Deuteronomy 30:8
And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the LORD, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day.
Original Language Analysis
תָשׁ֔וּב
And thou shalt return
H7725
תָשׁ֔וּב
And thou shalt return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
2 of 13
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ֖
and obey
H8085
וְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ֖
and obey
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְעָשִׂ֙יתָ֙
and do
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֙יתָ֙
and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 13
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 #:
8 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִצְוֹתָ֔יו
all his commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹתָ֔יו
all his commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
9 of 13
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Post-exilic Judaism showed mixed results - initial enthusiasm under Ezra and Nehemiah but gradual decline into formalism. External restoration of land and temple occurred without complete heart transformation.
This demonstrates that physical restoration without spiritual renewal fails to fulfill God's ultimate purposes. Only New Covenant transformation produces lasting faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- What does spiritual renewal involving obedience teach about true restoration?
- How does obeying God's voice differ from merely following rules?
- Why must restoration include comprehensive obedience to all commands?
- What does present-tense obedience teach about restoration as ongoing commitment?
- How did post-exilic Judaism demonstrate the inadequacy of external restoration without heart change?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the LORD, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day. Restoration involves not merely geographical return but spiritual renewal - return and obey the voice of the LORD. True restoration requires both external circumstances and internal transformation producing obedience.
The phrase obey the voice personalizes relationship with God. This is not merely following rules but hearing and responding to God's personal address. Covenant relationship involves ongoing communication and responsive obedience.
The scope all his commandments demands comprehensive obedience. Selective compliance while ignoring challenging commands doesn't fulfill covenant obligations. Wholehearted obedience encompasses all God's revealed will.
The phrase this day emphasizes present-tense obedience. Restoration isn't merely past event but ongoing commitment to faithful living in response to God's continuous guidance.