Deuteronomy 5:31
“Ye shall observe to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.”
This verse is part of Moses’ address to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In this address, Moses reminded the Israelites of the importance of obeying God’s commandments and following His instructions. Let’s break down the verse and explore its meaning in more detail:
“Ye shall observe to do therefore”: This phrase emphasizes the need for active obedience. It implies that it is not enough to merely hear or know God’s commandments; they must be diligently followed and put into practice. Obedience requires conscious effort and a willingness to act in accordance with God’s instructions.
“As the Lord your God hath commanded you”: Here, Moses reminds the Israelites that the commandments they received were not arbitrary human rules, but rather, they were given directly by God. The commandments were a reflection of God’s character and His desire for His people to live in righteousness and holiness.
“Ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left”: This statement emphasizes the importance of staying on the path that God has set before them. The Israelites were warned against deviation from God’s commands, symbolized by turning to the right hand or to the left. It implies that they should not add or subtract from the commandments, nor should they be swayed by the influences and temptations of the world around them. They were to remain steadfast in their commitment to follow God’s instructions without compromise.
This verse serves as a reminder for believers today as well. We are called to obey God’s commandments, not selectively, but in their entirety. We should be careful not to deviate from the path of righteousness, either by adding our own preferences or by being swayed by the cultural values and practices that contradict God’s Word. Just as the Israelites were instructed to observe and do what the Lord commanded, we too are called to diligently follow and obey God’s instructions.
In summary, Deuteronomy 5:31 highlights the importance of active obedience, the divine origin of God’s commandments, and the need to remain steadfast in following God’s instructions without deviation.
