“And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers.”
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament and is part of the Torah, which contains the laws and teachings given by God to the Israelites through Moses. This verse is part of Moses’ address to the Israelites, reminding them of their responsibilities to follow God’s commandments.
Divine Guidance: In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to do what is right and good in His sight. This implies that God has set a standard of righteousness and goodness by which their actions should align. It shows the importance of seeking and following God’s guidance in all aspects of life.
Pleasing God: By doing what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, the Israelites would please God. The emphasis is on their obedience and their desire to honor and worship Him. Pleasing God should be the primary motivation for our actions as well, as believers in God today.
Blessings and Well-being: God promises that if the Israelites obey Him and do what is right and good, it will be well with them. This verse suggests that following God’s ways leads to blessings and well-being. While the specific promise is directed to the Israelites and the possession of the Promised Land, we can understand that obedience to God’s commands brings about His blessings in our lives as well.
Inheritance of the Promises: The verse mentions that by doing what is right and good, the Israelites would be able to go in and possess the good land which God had promised to their fathers. This refers to the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, where He promised them a land flowing with milk and honey. Similarly, our obedience to God’s commands can lead to the fulfillment of His promises in our lives.
Application for Today: While this verse was originally spoken to the Israelites, it carries timeless principles. As believers, we are called to do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord. We should strive to live according to God’s commandments, seeking His guidance and desiring to please Him. By doing so, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and inherit the spiritual promises He has for us.
In summary, Deuteronomy 6:18 encourages the Israelites (and us) to do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord. It emphasizes seeking God’s guidance, pleasing Him through our actions, and highlights the blessings and fulfillment of promises that come as a result of obedience. As believers, we can apply these principles in our lives to honor God and experience His goodness.
