Deuteronomy 4:44
And this is the law which Moses set before the children of Israel:
Original Language Analysis
הַתּוֹרָ֑ה
And this is the law
H8451
הַתּוֹרָ֑ה
And this is the law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
2 of 8
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׂ֣ם
set
H7760
שָׂ֣ם
set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
4 of 8
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
לִפְנֵ֖י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֖י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Historical Context
This verse marks a transition to the formal presentation of the law code that follows. Speaking from the plains of Moab around 1406 BC, Moses prepares to detail the statutes and ordinances that would govern Israel's life in Canaan. This introduction frames chapters 5-26 as covenant renewal for the new generation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding Torah as 'instruction for life' rather than merely 'law' change your approach to Old Testament commands?
- What does it mean that God's law was given to a community, not just individuals, and how should that shape Christian ethics today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And this is the law which Moses set before the children of Israel.
A new section begins with vezo't haTorah (וְזֹאת הַתּוֹרָה, 'and this is the law/instruction'). The Hebrew Torah encompasses more than legal code—it means instruction, teaching, guidance for life. Moses 'set' (sam, שָׂם) this Torah 'before' (liphnei, לִפְנֵי) Israel, presenting it for their consideration and response. Torah is placed before them as a path to walk, not merely rules to follow mechanically.
This verse functions as a superscription introducing the covenant stipulations that follow in chapters 5-26. The structure parallels ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties: historical prologue (chapters 1-4), stipulations (chapters 5-26), blessings and curses (chapters 27-28), and witnesses (chapter 30:19). Israel would recognize this format from their cultural context, understanding covenant renewal as a solemn, binding commitment.
The phrase 'children of Israel' (benei Yisra'el) emphasizes corporate identity. Torah was given not to individuals in isolation but to a covenant community. God's instruction assumes communal implementation and mutual accountability. Individual piety that ignores community responsibility misunderstands the Torah's purpose. Law shapes a people, not merely persons.