Exodus 18:20 Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do.
Numbers 27:5-6 So Moses brought their case before the LORD, / and the LORD answered him,
1 Kings 3:9 Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
2 Chronicles 19:10 For every dispute that comes before you from your brothers who dwell in their cities—whether it regards bloodshed or some other violation of law, commandments, statutes, or ordinances—you are to warn them, so that they will not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath will not come upon you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not incur guilt.
Nehemiah 8:8 So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read.
Psalm 119:34 Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart.
Isaiah 30:21 And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”
Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’
Ezekiel 44:23-24 They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean. / In any dispute, they shall officiate as judges and judge according to My ordinances. They must keep My laws and statutes regarding all My appointed feasts, and they must keep My Sabbaths holy.
Matthew 28:20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Luke 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself.
John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.
Acts 20:27 For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God.
Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.
1 Corinthians 2:13 And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.
Deuteronomy 4:5,40 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it…
Deuteronomy 12:28,32 Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doestthat which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God…
Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway,even unto the end of the world. Amen.
And at that time This phrase refers to a specific period during the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It highlights a moment of instruction and organization as they prepared to enter Canaan. Historically, this was after the Israelites had left Mount Sinai and were on the brink of entering the land God had promised to their ancestors. This time was marked by significant events, including the giving of the Law and the establishment of order among the tribes.
I commanded you Moses, as the leader appointed by God, was responsible for conveying God's commands to the people. This reflects the theocratic leadership structure where God communicated His will through chosen leaders. The use of "commanded" underscores the authority and divine origin of the instructions given. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's directives, a recurring theme throughout Deuteronomy.
all the things This phrase indicates the comprehensive nature of the instructions given to the Israelites. It suggests that nothing was left out, and every aspect of their lives and community was addressed. This includes laws, statutes, and ordinances that governed their worship, social interactions, and justice system. The thoroughness of these commands reflects God's desire for His people to live holy and distinct lives.
you were to do The focus here is on action and obedience. The Israelites were not merely to hear the commands but to actively implement them in their daily lives. This reflects the biblical principle that faith is demonstrated through works (James 2:17). The phrase also points to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience was a condition for receiving God's blessings and favor.
Persons / Places / Events
1.Moses The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and guide them through the wilderness to the Promised Land. In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, reminding them of the instructions he gave them.
2.Israelites The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are the recipients of Moses' commands and are on a journey to the Promised Land.
3.Wilderness The setting for much of the book of Deuteronomy, where the Israelites wandered for 40 years due to their disobedience and lack of faith.
4.Promised Land The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham. It represents God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.
5.Mount Horeb (Sinai) The place where God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses. It is a significant location in the history of Israel's covenant with God.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands Moses' instructions were not his own but were given by God. This highlights the importance of obedience to divine commands in our lives.
Leadership and Delegation Moses' role in commanding the people underscores the necessity of effective leadership and the delegation of responsibilities within the community of faith.
Faithfulness in Following God's Plan The Israelites' journey serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and trust in God's plan, even when the path is challenging.
Community and Accountability The structure Moses established among the Israelites illustrates the need for community and accountability in our spiritual walk.
Preparation for Future Generations Moses' commands were meant to prepare the Israelites for entering the Promised Land, teaching us the importance of preparing future generations to follow God's ways.
(18)And I commanded you at that time all the things which ye should do.--"At that time,"i.e.,after your departure from Horeb. This is as much as to say that the exhortations given in Deuteronomy had already been given on the way from Sinai to Kadesh-barnea. (Comp. what has been said above on the two first verses of this chapter.) This verse goes far to justify the view taken there.
And at that הַהִ֑וא(ha·hi·w) Article | Pronoun - third person feminine singular Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, are
time בָּעֵ֣ת(bā·‘êṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6256:Time, now, when
I commanded וָאֲצַוֶּ֥ה(wā·’ă·ṣaw·weh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 6680:To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order
you אֶתְכֶ֖ם(’eṯ·ḵem) Direct object marker | second person masculine plural Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative case
all כָּל־(kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every
the things הַדְּבָרִ֖ים(had·də·ḇā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a cause
you were to do. תַּעֲשֽׂוּן׃(ta·‘ă·śūn) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun Strong's 6213:To do, make