Deuteronomy 11:32

Authorized King James Version

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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
אָֽנֹכִ֛י H595
אָֽנֹכִ֛י
Strong's: H595
Word #: 9 of 12
i
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.)
לִפְנֵיכֶ֖ם before H6440
לִפְנֵיכֶ֖ם before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 11 of 12
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הַיּֽוֹם׃ you this day H3117
הַיּֽוֹם׃ you this day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 12 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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.

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).

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