Deuteronomy 27:1
And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֖ם
the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
שָׁמֹר֙
Keep
H8104
שָׁמֹר֙
Keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 16
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 #:
10 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַמִּצְוָ֔ה
all the commandments
H4687
הַמִּצְוָ֔ה
all the commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
11 of 16
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
This address occurred on the plains of Moab shortly before Israel crossed Jordan into Canaan. Moses was preparing the second generation for conquest and settlement, emphasizing that success depended on covenant faithfulness.
The elders' involvement ensured continuity of leadership after Moses' death - Joshua and the tribal leaders would carry forward responsibility for maintaining covenant obedience.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the call to keep 'all' commandments teach about comprehensive obedience?
- How does shared leadership responsibility promote accountability for covenant faithfulness?
- Why is immediate obedience important rather than deferred compliance?
- What does Moses' final emphasis on complete obedience teach about priorities for God's people?
- How should church leadership corporately uphold and teach God's standards?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Moses with the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day. Moses and the elders jointly command comprehensive obedience - Keep all the commandments, not selective compliance with preferred portions. Covenant faithfulness requires complete submission to God's revealed will.
The involvement of elders of Israel alongside Moses demonstrates shared responsibility for teaching and enforcing the law. Leadership must corporately uphold God's standards and call the people to obedience.
The phrase this day creates urgency - obedience begins immediately, not at some future convenient time. God's commands require present-tense response, not deferred compliance.
This comprehensive call to covenant obedience introduces the altar-building and blessing-cursing ceremonies that follow. Before Israel enters the land, they must commit to full obedience.