Deuteronomy 29:1
These are the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb.
Original Language Analysis
דִבְרֵ֨י
These are the words
H1697
דִבְרֵ֨י
These are the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 20
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַבְּרִ֔ית
beside the covenant
H1285
הַבְּרִ֔ית
beside the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
3 of 20
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֣ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּרַ֥ת
to make
H3772
כָּרַ֥ת
to make
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
9 of 20
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
10 of 20
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
בְּנֵ֥י
with the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
with the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
12 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מוֹאָ֑ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֑ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
14 of 20
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
מִלְּבַ֣ד
H905
מִלְּבַ֣ד
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
הַבְּרִ֔ית
beside the covenant
H1285
הַבְּרִ֔ית
beside the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
16 of 20
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
17 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
כָּרַ֥ת
to make
H3772
כָּרַ֥ת
to make
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
18 of 20
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
Cross References
Hebrews 8:9Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.Jeremiah 31:32Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:2 Kings 23:3And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.
Historical Context
The Horeb (Sinai) covenant was given after the exodus, establishing Israel as theocratic nation. The Moab covenant renewed and expanded these terms forty years later as Israel prepared to enter Canaan.
Deuteronomy as whole functions as extended covenant renewal ceremony, with Moses preaching the law to the new generation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does covenant renewal teach about each generation needing personal commitment?
- How does the Moab covenant relate to the Horeb covenant - replacement or renewal?
- Why is Moses' mediatorial role significant in foreshadowing Christ?
- What does the need for ongoing covenant renewal teach about relationship with God?
- How should each generation of believers personally embrace faith rather than merely inheriting it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
These are the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb. This verse introduces covenant renewal - a second covenant beside the covenant...in Horeb (Sinai). This is not replacement but reaffirmation and expansion of the original covenant for the generation entering Canaan.
The location in the land of Moab situates this renewal just before Jordan crossing. The first generation received the law at Sinai; the second generation receives renewed covenant at Moab. Each generation must personally commit, not merely inherit parents' relationship with God.
Moses serves as mediator - the LORD commanded Moses to make - demonstrating the prophetic role of communicating God's word and establishing covenant relationship between God and people. This foreshadows Christ's superior mediation of the New Covenant.
The distinction between Horeb covenant and Moab covenant teaches that while God's law is unchanging, His relationship with His people requires ongoing renewal and fresh commitment.