Deuteronomy 7:12

Authorized King James Version

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Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers:

Original Language Analysis

וְהָיָ֣ה׀ H1961
וְהָיָ֣ה׀
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עֵ֣קֶב Wherefore it shall come to pass if H6118
עֵ֣קֶב Wherefore it shall come to pass if
Strong's: H6118
Word #: 2 of 20
a heel, i.e., (figuratively) the last of anything (used adverbially, for ever); also result, i.e., compensation; and so (adverb with preposition or re
תִּשְׁמְע֗וּן ye hearken H8085
תִּשְׁמְע֗וּן ye hearken
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 3 of 20
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֵ֤ת H853
אֵ֤ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּשְׁפָּטִים֙ to these judgments H4941
הַמִּשְׁפָּטִים֙ to these judgments
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 5 of 20
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
הָאֵ֔לֶּה H428
הָאֵ֔לֶּה
Strong's: H428
Word #: 6 of 20
these or those
וְשָׁמַר֩ and keep H8104
וְשָׁמַר֩ and keep
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 7 of 20
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם and do H6213
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם and do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 8 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֹתָ֑ם H853
אֹתָ֑ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 9 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְשָׁמַר֩ and keep H8104
וְשָׁמַר֩ and keep
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 10 of 20
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
יְהוָ֨ה them that the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֨ה them that the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 11 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ thy God H430
אֱלֹהֶ֜יךָ thy God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 12 of 20
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
לְךָ֗ H0
לְךָ֗
Strong's: H0
Word #: 13 of 20
אֶֽת H853
אֶֽת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 14 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַבְּרִית֙ unto thee the covenant H1285
הַבְּרִית֙ unto thee the covenant
Strong's: H1285
Word #: 15 of 20
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 16 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַחֶ֔סֶד and the mercy H2617
הַחֶ֔סֶד and the mercy
Strong's: H2617
Word #: 17 of 20
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 18 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִשְׁבַּ֖ע which he sware H7650
נִשְׁבַּ֖ע which he sware
Strong's: H7650
Word #: 19 of 20
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
לַֽאֲבֹתֶֽיךָ׃ unto thy fathers H1
לַֽאֲבֹתֶֽיךָ׃ unto thy fathers
Strong's: H1
Word #: 20 of 20
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis & Commentary

The conditional 'if ye hearken... and keep... and do' establishes covenant blessing as responsive to obedience. This isn't works-salvation but covenant relationship—God promises blessing to those who walk in His ways. The threefold structure (hearken, keep, do) emphasizes progression: hearing leads to guarding (treasuring) which results in doing. The promise that 'the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant' shows God's faithfulness is engaged through His people's responsive obedience. The 'mercy' (chesed) sworn to the fathers refers to the Abrahamic covenant's unconditional promises being experienced conditionally based on covenant faithfulness. This reflects the 'already-not yet' tension in redemption—ultimate salvation is secure, but covenant blessings are experienced through obedience.

Historical Context

The blessings promised here would be experienced during the united monarchy under David and Solomon when Israel enjoyed unprecedented peace and prosperity (1 Kings 4:20-25). However, divided kingdom apostasy led to covenant curses (exile). The prophets repeatedly called Israel to return to covenant obedience to experience restored blessing (Jeremiah 7:23; Zechariah 1:3). The New Testament parallels this in sanctification—believers' secure justification issues in progressive sanctification through Spirit-empowered obedience (Philippians 2:12-13).

Questions for Reflection

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