“Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.”
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament, and it contains the farewell speeches of Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. The verse you mentioned is part of Moses’ exhortation to the people, emphasizing their relationship with God and their commitment to Him.
Fear the LORD thy God: “Fear” in this context refers to reverential awe, deep respect, and honor for God. It signifies recognizing God’s sovereignty, majesty, and holiness. The fear of the Lord is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God’s authority and living in obedience to Him.
Serve Him: Serving God implies acknowledging His lordship and willingly submitting to His commands. The Israelites were called to serve God wholeheartedly, to worship Him alone, and to obey His instructions. This service involves dedicating their lives, time, talents, and resources to fulfilling God’s purposes.
Cleave to Him: To “cleave” means to hold fast, adhere, or be united with someone or something. Here, it signifies maintaining a close and intimate relationship with God. It involves loyalty, trust, and dependence on Him. Cleaving to God implies seeking His presence, abiding in His Word, and relying on Him in all circumstances.
Swear by His name: Swearing by God’s name refers to making solemn oaths or vows in God’s presence. It implies recognizing the sacredness and authority of His name and making commitments with integrity. By swearing by God’s name, the Israelites were acknowledging their allegiance to Him and affirming their dedication to keeping their promises.
Application: Deuteronomy 10:20 serves as a reminder to all believers, even today, of our relationship with God. It calls us to:
- Cultivate a reverential fear and awe of God, acknowledging His authority and holiness.
- Serve God wholeheartedly, offering our lives as living sacrifices and following His commandments.
- Cling to God, seeking a close and intimate relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and studying His Word.
- Make our commitments and promises in God’s presence with integrity, recognizing the sacredness of His name.
Overall, Deuteronomy 10:20 encourages us to live a life of devotion, obedience, and loyalty to God, recognizing His supremacy in our lives and honoring Him in all that we do.
Note: It’s important to study the Bible in its entirety and consult various translations, commentaries, and trusted spiritual leaders for a comprehensive understanding of the text.
