Definition: This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 26:16. It’s a really important verse in the Bible that speaks about following God's rules and responsibilities. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying: “Listen to me carefully! The Lord who created everything has given you instructions – specific rules and laws – that you must follow. It’s not just about obeying them; it’s about truly believing in them and living by them.” Let's unpack it a little further: "This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee..." This means the Lord, who is God, has given you a specific set of guidelines. It's like a rule or law that He’s established for you. "...to do these statutes and judgments..." “Statutes” refers to laws – rules and regulations. “Judgments” means making decisions based on those laws. So, it’s about following God’s laws exactly. "Thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul." This is the core of the verse. It means you must follow these laws – not just passively, but with your whole being - meaning: “Thou shalt...” : The Lord has given you this instruction. "keep and do them..." : You must actively practice and obey these laws. Don’t just read about them; live them! "...with all thine heart, and with all thy soul." This is the most important part. It means you should do this – follow these laws – not just your mind, but your entire being—with a genuine desire to do what’s right. It's about your true devotion and commitment. In short, it’s a call to obedience and dedication. It’s emphasizing that following God’s law isn’t just about rules; it’s about living a life that honors Him by being righteous and faithful. Why is this verse important? It's often used to remind us of our responsibility to follow God's will, and it highlights the importance of personal commitment and dedication. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Deuteronomy 26:16? Give an example of how this verse might be applied in everyday life?