Deuteronomy 27:9
And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 17
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִ֣ים
and the priests
H3548
וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִ֣ים
and the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
3 of 17
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
O Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
O Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וּשְׁמַע֙
and hearken
H8085
וּשְׁמַע֙
and hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
10 of 17
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
O Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
O Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
11 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הַיּ֤וֹם
this day
H3117
הַיּ֤וֹם
this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
12 of 17
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
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
נִֽהְיֵ֣יתָֽ
thou art become
H1961
נִֽהְיֵ֣יתָֽ
thou art become
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
14 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְעָ֔ם
the people
H5971
לְעָ֔ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
15 of 17
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Historical Context
This address occurred on the plains of Moab as final preparation before entering Canaan. The first generation died in wilderness judgment; this second generation needed to personally commit to covenant faithfulness their fathers violated.
The emphasis on 'this day' created decisive moment for corporate commitment paralleling individual conversion experiences.
Questions for Reflection
- What does unified civil and religious leadership teach about comprehensive submission to God?
- How does 'take heed and hearken' define proper response to God's word?
- What does belonging to God as His people obligate believers to do?
- Why must each generation personally embrace covenant relationship rather than inherit it passively?
- How does corporate identity as God's people shape individual behavior?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God. The joint address by Moses and the priests the Levites demonstrates unified leadership - both civil and religious authorities corporately call Israel to covenant commitment. This models the integration of all societal spheres under God's authority.
The exhortation take heed, and hearken demands attentive listening with intent to obey. Hearing God's word requires focused attention and responsive action, not casual listening without application.
The declaration this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God marks covenant renewal as decisive moment. Israel's corporate identity is redefined - they belong to God as His special possession, which creates obligation to reflect His character.
This covenant formation language echoes the Sinai covenant while marking renewal for the second generation. Each generation must personally embrace covenant relationship, not merely inherit it passively.