Definition: The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 28:9. It’s a really important verse about how we’re meant to live our lives and be blessed by God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s saying: God has a special plan for you – He wants to make you a truly holy people specifically under his guidance. Let’s unpack it bit by bit: “The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself…” This means God is choosing you to be a group of people who are dedicated to Him and follow His rules perfectly. “Establish” suggests He’s creating something new – making you a distinct and special group. "To Himself" shows that this isn't just about us but about Him as the ultimate authority. “…as he hath sworn unto thee…” This is a bit mysterious, but it means God has made a definite promise to you. “Hath sworn” is a fancy way of saying "God has promised." “if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God…” This is the key part! It's about following God’s rules – the laws and guidelines that He gave us. These are called commandments . Think of them as a set of instructions for how to live a righteous life. “and walk in his ways.” This means you need to live according to what God has shown you. It's about doing things that honor Him and reflect His character. It’s not just about following the rules, but acting in a way that shows respect and love for Him. In short: God wants us to be people who are dedicated to Him, live by His standards, and strive to be righteous. He promises to bless and help us if we do this. Think of it like this: It’s about being a loyal servant, following God’s path, and living a life that reflects His love and goodness. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: What the commandments are? Why it's important for us as individuals?