Deuteronomy 11:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 11:1
1 Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 11 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, love, redemption. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-32: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 11:1
1 Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.
Analysis
Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God—The Hebrew ve'ahavta (וְאָהַבְתָּ֕) is a commandment, not a suggestion. Love here means covenantal loyalty and devotion, not mere emotion. Following the Shema (6:5), Moses grounds this command in the 'therefore' (עַל־כֵּן) of the preceding chapter's rehearsal of God's mighty acts. Love for Yahweh is the proper response to His redemptive work.
Keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments—Four terms emphasize comprehensive obedience: mishmereth (מִשְׁמַרְתּוֹ, 'charge/duty'), chuqqim (חֻקָּיו, 'statutes/decrees'), mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטָיו, 'judgments/ordinances'), and mitzvoth (מִצְוֺתָיו, 'commandments'). This accumulation stresses that love expresses itself through total obedience. Biblical love is never divorced from action—true affection for God manifests in keeping His word. Jesus echoed this: 'If you love me, keep my commandments' (John 14:15).
Historical Context
Moses delivered this second sermon in Moab's plains (Deuteronomy 5-26) as Israel prepared to enter Canaan. The generation that witnessed the Exodus had died; this was covenant renewal for their children (born in wilderness, now adults). The command to love God responds to chapter 10's recounting of the golden calf, the broken tablets, Moses's intercession, and God's gracious restoration. God's faithfulness despite Israel's rebellion demands wholehearted love in return.
Reflection
- How does biblical love differ from modern emotional definitions, given that God commands it?
- In what ways does genuine love for God necessarily produce obedience to His commands?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Judgment: Deuteronomy 4:1, 4:5, 6:1, Zechariah 3:7
- References Lord: Leviticus 8:35
- Love: Deuteronomy 6:5, 10:12, Psalms 116:1
- Word: Deuteronomy 4:40, Psalms 105:45