Deuteronomy 6:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 6:17
17 Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 6 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, salvation, love. 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 21-25: 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 6:17
17 Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.
Analysis
The emphatic command 'Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God' employs intensive Hebrew construction ('shamar tishmoru'—keep ye shall surely keep) demanding scrupulous obedience. The comprehensive scope 'his testimonies, and his statutes' covers all revealed will: moral law (testimonies of God's character), ceremonial regulations (statutes), and civil ordinances. Diligent keeping requires continuous attention, not sporadic effort. The phrase 'which he hath commanded thee' grounds obligation in divine authority. This verse illustrates the Reformed understanding that sanctification requires disciplined obedience to all Scripture, not selective compliance with preferred commands.
Historical Context
Moses repeatedly exhorted Israel to comprehensive obedience before entering Canaan (Deuteronomy 4:5-6, 5:1, 6:1-2, 7:11). The tripartite description (commandments, testimonies, statutes) encompasses all covenant stipulations governing worship, justice, family life, economics, and warfare. Israel's history demonstrated that partial obedience equals disobedience—Saul's incomplete destruction of Amalekites cost him the kingdom (1 Samuel 15:1-23). God requires whole-hearted obedience to all revealed will.
Reflection
- How does the intensive construction 'diligently keep' challenge casual or selective obedience to God's commands?
- What does the comprehensive scope (commandments, testimonies, statutes) teach about God's lordship over every area of life?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References Lord: 1 Corinthians 15:58
- Word: Deuteronomy 11:22, Exodus 15:26
- Parallel theme: Psalms 119:4, 2 Peter 3:14