Keraia
Deuteronomy 26

Deuteronomy 26:16

Obey the LORD’s Commands · Deuteronomy 26:16–19
Read Deuteronomy 26

Translations

Modern
The LORD your God commands you this day to follow these statutes and ordinances. You must be careful to follow them with all your heart and with all your soul.
Traditional
This day the Lord thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.
Literal
This day YHWH your God commands you to observe these statutes and ordinances. And you shall keep and do them with all your heart and with all your soul.
Latin
Hodie Dominus Deus tuus præcepit tibi ut facias mandata hæc atque judicia: et custodias et impleas ex toto corde tuo, et ex tota anima tua.

Original

Hebrew
English
The LORD your God commands you this day to follow these statutes and ordinances. You must be careful to follow them with all your heart and with all your soul.

Notes

Deuteronomy 26:16

with all your heart and with all your soul: This Hebrew phrase clearly refers to the Shema, the foundational statement of Israel’s faith and covenant commitment (see 6:4–5 and study notes).

God’s expectations were very high and holy. People could not follow them only partway. They had to obey completely, giving their whole effort to God.

Deuteronomy 26:16–19

Moses explained the main covenant principles (chapters 5–11) and clarified their application (chapters 12–26). Then Moses urged the people to obey the covenant with all their hearts.

The Lord had called them into a special relationship with himself, a privilege that required obedience to the covenant prescriptions. The result of this submission was holiness, a state that reflected God’s character and that would flow naturally from unbroken fellowship with him.

Theme notes and profiles

Ancient Law Codes

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Biblical Concept of Law Covenant Deuteronomy, Book of Feasts and Festivals of Israel

Topics

Government: Theocratic Heart: Renewed: It should Render to God Obedience Obedience: Enjoined Obligation: A Motive of Obedience The Heart: we should Keep God's Statutes with All