and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORDThe phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's laws, which were given to the Israelites as part of the covenant at Mount Sinai. The commandments and statutes refer to the comprehensive set of laws found in the Torah, particularly in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. These laws were designed to set Israel apart as a holy nation (
Exodus 19:5-6) and to guide them in their relationship with God and with each other. The emphasis on keeping these laws highlights the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience is a response to God's grace and deliverance. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus affirms the importance of the commandments (
Matthew 5:17-19) and summarizes them in the two greatest commandments: love for God and love for neighbor (
Matthew 22:37-40).
that I am giving you this day
This phrase underscores the immediacy and relevance of God's commandments to the Israelites at that moment in history. Moses, as the mediator of the covenant, is reiterating the laws to the new generation of Israelites who are about to enter the Promised Land. The phrase "this day" serves as a reminder of the present and ongoing nature of God's covenant, requiring continual commitment and obedience. It also reflects the historical context of Deuteronomy, which is a series of speeches by Moses before his death and before the Israelites' entrance into Canaan. This moment is pivotal, as it marks a transition from the wilderness wanderings to the establishment of Israel in the land promised to their ancestors.
for your own good?
This phrase highlights the benevolent intention behind God's commandments. The laws were not arbitrary but were given for the well-being and flourishing of the Israelites. Obedience to God's laws was meant to lead to blessings, prosperity, and life (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). The concept of "for your own good" reflects God's character as loving and just, desiring the best for His people. This principle is consistent throughout Scripture, where God's commands are seen as life-giving and protective (Psalm 19:7-11,Proverbs 3:1-2). In the New Testament, Jesus reiterates that His teachings and commandments are for the benefit of His followers, leading to abundant life (John 10:10).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe prophet and leader of the Israelites, who is delivering God's commandments to the people.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are receiving the laws and commandments as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
3.
Mount SinaiThe place where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God, which is part of the broader context of the laws given to Israel.
4.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is giving these commandments for the benefit and well-being of His people.
5.
The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter, where they are to live according to God's laws.
Teaching Points
The Purpose of God's CommandmentsGod's commandments are given for our own good, not as a burden but as a guide to living a fulfilling and righteous life.
Obedience as a Response to God's LoveOur obedience to God's laws should be a response to His love and grace, recognizing that His statutes are designed to protect and bless us.
The Goodness of God's LawThe law reflects God's character and His desire for us to live in harmony with Him and others. It is a reflection of His goodness and wisdom.
Living Out the Commandments TodayWhile the cultural context may differ, the principles of God's commandments remain relevant. We are called to apply these principles in our daily lives, seeking to love God and our neighbors.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit empowers us to live according to God's commandments, transforming our hearts and enabling us to follow His statutes with joy.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 10:13?
2.How can we implement God's commandments as described in Deuteronomy 10:13 in daily life?
3.What does Deuteronomy 10:13 reveal about God's intentions for His commandments?
4.How does Deuteronomy 10:13 connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament?
5.Why are God's commandments described as "for your own good" in Deuteronomy 10:13?
6.How can understanding Deuteronomy 10:13 strengthen our relationship with God today?
7.What does Deuteronomy 10:13 reveal about God's expectations for His followers?
8.How does Deuteronomy 10:13 align with the overall message of the Old Testament?
9.Why are God's commands described as "for your own good" in Deuteronomy 10:13?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 10?
11.How do I serve God?
12.Should we revere God and follow His commandments?
13.What does 'Walk in God's Ways' mean?
14.What are the "not good" statutes in Ezekiel 20:25?What Does Deuteronomy 10:13 Mean
Keep“to keep” (Deuteronomy 10:13)
• “Keep” is an action word—guarding, observing, and putting into practice. Obedience is never accidental (James 1:22–25;John 14:15).
• God does not call Israel—or us—to admire His word from a distance but to weave it into daily life (Psalm 119:9–11).
• Keeping implies loyalty. As Jesus said, “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me” (John 14:21).
Commandments and Statutes“the commandments and statutes”
• “Commandments” point to clear moral directives (Exodus 20:1–17). “Statutes” highlight detailed instructions that flesh out those commands (Leviticus 18:4–5). Together they form a whole pattern for life (Psalm 19:7–11).
• Jesus affirmed their continuing relevance, insisting that “not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen” will disappear until all is accomplished (Matthew 5:17–19).
• The New Testament echoes this unity: “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable” (2 Timothy 3:16).
of the LORD“of the LORD”
• The source matters. These standards originate with the covenant-making God who redeemed Israel (Deuteronomy 5:6).
• Because they are His, they carry His character—holy, just, and good (Romans 7:12).
• Obedience, therefore, is personal. We respond not to impersonal rules but to a living Redeemer (Psalm 86:11;John 15:10).
I am giving you this day“that I am giving you this day”
• God’s word is always timely. Israel heard it on the edge of the Promised Land; we hear it each new morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
• The call is immediate. “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7-8).
• Choosing obedience is never postponed. “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15).
For your own good“for your own good”
• God’s commands protect and bless. “The LORD commanded us to obey… so that we might always prosper and be kept alive” (Deuteronomy 6:24).
• They are not heavy burdens; they are gifts from a loving Father (1 John 5:3;Matthew 11:30).
• Walking in them brings tangible peace. “Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your law” (Psalm 119:165).
• Even discipline serves our welfare, shaping us into Christlikeness (Romans 8:28;Hebrews 12:10-11).
summaryDeuteronomy 10:13 calls for active, whole-hearted obedience to every word God has spoken, recognizing that these directives come from Him, apply right now, and are always aimed at our ultimate good. Keeping His commandments is not mere duty but the pathway to life, blessing, and intimate fellowship with the Lord who gave them.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
[and] to keepלִשְׁמֹ֞ר(liš·mōr)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8104:To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend tothe commandmentsמִצְוֺ֤ת(miṣ·wōṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4687:Commandmentand statutesחֻקֹּתָ֔יו(ḥuq·qō·ṯāw)Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2708:Something prescribed, an enactment, statuteof the LORD,יְהוָה֙(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelwhichאֲשֶׁ֛ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatIאָנֹכִ֥י(’ā·nō·ḵî)Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595:Iam giving youמְצַוְּךָ֖(mə·ṣaw·wə·ḵā)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6680:To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, orderthis dayהַיּ֑וֹם(hay·yō·wm)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayfor your own good?לְט֖וֹב(lə·ṭō·wḇ)Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, good
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 10:13 To keep the commandments of Yahweh (Deut. De Du)