Deuteronomy Chapter 11 · Verse 32
And ye shall observe to do all the statutes and judgments which I set before you this day.
Original Language Analysis
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם
And ye shall observe
H8104
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֣ם
And ye shall observe
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת
to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת
to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַֽחֻקִּ֖ים
all the statutes
H2706
הַֽחֻקִּ֖ים
all the statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
5 of 12
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֑ים
and judgments
H4941
הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֑ים
and judgments
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נֹתֵ֥ן
which I set
H5414
נֹתֵ֥ן
which I set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
10 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Historical Context
The call for total obedience anticipates the detailed laws of chapters 12-26. Unlike ancient Near Eastern law codes (Hammurabi, Lipit-Ishtar) which were legal precedents, Torah was covenant stipulation requiring wholehearted compliance. Jesus later condemned Pharisaic selectivity—'ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law' (Matthew 23:23). True obedience embraces all of God's word, not just convenient portions. New Testament faith similarly demands comprehensive discipleship (Matthew 28:20; James 2:10).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we tend toward selective obedience, emphasizing preferred commands while neglecting difficult ones?
- What does it mean to 'observe to do ALL' God's word in the age of grace when we're not under Mosaic law?
- How does Jesus's teaching on the 'weightier matters of the law' help us discern priorities without selective disobedience?
Analysis & Commentary
The chapter concludes with solemn charge: 'And ye shall observe to do all the statutes and judgments which I set before you this day.' The verb 'observe' (shamar, שָׁמַר, guard/keep) demands careful attention and diligent execution. The comprehensive 'all' allows no selective obedience—the entire covenant must be kept. The phrase 'statutes and judgments' (חֻקִּים וּמִשְׁפָּטִים, chuqqim u-mishpatim) encompasses ceremonial laws (statutes) and civil/judicial laws (judgments), representing covenant requirements' totality. Moses's phrase 'this day' creates urgency—they must respond immediately to divine revelation. This verse transitions to chapter 12's specific laws by emphasizing comprehensive covenant obedience.