Definition: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, [and] that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he [is] thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Deuteronomy 30:20. It’s a really important message about our relationship with God! Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, it’s saying: “Love God and listen to Him. Follow His rules and be dedicated to Him – that’s how you’ll live a long and fulfilling life and dwell in the land He promised to your ancestors.” Let's unpack it a little further: "That thou mayest love the LORD thy God..." - This means to have a deep, genuine affection for God. It goes beyond just saying “I like him” – it’s about recognizing His worthiness and goodness. "...and that thou mayest obey his voice..." - This is about following God's instructions and commands. It’s not just about doing what He says, but listening to Him and acting on what He tells us. "...and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he [is] thy life, and the length of thy days..." - This is a really powerful statement. "Cleave unto him" means to be firmly connected to God. It’s like being glued to Him – you won't want to stray away from Him. “He is thy life” means He is essential to your existence, and "the length of thy days" signifies that your life will be blessed and long because of Him. "...that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them." - This is where it gets really significant. The Lord promised to bless Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the founders of the Jewish nation). He swore that these descendants would live in a blessed land – a place of peace and prosperity. It's saying that by loving God and following His laws, you will inherit this land and enjoy a good life. In short: This verse is a promise of blessing and a call to obedience. It’s about establishing a lifelong relationship with God through love and faithfulness – a pathway to a long, blessed life. Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail or perhaps delve into the context of the verse within the larger story of the Old Testament?