Deuteronomy 4:45
These are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after they came forth out of Egypt,
Original Language Analysis
וְהַֽחֻקִּ֖ים
and the statutes
H2706
וְהַֽחֻקִּ֖ים
and the statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
3 of 12
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֑ים
and the judgments
H4941
וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֑ים
and the judgments
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֤ר
spake
H1696
דִּבֶּ֤ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
6 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
10 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Historical Context
Moses identifies the content of his teaching as testimonies, statutes, and judgments delivered to Israel after the Exodus. Having left Egypt approximately 40 years earlier and conquered the trans-Jordan territory, Israel now stood ready to enter Canaan. This legal instruction was essential preparation for establishing a society under God's rule.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the sequence of redemption before law shape your understanding of the relationship between grace and obedience?
- What role do 'testimonies' (reminders of what God has done) play in motivating your own obedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
These are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the children of Israel, after they came forth out of Egypt.
Moses identifies three categories of divine instruction: edot (עֵדֹת, 'testimonies') are declarations that bear witness to God's character and requirements; chuqqim (חֻקִּים, 'statutes') are fixed ordinances and regulations; mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים, 'judgments') are case laws and judicial decisions. Together they comprehensively order Israel's relationship with God and neighbor.
The timing is significant: betseitam miMitsrayim (בְּצֵאתָם מִמִּצְרָיִם, 'after they came forth out of Egypt'). Law follows redemption, not vice versa. Israel was not delivered because they obeyed; they were instructed how to live because they were delivered. Grace precedes law; redemption creates the context for obedience. This sequence—redemption then instruction—pervades Scripture and reaches climax in the gospel, where we obey not to be saved but because we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-10).
These categories of law address different aspects of covenant life. Testimonies remind Israel of God's saving acts and character. Statutes provide structure for worship and daily life. Judgments resolve disputes and establish justice. Together they form a comprehensive vision for human flourishing under divine authority—what it looks like when the redeemed live as God's people.