those who love Him and keep His commandments, extending mercy for a thousand generations, while bringing swift recompense to those who hate Him. Therefore, verse 11 emerges as the logical conclusion and practical demand following this grand declaration of God's character and covenant faithfulness—since God is this loving, faithful, and just, Israel must respond in full obedience to His every command. The call to obedience is an act of trust and worship, foundational to maintaining their distinct identity and covenant relationship within the land.

Deuteronomy 7 11 Word analysis

• Therefore (לָכֵן - lachen): This is a conjunction meaning "for this reason," "wherefore," or "so." It marks a logical conclusion or consequence derived from the preceding statements. In this context, it links the call to obedience directly to God's faithful, loving character and His promise to bless or judge based on a relationship with Him, as explained in Deuteronomy 7:9-10. It implies that in light of who God is and what He has done, obedience is the necessary response.
• you shall keep (תִּשְׁמֹר - tishmor): From the Hebrew root שָׁמַר (shamar), meaning "to guard," "to watch," "to preserve," "to observe," "to obey." This word conveys more than just passive adherence. It implies diligent watching over, carefully preserving, and actively fulfilling the commands. It signifies a protective and intentional effort to hold onto and perform the divine instructions, safeguarding them as something precious.
• the commandment (הַמִּצְוָה - hamitzvah): From מִצְוָה (mitzvah), meaning "command," "precept." This singular term can refer to a specific instruction but often, especially when accompanied by other terms for law (statutes, rules), represents the entire body of divine legislation or the sum total of God's revealed will. It points to God as the authoritative giver of laws.
• and the statutes (וְהַחֻקִּים - v'hachukkim): From חֹק (choq or chuqqah), meaning "statute," "decree," "ordinance." These are typically laws or enactments that are often fixed, unalterable, and given by divine authority, sometimes without an immediate or obvious human rationale. They might pertain to ritual, ceremonial, or cultic practices. Their binding nature rests purely on God's decree.
• and the rules (וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִים - v'hamishpatim): From מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat), meaning "judgment," "ordinance," "rule," "justice." These are judicial decisions or established customs and laws that regulate daily life, civil conduct, and ethical standards, particularly in matters of justice between people. They often reflect God's moral character applied to societal interaction.
• which I command you (אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוֶּךָ - asher anochi metzavecha): This phrase emphasizes the divine origin and personal nature of the command. Moses is speaking, but he reiterates that these are God's direct commands ("I" referring to God indirectly through Moses), establishing their ultimate authority and obligating the Israelites directly to their covenant Lord.
• today (הַיּוֹם - hayom): This term highlights the immediate and present relevance of the command. It's not a future obligation but an urgent, current call to commitment. In Deuteronomy, "today" frequently recurs, stressing the constant need for a fresh and personal decision of allegiance to God in the present moment, before entering the Land. It reinforces the ongoing nature of the covenant relationship.
• to do them (לַעֲשׂוֹתָם - la'asotam): From the root עָשָׂה (asah), meaning "to do," "to make," "to perform," "to act." This final phrase unequivocally stresses the practical application of the commands. It moves beyond mere knowing or hearing the law to actively executing and implementing it in daily life. Obedience is demonstrated through concrete action, not just intellectual assent or verbal agreement.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Therefore you shall keep": This powerful opening directly links God's character and covenant faithfulness (v. 9-10) to Israel's required response. "Keep" (shamar) is active and protective, indicating a profound responsibility to uphold the covenant. This isn't optional but an imperative derived from a deep relationship.
• "the commandment and the statutes and the rules": This tripartite expression, frequently used in Deuteronomy and other parts of the Pentateuch (e.g., Deut 4:1, 5:1, 6:1), refers to the entire breadth and scope of God's revealed Law. It emphasizes that no part of God's instruction is to be ignored; His will is holistic, encompassing moral, civil, and ceremonial dimensions of life. This refutes any attempt to selectively obey or to separate faith from practice.
• "which I command you today": This reinforces the divine origin and contemporary relevance of the Law. The personal pronoun "I" underscores God's direct authority. "Today" imparts a sense of urgency and constant present application; it means the covenant demands ongoing commitment, not just a one-time decision made in the past. It calls for a daily recommitment of the heart.
• "to do them": This concluding phrase reiterates the purpose and ultimate expectation of all the commands: practical implementation. It's not enough to intellectually understand, verbally acknowledge, or even emotionally appreciate God's Law. The goal is active obedience—living out the divine principles in everyday life. This principle echoes throughout the Scriptures, from Moses to Christ.

Deuteronomy 7 11 Bonus section

The concept of "keeping" God's laws (root shamar) often carries the idea of safeguarding a trust. It’s not just mechanical adherence but an active watchfulness over something precious that has been entrusted. This divine entrustment positions the people of Israel as stewards of God’s truth. Furthermore, the meticulous classification of "commandment," "statutes," and "rules" was typical of Ancient Near Eastern legal documents. However, for Israel, unlike surrounding nations whose laws were derived from human kings or a pantheon of lesser gods, their entire legal framework flowed from the singular, moral authority of YHWH, reflecting His righteous character. This structured and divinely-originated Law provided a coherent ethical system unparalleled among their contemporaries, standing as a polemic against the arbitrary and often capricious demands of pagan deities. This unified origin underscores that their entire way of life was to be a testimony to their one true God.

Deuteronomy 7 11 Commentary

Deuteronomy 7:11 serves as a pivotal summary command following Moses' exposition of God's unwavering faithfulness and love. The verse underlines that Israel's privilege of being God's chosen people comes with the profound responsibility of total obedience. The repeated emphasis on "the commandment, and the statutes, and the rules" signifies the comprehensive nature of God's demand—He requires adherence to all His instructions, covering every facet of life from worship to societal justice. This comprehensive obedience is the required response to the faithful character of God Himself, who extends covenant mercy and also justly punishes those who reject Him. The term "keep" is dynamic, meaning to actively guard and preserve these laws as a precious heritage, demonstrating devotion. The phrase "I command you today" imbues the command with immediate urgency and divine authority, reminding Israel that their covenant relationship necessitates a daily, active commitment to put God's will into practice. It highlights that true relationship with God is expressed through responsive, loving obedience.