Meaning of Deuteronomy 6:18

Deuteronomy 6:18 commands the Israelites to actively pursue righteousness and goodness as defined by the Lord, emphasizing that such obedience is not merely a religious obligation but a pathway to experiencing the promised blessings, specifically the inheritance of the land. This directive is situated within Moses' final exhortations to the people before they cross the Jordan River, serving as a crucial reminder of the covenantal responsibilities that underpin their future prosperity and security in the Promised Land. The verse links obedience to divine will with tangible, positive outcomes, reinforcing the principle that a life lived in accordance with God's standards is inherently beneficial and aligned with His purposes for them.

Context and Background

This verse is part of the Shema, a pivotal declaration of faith in Judaism found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, which begins with "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." Following this foundational affirmation of God's singularity and the command to love Him with all one's being, Moses provides practical instructions for living out this devotion. Deuteronomy 6:18, therefore, serves as a concrete application of the preceding commandment to love God. The Israelites are on the cusp of entering Canaan, a land promised to their ancestors (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) by God. This promise was conditional, however, on their faithfulness and obedience to the covenant established at Sinai. Moses is essentially reiterating the terms of this covenant, reminding them that the inheritance of the land is contingent upon their conduct.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Mandate for Action: The verse is not passive; it calls for doing ("Do what is right and good"). This highlights that faith is expressed through obedient actions.
• Alignment with God's Will: "Right and good in the Lord's sight" signifies adherence to God's moral and ethical standards, His divine character, and His revealed will.
• Covenantal Blessing: The promise of "it may go well with you" and the ability to "take over the good land" are direct consequences of covenant faithfulness. This is a recurring theme in Deuteronomy, where obedience leads to blessing and disobedience to curses.
• Inheritance and Fulfillment: The "good land" represents God's provision and the fulfillment of His ancient promises to the patriarchs. Taking possession of it is a tangible manifestation of God's faithfulness.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, Deuteronomy 6:18 calls believers today to a life of active obedience rooted in love for God. It underscores that our actions have spiritual consequences, influencing our experience of God's presence and His blessings in our lives. This verse encourages a discerning approach to life, constantly asking, "Is this action pleasing to the Lord?" It teaches that true well-being and spiritual flourishing are found in aligning our lives with God's purposes, not in pursuing fleeting worldly desires. The "good land" can be understood metaphorically as the spiritual inheritance and abundance God offers through Christ, which is accessed through faith and obedience.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a cornerstone of the Deuteronomic theology, which emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship between obedience and blessing within the Mosaic covenant. It foreshadows the concept of redemption and a renewed covenant found in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ fulfills the law and enables believers to live righteously through the power of the Holy Spirit. The promise of land is a type of the ultimate inheritance believers receive in God's eternal kingdom.

Analogies

• A Well-Tended Garden: Just as a gardener who consistently weeds, waters, and fertilizes their garden reaps a bountiful harvest, so too does a person who diligently cultivates righteousness in their life experience the fruits of God's favor.
• Following a Map: If a traveler wishes to reach a specific destination, they must follow the directions on the map. Similarly, to "take over the good land" of God's promises, one must follow His "map" of right and good actions.
• Building on a Solid Foundation: Building a house on a strong foundation ensures its stability. Obedience to God's commands provides a stable and prosperous life, both spiritually and, in the context of the Old Testament, materially.

Relation to Other Verses

• Deuteronomy 11:26-28: This passage directly follows the Shema and reinforces the choice presented: "See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse— the blessing if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the LORD your God..." This highlights the conditional nature of the covenant blessings.
• Joshua 1:8: After Moses' death, Joshua is commanded, "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." This echoes the theme of obedience leading to success in the Promised Land.
• Matthew 7:24-27: Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders illustrates the importance of hearing His words and putting them into practice, analogous to building one's life on the solid rock of obedience.
• 1 John 2:3-5: This New Testament passage connects knowing God with keeping His commands: "We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, 'I know him,' but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them."