Deuteronomy 16:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 16:20
20 That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 16 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, sacrifice, fellowship. 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 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 16:20
20 That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Analysis
That which is altogether just shalt thou follow (צֶדֶק צֶדֶק תִּרְדֹּף, tsedeq tsedeq tirdof)—The Hebrew doubling intensifies: 'Justice, justice you shall pursue!' This emphatic repetition demands relentless commitment to tsedeq (righteousness, justice). The verb follow (רָדַף, radaf, 'pursue, chase, persecute') implies aggressive pursuit, not passive waiting. Justice doesn't happen accidentally but requires active, vigorous pursuit.
That thou mayest live, and inherit the land—National survival depends on justice. Amos warned: Let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream (Amos 5:24), else Seek ye the LORD, and ye shall live (Amos 5:6) becomes there shall be wailing in all streets (Amos 5:16). Jesus embodied perfect justice, bringing judgment unto victory (Matthew 12:20), and commands His followers: Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
Historical Context
Moses spoke this before Israel's Canaan entry (1406 BC). The Canaanites practiced judicial corruption, bribery, and cultic prostitution. God's command for pure justice distinguished Israel morally, ensuring social stability. Prophets later condemned Israel for abandoning this standard (Isaiah 1:21-23, Jeremiah 5:28, Micah 3:9-11).
Reflection
- What injustices (systemic oppression, personal unfairness, turning blind eye to wrong) must you 'aggressively pursue' correcting?
- How does Jesus's perfect justice (defending the weak, confronting the powerful) model your pursuit of righteousness?
- In what areas are you passively tolerating injustice rather than actively 'chasing' what's right?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Micah 6:8