If you listen to these ordinances and keep them carefully, then the LORD your God will keep His covenant and the loving devotion that He swore to your fathers. If you listen to these ordinancesThis phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's laws. In the context of Deuteronomy, Moses is addressing the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The "ordinances" refer to the laws and commandments given by God, which are detailed throughout the Torah. Listening implies not just hearing but understanding and internalizing these laws. This concept of obedience is echoed in the Shema ( Deuteronomy 6:4-9), which calls for wholehearted devotion to God. and keep them carefully
The call to "keep them carefully" underscores the need for diligent observance of God's commandments. This careful keeping is a recurring theme in Deuteronomy, where the Israelites are reminded of the blessings tied to obedience and the curses associated with disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). The Hebrew word for "keep" (shamar) conveys a sense of guarding or watching over, indicating the seriousness with which these laws should be treated. then the LORD your God will keep His covenant
The covenant mentioned here is the Abrahamic Covenant, which God established with Abraham and reaffirmed with Isaac and Jacob. This covenant includes promises of land, descendants, and blessing (Genesis 12:1-3). The conditional nature of this statement highlights the reciprocal relationship between God and His people, where divine faithfulness is met with human obedience. This covenantal relationship is central to the narrative of the Old Testament and is fulfilled in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 31:31-34). and the loving devotion
"Loving devotion" translates the Hebrew word "chesed," which encompasses love, mercy, and faithfulness. It is a key attribute of God's character, often associated with His covenantal faithfulness. This term is frequently used in the Psalms to describe God's enduring love and kindness (Psalm 136). The concept of "chesed" is foundational to understanding God's relationship with His people, as it reflects His unwavering commitment to them despite their failures. that He swore to your fathers
This phrase refers to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to whom God made His covenantal promises. The act of swearing an oath signifies the seriousness and unchangeable nature of God's promises. The historical context of these patriarchal promises is crucial, as they form the basis for Israel's identity and mission. The fulfillment of these promises is seen throughout the biblical narrative, culminating in the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs (Galatians 3:16). Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and promises to the Israelites. 2. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, receiving the laws and promises as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God who promises blessings for obedience. 4. The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 5. The CovenantThe agreement between God and the Israelites, involving blessings for obedience and faithfulness. Teaching Points Obedience and BlessingThe passage underscores the principle that obedience to God's commandments results in His blessings. This is a timeless truth that applies to believers today. Covenant FaithfulnessGod's faithfulness to His covenant is unwavering. Our response should be one of gratitude and commitment to living according to His Word. Listening and FollowingThe Hebrew word for "listen" (shama) implies not just hearing but also acting upon what is heard. True listening involves obedience. Generational PromisesGod's promises extend through generations, reminding us of the importance of teaching and modeling faithfulness to the next generation. Love and DevotionThe covenant is rooted in God's loving devotion (chesed), a steadfast love that calls us to respond with love and devotion in return. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of covenant in Deuteronomy 7:12 relate to the new covenant established through Jesus Christ? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not just hearing God's Word but also actively following it in our daily lives? 3. How can we teach the principles of God's covenant faithfulness to the next generation in practical ways? 4. What are some specific areas in your life where you can demonstrate greater obedience to God's commandments? 5. How does understanding God's loving devotion (chesed) impact your relationship with Him and with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 19:5-6This passage emphasizes the conditional nature of God's covenant with Israel, highlighting the importance of obedience to His commandments. Leviticus 26:3-13Details the blessings that follow obedience to God's laws, reinforcing the theme of covenant faithfulness. John 14:15Jesus speaks about the connection between love and obedience, echoing the principles found in Deuteronomy. Hebrews 8:6-13Discusses the new covenant established through Christ, which fulfills and surpasses the old covenant promises. Psalm 103:17-18Highlights God's enduring love and faithfulness to those who keep His covenant and commandments. People Amorites, Canaanites, Egyptians, Girgashite, Girgashites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Jebusites, Moses, Perizzites, Perrizites, PharaohPlaces Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Agreement, Attention, Careful, Covenant, Decisions, Fathers, Follow, Forefathers, Hearken, Judgments, Kept, Kindness, Laws, Listen, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Mercy, Oath, Ordinances, Pass, Pay, Steadfast, Sware, Swore, Sworn, WhereforeDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 7:12 1055 God, grace and mercy
1085 God, love of Deuteronomy 7:12-13 4430 crops
4456 grain
6688 mercy, demonstration of God's Deuteronomy 7:12-16 7258 promised land, early history Library God's Faithfulness
'Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him.'--DEUT. vii. 9. 'Faithful,' like most Hebrew words, has a picture in it. It means something that can be (1) leant on, or (2) builded on. This leads to a double signification--(1) trustworthy, and that because (2) rigidly observant of obligations. So the word applies to a steward, a friend, or a witness. Its most wonderful and sublime application is to God. It presents to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureMatch-Making.
SECTION I. THE RELATION OF PARENTS TO THE MARRIAGE CHOICE OF THEIR CHILDREN. "Youth longeth for a kindred spirit, and yet yearneth for a heart that can commune with his own; Take heed that what charmeth thee is real, nor springeth of thine own imagination; And suffer not trifles to win thy love; for a wife is thine unto death!" One of the most affecting scenes of home-life is that of the bridal hour! Though in one sense it is a scene of joy and festivity; yet in another, it is one of deep sadness. …
Samuel Philips—The Christian Home The First Covenant
"Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice, and keep My covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me."--EX. xix. 5. "He declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even ten commandments."--DEUT. iv. 13.i "If ye keep these judgments, the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant,"--DEUT. vii. 12. "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers, which My covenant they brake."--JER. xxxi. 31, 32. WE have …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Why all Things Work for Good
1. The grand reason why all things work for good, is the near and dear interest which God has in His people. The Lord has made a covenant with them. "They shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Jer. xxxii. 38). By virtue of this compact, all things do, and must work, for good to them. "I am God, even thy God" (Psalm l. 7). This word, Thy God,' is the sweetest word in the Bible, it implies the best relations; and it is impossible there should be these relations between God and His people, and …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial John's Introduction.
^D John I. 1-18. ^d 1 In the beginning was the Word [a title for Jesus peculiar to the apostle John], and the Word was with God [not going before nor coming after God, but with Him at the beginning], and the Word was God. [Not more, not less.] 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him [the New Testament often speaks of Christ as the Creator--see ver. 10; I. Cor. viii. 6; Col. i. 13, 17; Heb. i. 2]; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. [This …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 7:12 NIVDeuteronomy 7:12 NLTDeuteronomy 7:12 ESVDeuteronomy 7:12 NASBDeuteronomy 7:12 KJV
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